Books about social status

Nikki Maxwell is back in the thirteenth installment of the blockbuster Dork Diaries series, and this time, it is her birthday! Nikki and her best friends, Chloe and Zoey, have been dreaming of an epic celebration, but there is a major snag: her mom has put a strict limit on the budget. Just when Nikki is ready to give up on her birthday dreams, a series of unexpected twists and help from a surprising source turn everything around. This relatable and hilarious story captures the highs and lows of middle school life, making it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy diary-style narratives and humorous illustrations.

Ideal for children who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile, this book explores themes of friendship, family dynamics, and staying true to oneself even when things do not go as planned. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about perseverance and the importance of supportive friends. Whether your child is a long-time fan of Nikki Maxwell or new to the series, this birthday-themed adventure is a great choice for encouraging independent reading and a love for storytelling. The blend of text and art makes it particularly accessible for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

Highlights:

• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations throughout.
• Relatable middle school drama that resonates with young readers.
• Focuses on the value of friendship and creative problem-solving.
• Part of a bestselling series that keeps kids excited about reading.
• Perfect for fans of contemporary realistic fiction and humor.

Nikki Maxwell is back in the second installment of the Dork Diaries series, and this time she is facing a major social dilemma. Between navigating her new school and hanging out with her best friends Chloe and Zoey, Nikki’s life is finally looking up—especially since her crush, Brandon, asked her to be his lab partner! However, things take a cringeworthy turn when Nikki overhears the school’s mean girl, MacKenzie, bragging about going to the Halloween dance with Brandon. Heartbroken, Nikki agrees to spend the night at a children’s party with her little sister, only to realize later that MacKenzie might have been lying. Now, Nikki has to juggle two different events at once without getting caught!

This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but are looking for a relatable female perspective. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about navigating middle school drama, managing friendships, and dealing with first crushes. The diary-style format, filled with hilarious sketches and relatable "dork" moments, makes it a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling and fast-paced humor.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama involving friendships and "mean girls."
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Heartwarming family moments and a sweet, innocent first crush.
• Encourages self-acceptance and staying true to oneself despite social pressure.

Extras is the thrilling conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s groundbreaking Uglies series, set in a future where popularity is the ultimate currency. Years after the fall of the Specials regime, the world has entered a cultural renaissance where "face rank" determines your worth. Fifteen-year-old Aya Fuse is an "extra"—a nobody with a low rank—who is desperate to become a famous "kicker" by breaking a massive story. When she discovers a secret that threatens the stability of her high-tech world, she must decide if fame is worth the cost of global safety.

This fast-paced science fiction novel is perfect for children who love dystopian adventures and stories about the impact of social media and technology. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in exploring themes of identity, reputation, and the ethics of a surveillance-heavy society. Fans of the original trilogy will enjoy seeing how the world has evolved, while new readers will be captivated by the high-stakes drama and imaginative world-building.

Highlights:

• A fascinating exploration of fame, social media influence, and reputation-based society.
• High-tech gadgets and imaginative futuristic settings that will appeal to sci-fi fans.
• A strong female protagonist navigating the pressures of fitting in and standing out.
• A gripping plot filled with mystery, action, and ethical dilemmas.

In Hard Luck, the eighth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in a bit of a pickle. His long-time best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has officially ditched him for a girlfriend, leaving Greg to navigate the treacherous waters of middle school alone. Desperate to find a replacement, Greg attempts to train a new best friend, but soon realizes that finding a loyal companion is harder than it looks. To make matters worse, his eccentric extended family is moving in, adding even more chaos to his already complicated life.

This book is perfect for children who love relatable humor and stories about the ups and downs of school life. Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of witty text and hilarious illustrations makes this an ideal choice for reluctant readers and fans of graphic novels. Whether Greg is dealing with feral cousins or trying to change his luck with a Magic 8-Ball, readers will find themselves laughing out loud at his relatable misfortunes. It is a great choice for kids who enjoy seeing the awkward side of growing up handled with charm and comedy.

Highlights:

• Explores the changing dynamics of childhood friendships when romantic interests enter the picture.
• Features the iconic 50% words, 50% cartoons format that keeps readers engaged.
• Includes a hilarious subplot involving Greg's extended family and feral cousins.
• Perfect for fans of funny, realistic fiction and middle school survival stories.

The Thrashers is a gripping and atmospheric young adult thriller that explores the dark side of high school popularity and the weight of shared secrets. Jodi has always been an outsider on the inside, tied to the elite 'Thrashers' through her lifelong friendship with Zack. While she appreciates the protection the group provides from her difficult home life, everything shatters when Emily Mills, a girl desperate for their attention, takes her own life. When a diary surfaces accusing the group of relentless bullying, Jodi and her friends find their futures destroyed and their lives haunted by strange occurrences and near-fatal accidents.

This intense mystery is perfect for readers who enjoy high-stakes drama and psychological suspense. As Jodi realizes the incriminating diary is actually filled with her own stolen secrets, she must race to uncover the truth about Emily's death before the past consumes them all. It is an ideal choice for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Thirteen Reasons Why, offering a complex look at social dynamics, the impact of rumors, and the search for redemption in the face of tragedy.

Highlights:

• A suspenseful 'whodunit' mystery set within a high-stakes high school environment.
• Explores deep themes of social status, bullying, and the consequences of secrets.
• Perfect for older teens who enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural.
• Features a strong, complex female protagonist navigating a difficult home life and social exile.