Recs if you like Inside Out & Back Again...

TCKs are those who were "raised in a different culture than their parents, for a large part or the entirety of their childhood and adolescence. They typically are exposed to a greater volume and variety of cultural influences than those who grow up in one particular cultural setting."

These books must delve into the themes and conflicts of being a TCK and not just have a TCK. (this is different from an immigrant story, it's the generation that follows)

Books and short stories commonly taught in US K-12 schools.

Complete as of August 2026.

Here are many beloved and distinguished children’s novels that have won the Newbery Gold award and the silver Newbury Honor award, which were first started over a century ago in 1922. There are many choices, old and new, that have cemented their place in children’s literature for any reader to explore.

Books that were nominated for the John Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to juvenile literature but did not win Currently lists nominees up to 2024

Verse Novels Everyone Should Read

Back to school books aimed at middle graders- gr 4-7 or 8-12yo. Mostly fiction, but a mix of nonfiction too.

Novel studies for 8th Grade