Act I, Act II, Act Normal

A parent might reach for this book when their middle schooler is juggling several difficult emotions at once, from social anxiety to the profound grief of losing a pet. The story follows eighth-grader Topher, who feels anything but normal when he's cast as the lead in a dorky school play, becomes the target of a bully, and faces the illness and death of his beloved cat. This book gently explores how to navigate sadness and bullying while managing everyday pressures. With a perfect balance of humor and heart, it's an excellent choice for 12 to 14-year-olds because it validates complex feelings and models resilience and empathy in a relatable way.