Books like Almost Starring Skinnybones by Barbara Park
A twelve-year-old boy, Alex, is convinced that he will be a star when, as the winner of a cat food essay contest, he is asked to make a commercial for national television. The contest's judges are impressed with his essay, and the school principal offers to pay him $20 to make a commercial for national television. Alex is thrilled with the chance, but he quickly realizes that making the commercial is more difficult than he thought it would be. Despite his desire to impress his classmates, Alex soon realizes that he has no talent for acting and finds the experience to be a humbling and disappointing one.
First publish date: 1988
Genre: Humorous Fiction/Comedy Fiction
Authors: Barbara Park
★
★
★
★
★
0.0 (0 community ratings)
How are these books recommended?
The books recommended for Almost Starring Skinnybones by Barbara Park are shaped by reader interaction. Votes on how closely books relate, user ratings, and community comments all help refine these recommendations and highlight books readers genuinely find similar in theme, ideas, and overall reading experience.
Have you read any of these books?
Your votes, ratings, and comments help improve recommendations and make it easier
for other readers to discover books they’ll enjoy.
Books similar to Almost Starring Skinnybones (23 similar books)
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 follows eighth‑grader Ramona as she navigates a new school, new friends, and the challenges of growing up, all while balancing family expectations and her mischievous sense of humor.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A humorous look at sibling life and family change as the youngest member of the Baum family, Fudge, navigates school, moving, and the ups and downs of growing up.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Junie B. Jones and her big fat mouth gets into trouble in a Spanish language story.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Junie B. Jones and a little monkey business
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
In a lively kindergarten field day, Junie B Jones becomes team captain as Room Eight keeps winning. Can her Room Nine crew rally to the top? A humorous, adventure‑filled tale of competition, teamwork, and classroom spirit.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A young girl is scared of monsters under her bed after hearing from a classmate at kindergarten.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A fourth‑grader discovers that his new exchange student, Stan, isn’t just a country bumpkin—he’s an extraterrestrial trying to blend into school life on Earth.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Lauretta finds a high‑speed wheelchair that saves her brother’s life during a hospital run.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Five unpopular elementary‑school misfits run a secret spy network, using clever gadgets to battle evil worldwide.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
At seven, Stink Moody learns that letter‑writing can win free candy, and he plans a surprise for his best friend’s birthday.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Junie B. Jones tries to work in a beauty parlor but ends up making a mess.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Fluffy is a guinea pig who faces a rough day at school on Valentine’s Day when a new classmate, Kiss, challenges his patience.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
On Future Job Day at her nursery school, four‑year‑old Sam dons a zookeeper’s hat and discovers the joys of animal care, teamwork, and the world of books—learning that reading can be an adventure.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A humorous adventure where a group of kids, led by Peter Thompson, encounters three aliens disguised as classmates while the extraterrestrials work on a crucial report that could shape Earth’s future.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Things to do, read, and see contributed by children to a children's television show.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Mrs. Cooney is a charismatic school nurse who may also be an international spy, and elementary student A.J. finds himself torn between his crush on her and his patriotism.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Junie B. Jones faces her first day of kindergarten and the choice to skip the school bus, revealing her humor and resilience.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
it realy fun to read and my me giggle this is my farvite book of all time.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
On the first day of school, a teacher asks her students what they wish for the coming year, sparking hopes for a perfect picture, top report cards, and more.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A zany elementary science teacher, Mr. Docker, stirs up the classroom with off‑beat experiments—including a potato‑powered car—creating hilarious chaos that challenges students and keeps the whole school laughing.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Bernie Bridges dreams of attending the exclusive Preppy Prep Prep (PPP) and sets out to win the National School Make‑a‑Great‑Invention Contest to earn a spot. Facing wealthy rivals, he must out‑invent the rich students.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When Katie Carew, bullied at school, wishes to be someone else, her wish comes true—and she starts turning into other students and staff. Chaos ensues when she even becomes the principal, forcing her to undo her rule‑breaking mishaps.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Some Other Similar Books
Nerdy Birdy and the Big Super Zero by Aaron ReynoldsThe All-Time Greatest Kids' Books by Sara VanDenBergh
Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey
Justin Case: School, Rock, and the Search for Mrs. O by Shelley Swanson Sateren
My Weird School D.azed by Dan Gutman
Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School by Beth Andrews
Have a similar book in mind? Let others know!
Please login to submit books!