Love Close to Famous? Readers share 100 books like Close to Famous...

By Joan Bauer,

Here are 100 books that Close to Famous fans have personally recommended if you like Close to Famous. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Bliss

Cori Cooper Author Of Bake Believe

From my list on baking magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a writer that absolutely loves baking! Thereā€™s just something about taking commonplace ingredients and creating something extraordinary.  Iā€™m amazed at the way food brings people together and lifts them up. Thatā€™s why I am so captivated by stories that include cooking or baking. All the better if thereā€™s a strong family theme and an element or two of magic. I included books on my list that do these things really well, and relate to my own Bake Believe trilogy. Try not to get too hungry while you read!

Cori's book list on baking magic

Cori Cooper Why did Cori love this book?

Bliss is a delightful story about a young girl named Rose, and her siblings, who are supposed to protect the bakery while their parents are away, especially the top secret family recipe book. ā€˜Supposed toā€™ are the important words here. But what happens isnā€™t really their fault. Who could resist the sweet-talking Aunt Lily who shows up out of nowhere on her fancy pants motorcycle? The Bliss kiddos are no match for Aunt Lilyā€™s fantastical baking skills.

Or are they? 

Rose is the perfect narrator to take you through this adorable tale of baking, magic, and family. 

By Kathryn Littlewood,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bliss as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

"It was the summer Rosemary Bliss turned ten that she saw her mother fold a lightning bolt into a bowl of batter and learned - beyond the shadow of a doubt - that her parents made magic in the Bliss Bakery." - A delicious new novel for girls, the first in a trilogy.

The Bliss family cook book is a closely guarded secret. Centuries old and filled with magical recipes, it has been used for years to keep things running smoothly in the town of Calamity Falls. But when eleven-year-old Rose Bliss and her three siblings are left in chargeā€¦


Book cover of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

Cori Cooper Author Of Bake Believe

From my list on baking magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a writer that absolutely loves baking! Thereā€™s just something about taking commonplace ingredients and creating something extraordinary.  Iā€™m amazed at the way food brings people together and lifts them up. Thatā€™s why I am so captivated by stories that include cooking or baking. All the better if thereā€™s a strong family theme and an element or two of magic. I included books on my list that do these things really well, and relate to my own Bake Believe trilogy. Try not to get too hungry while you read!

Cori's book list on baking magic

Cori Cooper Why did Cori love this book?

Aventurine is so tired of being cooped up in the cave all day. The rest of her family thinks sheā€™s too young to venture out, but sheā€™s convinced she can handle the world. When she sneaks away to prove it, sheā€™s tricked into drinking hot chocolate that turns her from a dragon into a human! She works her way to the village chocolate shop and earns an apprenticeship there, making lots of new friends, and some enemies, along the way. Aventurine discovers a deep love for chocolate, for how it can affect the way people feel, and realizes sheā€™s been wrong about a lot of things. This story was so unexpectedly wonderful, I couldnā€™t put it down. 

By Stephanie Burgis,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Aventurine is the fiercest, bravest kind of dragon, and she's ready to prove it to her family by leaving the safety of their mountain cave and capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human.

But when the human she captures tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, she finds herself transformed into a puny human girl with tiny blunt teeth, no fire, and not one single claw. She's still the fiercest creature in these mountains though - and now she's found her true passion: chocolate! All she has to do is walk on two feet to the human city,ā€¦


Book cover of Baker's Magic

Cori Cooper Author Of Bake Believe

From my list on baking magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a writer that absolutely loves baking! Thereā€™s just something about taking commonplace ingredients and creating something extraordinary.  Iā€™m amazed at the way food brings people together and lifts them up. Thatā€™s why I am so captivated by stories that include cooking or baking. All the better if thereā€™s a strong family theme and an element or two of magic. I included books on my list that do these things really well, and relate to my own Bake Believe trilogy. Try not to get too hungry while you read!

Cori's book list on baking magic

Cori Cooper Why did Cori love this book?

Bakerā€™s Magic is a lovely tale of adventure, magic, and baking. When orphan Bee tries to steal a bun from the village bakery, instead of harsh punishment, sheā€™s given a chance to work off her debt. Through the kindness of the baker, Master Bout, she discovers she is much more than she thought she was and can do much more than she ever dreamed. This realization leads her to rescue a princess, save the land, and discover the importance of family. I adored this story more than cinnamon rolls! 

