Books like 'The Beautiful Something Else'
Readers who enjoyed The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy trans-mc lgbtq realistic children non-binary-mc friendship family coming-of-age
-
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
33 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship realistic action-adventure animals anthropomorphism -
Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
18 ratingsIn this lighthearted moral tale, an unlikely hero defeats a school bully and is finally celebrated by his classmates for his secret super power: his speech impediment. Poor Rodney Rat can't pronounce his R's and the other rodents tease him mercilessly... -
The Last Present by Wendy Mass
18 ratingsDon't miss the latest entry in the incredible Willow Falls series by Wendy Mass!Amanda and Leo have a history with birthdays. Now their friend's little sister, Grace, has fallen into a strange frozen state on her birthday, and Amanda and Leo must travel in time in order to fix whatever's wrong. As they journey back to each of Grace's birthdays, they start seeing all sorts of patterns . . -
Owen by Kevin Henkes
24 ratings“Fuzzy goes where I go.”Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then... -
-
Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, Tim Bowers
16 ratingsWith his bowl to himself, Goldfish loves his life...until one day... A personal account from a goldfish on life in his bowl as other intruders crowd him...Categorized as:
children family friendship animals anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Joffe Numeroff
26 ratings"If you give a pig a party, she's going to ask for some balloons..." If you give a pig a party, she's going to ask for some balloons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she'll put on her favorite dress. Then she'll call all her friends—Mouse, Moose, and more... -
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
18 ratingsCheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship.Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse -- small and gray and bright-eyed...Categorized as:
children family friendship animals anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
Just Me in the Tub by Gina Mayer, Mercer Mayer
24 ratingsTaking a bath is a big job. Mercer Mayer's famous Little Critter works hard to do it right in this funny picture book. Little Critter has a mountain of tub toys to remember, stuffed animals to line up so they can watch, bubble bath to pour, a floor to flood, and so much more. What will Little Critter find at the end of his huge effort? A dry and cozy finale... -
13 Gifts by Wendy Mass
24 ratingsWendy Mass turns to another magical birthday: 13!When Tara, a self-proclaimed shrinking violet, steals the school mascot, a goat, in order to make some friends with the popular crowd and gets caught, she gets herself in a heap of trouble... -
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
14 ratingsBeing a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anything?but suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphrey's world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball... -
Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
18 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic action-adventure animals anthropomorphism audiobook -
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
18 ratingsThe riotously funny Lilly, last seen in Chester's Way (Greenwillow), thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is disgusting -- if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world."Julius is the baby of the world," said his parents. But Lilly, his older sister, disagreed... -
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
-
Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
10 ratingsThis searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.I'm starting to realizethat a woman doesn't get that madso mad that her hair turns to snakesso mad that her rage turns blood to boulderall on her own...Categorized as:
lgbtq realistic coming-of-age friendship family young-adult contemporary mental-illness -
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
28 ratingsThe irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic action-adventure animals anthropomorphism audiobook -
Proud by Juno Dawson, Dean Atta
12 ratingsA stirring, bold and moving anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors and new talent, giving their unique responses to the broad theme of pride. Each story has an illustration by an artist identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Compiled by Juno Dawson, author of THIS BOOK IS GAY and CLEAN.A celebration of LGBTQ+ talent, PROUD is a thought-provoking, funny, emotional read...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship lgbtq non-binary-mc trans-mc anthologies bisexuality contemporary -
Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
14 ratingsAfter the holidays, Humphrey is shocked by a big surprise in Room 26-a new class pet! Humphrey tries to be welcoming, but Og the frog doesn't respond to any of his friendly squeaks or visits (remember, he has a lock-that-doesn't-lock). Plus, the students are so interested in Og, they almost stop paying attention to Humphrey altogether...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic animals anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
More Parts by Tedd Arnold
14 ratingsThrough zany, brightly colored illustrations and rhyming verse, Arnold explores common figures of speech that amaze and frighten a young boy. "I'll bet that broke your heart," "give him a hand," "Hold your tongue," and "jumps out of his skin" are only a few of the sayings that worry the protagonist... -
The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris
16 ratingsGrowing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. But she turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist—a valuable trait when belonging to a group of magical best friends. When a famous psychic comes to town, however, Leila and her pals won't be able to escape the big mystery heading their way... -
