Books like All's faire in middle school

A warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with All's faire in middle school.

quirky
warm
awkward
theatrical

01
Making friends
Kristen Gudsnuk
A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
Shares:
- quirky
- earnest
- humorous
- relatable
02
Friends with boys
Faith Erin Hicks
A tender, slightly spooky slice-of-life graphic novel about the terrifying leap from the safety of family into the chaotic world of high school.
Shares:
- earnest
03
Real Friends
Shannon Hale
A deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.
Shares:
- earnest
- relatable
04
Awkward
Svetlana Chmakova
A warm, deeply relatable dive into the chaotic, anxiety-inducing, and ultimately rewarding world of middle school friendships.
Shares:
- warm
- earnest
- humorous
- empathetic
05
When Stars Are Scattered
Victoria Jamieson
A tender, deeply humanizing graphic memoir about holding onto hope and each other when the world leaves you waiting.
Shares:
- earnest
- empathetic
06
Crush
Svetlana Chmakova
A sweet, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of the butterflies and blunders that come with a first middle-school crush.
Shares:
- warm
- awkward
- earnest
- humorous
07
Courage
Raina Telgemeier
A warm, deeply validating hug of a graphic memoir that makes the terrifying, isolating feelings of childhood anxiety feel manageable and shared.
Shares:
- warm
- earnest
- relatable
08
All summer long
Hope Larson
A sun-warmed, gentle graphic novel about navigating the quiet stretches of summer when your best friend is away.
Shares:
- earnest
- relatable
09
On a sunbeam
Tillie Walden
A breathtakingly gorgeous, slow-burn journey through space that feels like a warm hug from a found family.
Shares:
- earnest
10
The prince and the dressmaker
Jen Wang
A joyous, swoon-worthy fairy tale about the magic of finding the people who let you sparkle exactly as you are.
Shares:
- theatrical
- earnest
11
Fake blood
Whitney Gardner
A hilarious, big-hearted romp through the supernatural awkwardness of middle school crushes and trying way too hard to be cool.
Shares:
- awkward
- earnest
- humorous
12
SuperMutant Magic Academy
Jillian Tamaki
A deadpan, magical-realist snapshot of the agonizing, hilarious boredom of being a teenager.
Feels:
- angsty
- absurdist
- melancholic

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