Books about popularity

Meet Babymouse, a spunky and imaginative mouse who is tired of her ordinary life and dreams of glamour, fame, and excitement. In Babymouse: Queen of the World, our pink-loving heroine is desperate for an invitation to Felicia Furrypaws's exclusive slumber party. However, as she chases social status, she risks neglecting her loyal best friend, Wilson, and their planned monster movie marathon. This groundbreaking graphic novel perfectly captures the relatable drama of elementary school social circles with humor and heart.

This book is perfect for children who love funny, fast-paced stories and is ideal for readers interested in transitioning from picture books to longer narratives. The expressive illustrations and witty dialogue make it a great choice for reluctant readers or fans of series like Dog Man or The Bad Guys. Parents will appreciate the subtle lessons about staying true to oneself and valuing real friendship over popularity.

Highlights:

• Relatable themes of school popularity and friendship loyalty.
• Engaging graphic novel format that builds reading confidence.
• A hilarious and sassy protagonist that kids will instantly adore.
• Includes a fun guide on how to draw the main character.

Best Friends by Shannon Hale is a poignant and relatable graphic memoir that perfectly captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with navigating sixth grade. Following the success of Real Friends, Shannon finds herself in the "Group," the most popular circle of friends in school. However, staying on top is harder than it looks. Shannon must navigate the unspoken rules of popularity, the pressure to be funny and cool, and the constant anxiety of wondering if she truly belongs. It is a must-read for children who love Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in realistic stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Shannon Hale’s honest portrayal of social anxiety and the quest for authentic connection makes this a great choice for parents looking to help their children understand complex social dynamics. The vibrant illustrations by LeUyen Pham bring Shannon’s internal world to life, making the story accessible and deeply engaging for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• Relatable exploration of middle school social hierarchies and popularity.
• Honest depiction of childhood anxiety and the pressure to fit in.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• A powerful lesson on finding true friends and being yourself.

Supergifted is the hilarious and heart-filled sequel to Gordon Korman's hit novel Ungifted. The story follows the unlikely duo of Donovan Curtis, a charming troublemaker, and his genius best friend Noah Youkilis. While Noah has a record-breaking IQ, all he really wants is the chance to be a normal kid and experience the freedom to fail. When he transfers to Donovan’s middle school, he quickly learns that fitting in is much harder than solving complex equations, especially when he ends up on the wrong side of the school's biggest jocks.

This book is perfect for children who love funny school stories and relatable characters who don't always fit the mold. When a freak accident leads to a case of mistaken identity, Noah suddenly finds himself transformed from a nerd into the school's "Superkid." As the fame goes to his head, Donovan must navigate a heated feud and protect his friend. Ideal for readers interested in stories about the true meaning of heroism and the complexities of middle school popularity, Korman delivers another fast-paced, multi-perspective adventure that keeps kids laughing and engaged.

Highlights:

• A laugh-out-loud exploration of what it really means to be "gifted."
• Relatable middle school dynamics involving friendship, bullying, and social status.
• Engaging multi-POV storytelling from a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
• A great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Restart.