Princess in Practice by Connie Glynn
16 ratingsLottie and Ellie are back! Return to Rosewood Hall with your two favourite princesses in the sequel to Undercover Princess!----------As they return to Rosewood after the dramatic events of their first year, Lottie and Ellie are hoping for a peaceful term.But strange things are happening at Rosewood. Pupils are being poisoned...Categorized as:
children family friendship lgbtq realistic action-adventure audiobook boarding-school -
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner
16 ratingsCharlie feels like she's always coming in last. From her Mom's new job to her sister's life at college, everything seems more important than Charlie. Then one day while ice fishing, Charlie makes a discovery that will change everything . . . in the form of a floppy fish offering to grant a wish in exchange for freedom... -
Witch Baby by Francesca Lia Block
16 ratingsThe family that took her in called her Witch Baby and raised her as their own. But even though she tried to fit in, Witch Baby never felt as though she truly belonged. So one day she packed her bat-shaped backpack, put on her black cowboy-boot roller skates, and went out into the world to find out who she really was.. -
The Mysterious Benedict Society: Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums by Trenton Lee Stewart, Diana Sudyka
16 ratingsThis exclusive companion book to the bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series is a mind-bending collection that will put YOU to the test! With full-color artwork throughout, this companion features ingenious new puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers compiled by Mr. Benedict himself, with the help of Reynie, Kate, Sticky, Constance, and other Society associates...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary fiction -
-
Graceful by Wendy Mass
16 ratingsAngelina D'Angelo has left town to see the world. It's now Grace's turn to use her magic to protect the people of Willow Falls, and she is up to the challenge. This is her destiny, after all. But destiny is a funny thing—it doesn't always behave the way you'd expect it to... -
Wild Child by Lynn Plourde
6 ratings"Time for bed," Mother Earth said."Not for a while,"said her wild child."A song, first. to play in my headbefore going to bed."So Mother Earthgave her child a song...."But then this wild child wants a snack and PJs and a kiss....Lynn Plourde's text snaps and crackles like the leaves of fall as Mother Earth gently gets her daughter ready for bed... -
The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta
10 ratingsTeenage baker Syd sends ripples of heartbreak through Austin’s queer community when a batch of post-being-dumped brownies turns out to be magical—and makes everyone who eats them break up.“What’s done is done.”Unless, of course, it was done by my brownies. Then it’s getting undone.Syd (no pronouns, please) has always dealt with big, hard-to-talk-about things by baking... -
A Game of Fox & Squirrels by Jenn Reese
10 ratingsAfter an incident shatters their family, eleven-year old Samantha and her older sister Caitlin are sent to live in rural Oregon with an aunt they've never met. Sam wants nothing more than to go back to the way things were… before she spoke up about their father's anger... -
さみしかった本 by Kate Bernheimer, ケイト バーンハイマー
10 ratingsWhen a wonderful new book arrives at the library, at first it is loved by all, checked out constantly, and rarely spends a night on the library shelf. But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live... -
Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang, Charlene Chua
10 ratingsIn this sweet and brightly illustrated picture book, Amy Wu must craft a dragon unlike any other to share with her class at school in this unforgettable follow-up to Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao.Amy loves craft time at school. But when her teacher asks everyone to make their own dragon, Amy feels stuck... -
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
10 ratingsAn Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction Nominee“Look no further for your next favorite read, because The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester has it a gripping murder mystery that will keep you turning pages, ghosts, romance, and a treasure trove of queer characters with depth and heart. Here’s something rare—a suspenseful story that also feels like a hug... -
The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard
10 ratingsGriffin Silk is an uncommon sort of boy, from an uncommon sort of family. The warm, loving home he shares with his father, grandmother and five big sisters (The Rainbow Girls) is marked by the aching absence of his mother and baby sister. Where have they gone and will they be coming home again? When Griffin starts school and meets Princess Layla the answers to his questions gently start to unfold... -
The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson
12 ratingsA story of fear and hope, loneliness and friendship -- full of the heart, engaging characters, and propulsive, page-turning mystery that made The Goldfish Boy so beloved.Nate and his mother are running away. Fleeing from an emotionally abusive situation, they hide out in an abandoned cottage in the middle of a forest. Though it's old and run-down, at least it's a place of their own... -
New Beginnings by Victoria Schwab
14 ratingsMeet a guardian angel like no other, from a writer like no other. Bold rising star, Victoria Schwab, makes her whimsical, inspiring, and clever middle-grade debut.At a first glance, Aria seems like your average twelve-year-old girl. She has coppery hair, colored shoelaces, and a passion for cupcakes. But there's more to Aria than meets the eye... -
-
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