By Diane Zahler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Baker's Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Bee is an orphan, alone in a poor, crumbling kingdom. In desperation, she steals a bun from a bakery. To Beeā€™s surprise, the baker offers her a place at his shop. As she learns to bake, Bee discovers that she has a magical power. When a new friend desperately needs her help against an evil mage, Bee wonders what a small orphan girl with only a small bit of magic can do. Beeā€™s journey to help her friend becomes a journey to save the kingdom, and a discovery of the meaning of family.


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Book cover of One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap by Ben Gartner,

Editor's Pick, BookLife by Publishers Weekly.

Gold Medal, 2023 Mom's Choice Awards.

Gold Medal, 2023 Readers' Favorite Awards.

First Place, 2023 Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Awards.

Iā€™m pretty sure Iā€™m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners ofā€¦

Book cover of The Power of Poppy Pendle

Cori Cooper Author Of Bake Believe

From my list on baking magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a writer that absolutely loves baking! Thereā€™s just something about taking commonplace ingredients and creating something extraordinary.  Iā€™m amazed at the way food brings people together and lifts them up. Thatā€™s why I am so captivated by stories that include cooking or baking. All the better if thereā€™s a strong family theme and an element or two of magic. I included books on my list that do these things really well, and relate to my own Bake Believe trilogy. Try not to get too hungry while you read!

Cori's book list on baking magic

Cori Cooper Why did Cori love this book?

Poppy Pendle is born into a magical family with high expectations. She shows her magical ability at a young age and everyone is thrilled, except Poppy. Magic is nice and all, but what she really wants is to bake. It might take some convincing for Poppy to show her family that baking can be valuable too, but she is not giving up for anything. Poppy was a darling heroine with admirable spunk. An all-around fantabulous story. 

By Natasha Lowe,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Power of Poppy Pendle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Ten-year-old Poppy, born to ordinary parents, has inherited coveted witch power. In Poppy's world, witches work for good and are much valued, but Poppy does not want to be a witch--she wants to be a baker, and she is extremely good at baking. Her parents insist Poppy follow in the footsteps of her great aunt, a famous witch, but Poppy has plans of her own.

Part magic, part adventure, and wholly delicious, this spirited story includes more than a dozen recipes you can try at home.

Book cover of All the Places to Love

PeggySue Wells Author Of The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make: A Biblical Guide for Navigating Family Life on Your Own

From my list on being a single mom and staying sane.

Why am I passionate about this?

ā€œEminently quotable, PeggySue Wells is a tonic ā€” warm like your favorite blanket, bracing like a stiff drink.ā€

History buff and tropical island votary, PeggySue parasails, skydives, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. The bestselling author of 30 books including the What To Do series, The Slave Across the Street, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, Chasing Sunrise, and The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make, PeggySueā€™s most challenging and rewarding adventure was solo parenting seven children. With one in four homes single mom-led, PeggySue teamed with Pam Farrel to offer practical help and tangible tips to moms navigating parenting solo.

PeggySue's book list on being a single mom and staying sane

PeggySue Wells Why did PeggySue love this book?

No matter how young or old, everyone needs a timeless picture book about the best of hearth and home. The illustrations by Mike Wimmer are breathtaking and inviting. Patricia MacLachlanā€™s carefully chosen words reflect the relationship glue that creates connecting and belonging within families. No matter how old you are, All the Places to Love is a touch point for the heart.

By Patricia MacLachlan, Michael Wimmer (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked All the Places to Love as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A young boy describes the favorite places that he shares with his family on his grandparents' farm and in the nearby countryside


Book cover of Save Me, Kurt Cobain

Don Aker Author Of The Space Between

From my list on grappling with loss.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having been a teacher for many years, I have had the great fortune to be surrounded by young people most of my adult life. As a result, Iā€™ve been witness to countless moments reflecting the struggles of teenagers facing various challenges in their lives. Without question, one of the most painful is having to grapple with loss, and regardless whether it involves a friend, a family member, a home, an opportunity, or any number of other misfortunes, the act of facing and rising above that loss is often character-defining. I will always be grateful to my many students whose candour and courage have both inspired me and informed my own writing.

Don's book list on grappling with loss

Don Aker Why did Don love this book?

Nicoā€™s mother vanished when she was four, and a chance discovery begins a search to uncover the truth of her disappearance. Reading it, I couldnā€™t believe this was the authorā€™s first novel. Nicoā€™s ā€œvoiceā€ is amazingly real, continually pulling me along to the bittersweet conclusion, where she discovers what really happened to her mother. There was never a misstep in this bookā€”everything worked perfectly, including the relationship between Nico and her dad, which was one of the most moving father-daughter relationships Iā€™ve ever encountered in a YA novel. Her interweaving of Kurt Cobainā€™s life and music into the story of a girl searching for her mother was brilliant, and the writing is sublime. I lost track of the times when I read an image and thought, ā€œYes, this is exactly what thatā€™s like!ā€, followed by ā€œI so wish Iā€™d written that.ā€ Save Me, Kurt Cobain is a must-read.

By Jenny Manzer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Save Me, Kurt Cobain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What if you discovered that Kurt Cobain was not only alive, but might be your real father? This nuanced and bittersweet YA debut will keep you guessing until the end.

ā€œUtterly gorgeous. Mesmerizing. Hypnotic. I love this book.ā€ ā€”Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places  
  
Nico Cavan has been adrift since her mother vanished when she was fourā€”maternal abandonment isnā€™t exactly something you can just get over. Staying invisible at school is how she copesā€”that and listening to alt music and summoning spirits on the Ouija board with her best friend and coconspirator in sarcasm,ā€¦


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Book cover of One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap by Ben Gartner,

Iā€™m pretty sure Iā€™m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners of the StellarKid Project on a trip to the International Space Station and then to the Gateway outpost orbiting the Moon! Itā€™s a dream come true untilā€¦

Book cover of Drew Leclair Gets a Clue

Shawn Peters Author Of The Unforgettable Logan Foster

From my list on smart kids who save the day in unexpected ways.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a smart kid myself ā€“ I even have the report cards to prove itā€”and I always loved reading about other smart kids. As I got older, I realized that good grades and study habits are only part of the picture, because itā€™s emotional intelligence that helps us navigate the complicated parts of growing up. Thatā€™s why I wrote a book about a brilliant kid who learns to be part of a super-family, and thatā€™s also why I love middle grade novels about clever kids who have to grow something other than their ā€œbook smartsā€ to figure out what they need to thrive. The books Iā€™m recommending all get an A+ in that category.

Shawn's book list on smart kids who save the day in unexpected ways

Shawn Peters Why did Shawn love this book?

Who doesnā€™t love a good pre-teen mystery, and this one is different because the ā€œcrimeā€ is totally current. Drew Leclair is a clever girl who adores true crime content with her dad, especially after her mother runs off with Drewā€™s school guidance counselor. Ouch! But when the schoolā€™s anonymous cyber-bully starts targeting her and other kids at school with cruel posts revealing their secrets, Drew leans on her deductive reasoning to expose the perpetrator. Along the way, sheā€™s dealing with friend drama and eventually comes to see that sometimes, her brainy ways are really just a way of avoiding some tough emotions. Does Drew catch the bully? Does she make new friends, or lose the only friend she has? You gotta read to find out. 

By Katryn Bury,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Drew Leclair Gets a Clue as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

In this modern take on Harriet the Spy, twelve-year-old Drew uses her true crime expertise to catch the cyberbully in her schoolā€”only to discover that family, friendship, and identity are the hardest mysteries to solve.

Drew Leclair knows what it takes to be a great detective. Sheā€™s pored over the cases solved by her hero, criminal profiler Lita Miyamoto. She tracked down the graffiti artist at school, and even solved the mystery of her neighborā€™s missing rabbit. But when her mother runs off to Hawaii with the school guidance counselor, Drew is shocked. How did she miss all of theā€¦


Book cover of The Family Book

Thomas Tracy Author Of Scoochie & Skiddles: Scoochie's Adoption Story

From my list on about LGBTQ+ families.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a gay father of two transracially adopted daughters, I am constantly searching for books that feature families like mine. It is important for children to see families that look like theirs represented in their storybooks. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of childrenā€™s books spotlighting adoption and even less featuring LGBTQ+ families. I am happy to share this list of some of my favorites that represent diverse/LGBTQ+ families.   

Thomas' book list on about LGBTQ+ families

Thomas Tracy Why did Thomas love this book?