14 ratingsA haunting ghost story about navigating grief, growing up, and growing into a new gender identityIt's the summer before middle school and eleven-year-old Bug's best friend Moira has decided the two of them need to use the next few months to prepare... -
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
16 ratingsFroggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation... -
I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi
16 ratingsThere is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book from comedian Michael Ian Black.Just when a little girl thinks she couldn't possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring... -
de wereld volgens Bertje by Betty G. Birney
18 ratingsThe story of everyone's favorite classroom pet is now available in Spanish! You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That's what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to his classroom escapades, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic action-adventure animals anthropomorphism audiobook -
Julie and the Phantoms: Whatever Happens by Candace Buford
6 ratingsJulie and the Phantoms' adventures continue in this original novel based on the hit Netflix show from Descendants director Kenny Ortega!Julie Molina is about to make it big with her band, Julie and the Phantoms. There's only one catch: All her bandmates are ghosts... -
The Glitter Trap by Barbara Brauner, James Iver Mattson
6 ratingsMiddle school is far from a fairytale for adorkable misfit Lacey Unger-Ware. When Lacey ends up with popular girl Paige Harrington's smart-mouthed fairy godmother, Katarina, trapped in her hair, life gets more magical--just not in a 'prince charming' kind of way. Katarina's wings are too damaged to continue her fairy duties, and Lacey must take over as Paige's fairy godmother... -
Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
6 ratingsEver since the witch cursed Babs, she turns invisible sometimes. She has her mum and her dog, but teachers and classmates barely notice her. Then, one day, Iris can see her. And Iris likes what they see. Babs is made of fire.Iris grew from a seed in the ground. They have friends, but not human ones. Not until they meet Babs... -
Better You Than Me by Jessica Brody
6 ratingsIt's Freaky Friday meets Hannah Montana when two twelve-year-old girls--one a famous TV star, the other an obsessive fan--switch bodies with hilarious and disastrous results.Ruby Rivera is a twelve-year-old superstar with millions of followers. Skylar Welshman is a seventh grader who wants to be cool--and she's Ruby's biggest fan... -
The Infinity Year of Avalon James by Dana Middleton
6 ratingsAvalon James and Atticus Brightwell have a secret--one that they aren't allowed to discuss with anyone. This secret is shared between two best friends. When you and your best friend turn ten years old magical things are said to happen. You both will receive some kind of magical power. It can be a power you can call on time and time again. Or it can be a power that comes once when you need it most... -
Secret Billionaire Omega by Harper B. Cole
6 ratingsMarcus just wants someone who will love him for him. It's hard to find someone who doesn't have an angle. Having grown up as the son of wealth, it had been hard to find friends who didn't want to use him. He could only trust his brother. But ten years ago, Marcus realized he couldn't trust anyone when his parents tried to sell him off to the highest bidder, and his brother supported them... -
-
Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything by Justine Pucella Winans
6 ratingsMurder most fowl? In this sardonic and campy YA thriller, an anxious, introverted nonbinary teen birder somehow finds themself solving a murder mystery with their neighbor/fellow anime lover, all while falling for a cute girl from their birding group . . . and trying not to get murdered... -
The Lamb Who Came for Dinner by Steve Smallman
8 ratingsWolf is really hungry for his favorite meal--lamb stew! To his great luck, a cold, shivering lamb knocks on his door looking for shelter from the winter storm outside. So begins a funny tale of friendship with a wonderful twist at the end... -
Rain Forest Rose by Terri Farley
8 ratingsDarby wants to visit her great-grandmother, a mysterious healer who lives in the middle of the rain forest. But she's afraid of the dark woods until she sees a beautiful, elusive pink roan mustang roaming the forest.When Darby finally braves the forest and meets her new neighbors, she uncovers a secret tragedy one that led to a terrible fight between her two best friends... -
Four Clues for Rani by Catherine R. Daly
8 ratingsFor two weeks, Pixie Hollow has been in a terrible dry spell. Everyone is frazzled, especially Rani and the other water-talent fairies. When the dry spell finally ends, Queen Clarion decides it's time for a treat—a fairy treasure hunt! But on the day of the treasure hunt, Rani wakes up late. Her friends all have partners already, so Rani is stuck with the slowest-moving sparrow man around... -
Willa and the Whale by Chad Morris, Shelly and Brown
8 ratingsAfter losing her mom, Willa is grieving and having a hard time living with her dad and his new family on an island off the coast of Washington State. Her dad tries to cheer her up by taking her whale watching, something Willa's mom used to do.While all the passengers are on one side of the boat, Willa encounters a humpback whale on the opposite side...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship realistic animals anthropomorphism audiobook -
The Whites of Their Eyes by Andrew Clements
10 ratingsAndrew Clements delivers the latest in his adventure-filled school series. This could be the last great Memorial Day weekend on Barclay Bay, and Ben knows it. This time next year, he might not be able to stand in the yard of the Oakes School and watch the harbor shake off winter—boats buzzing just beyond the bulkhead and families spreading picnics in the fields...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.