I love all of Todd Parrā€™s work, as he takes hard topics and makes them easy. The Family Book is no different. This book celebrates families of all types, regardless of composition. Parr normalizes difference by beautifully illustrating that no one family is the same and all families are special. You canā€™t help but feel like youā€™ve been wrapped in a warm blanket when you read Parrā€™s books.  

By Todd Parr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Family Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Some families have two moms or two dads. Some families have one parent instead of two.
Some families live in a house by themselves. Some families share a house with other families.
All families can help each other be strong!

The Family Book celebrates families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether they're big or small, look alike or different, have a single parent or two, Todd Parr assures readers that every family is special in its own unique way.


Book cover of The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Taylor Tyng Author Of Clara Poole and the Long Way Round

From my list on middle grade series to laugh out-loud.

Why am I passionate about this?

While one-off stories are fantastic, I love that children's series lets readers return to trusted characters. Series allow children to see a wider arc of character development and decision-makingā€”often imperfect and in transitionā€”when they are trying to figure out how to identify and connect with the world themselves. That shared experience over time is why I only write series myselfā€”to let kids evolve alongside their favorite characters.

Taylor's book list on middle grade series to laugh out-loud

Taylor Tyng Why did Taylor love this book?

This is a series to grow with and a story about the powerful bond of sisters.

No matter your age, there is a sibling you can identify with, whether it be their personality, challenges, or growth stage. Add a lot of getting in each other's way and a ton of heart, and The Vanderbeekers is a must-read, especially for girls. Also, make a fantastic read-aloud!

By Jeanne Birdsall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Penderwicks as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The Penderwicks: four sisters, as different as chalk from cheese, yet as close as can be.

The eldest, Rosalind, is responsible and practical; Skye, stubborn and feisty; dreamy, artistic, budding novelist, Jane; and shy little Batty, who doesn't go anywhere without her butterfly wings. And not forgetting Hound, their large lumbering lovable dog.

The four girls and their absent-minded father head off for their summer holidays, but instead of the cosy tumbledown cottage they expect, they find themselves on a huge estate called Arundel, with magnificent gardens ripe for exploring. It isn't long before they become embroiled in all sortsā€¦


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Book cover of My Real Name Is Hanna

My Real Name Is Hanna by Tara Lynn Masih,

"This novel is a boundary-crosser. Although it is a work of fiction, it is well researched and could pass as a memoir or a work of Holocaust history." ā€”New York Jewish Week (JOFA Journal)

My multi-award-winning book is inspired by the Stermer family and other families who hid undergroundā€¦

Book cover of Lullabies for Little Criminals

Robin van Eck Author Of Rough

From my list on jaw-dropping books about family connections that will make you laugh, cry and scream.

Why am I passionate about this?

Someone once said I canā€™t believe you didnā€™t end up in a ditch with a needle in your arm. It sounds harsh, but they meant it with love. In spite of my broken home, familial dysfunction, trauma, and bad decisions, I found a way to be okay and share my life experiences through words and stories rather than a bottle. I am the Executive Director of a non-profit organization specializing in developing authors who want to publish and use writing for therapy and healing. I live in Calgary, AB, Canada, with my teenage daughter and act as the emotional support human for an anxious dog. 

Robin's book list on jaw-dropping books about family connections that will make you laugh, cry and scream

Robin van Eck Why did Robin love this book?

This is a haunting and sad book that gripped me right from the beginning.

The father-daughter relationship is frustrating, sympathetic, and heartwarming. This book made me feel so many things that are hard to put into words. There is a naivete in the pre-teen protagonist that is sweet yet so deeply broken by her circumstances, which was something I really related to, and the decisions that she makes are inevitable, real, and tragic. 

By Heather O'Neill,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Lullabies for Little Criminals as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Baby is twelve years old. Her mother died not long after she was born and she lives in a string of seedy flats in Montreal's red light district with her father Jules, who takes better care of his heroin addiction than he does of his daughter. Jules is an intermittent presence and a constant source of chaos in Baby's life - the turmoil he brings with him and the wreckage he leaves in his wake. Baby finds herself constantly re-adjusting to new situations, new foster homes, new places, new people, all the while longing for stability and a 'normal' life.ā€¦


Book cover of Bliss
Book cover of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart
Book cover of Baker's Magic

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