Books like Puddin' by Julie Murphy

Ari, a fifteen‑year‑old Mexican‑American with a brother in prison, meets Dante and a friendship sparks that forces him to confront his identity, family, and sexuality.

When a copied email threatens to expose his hidden identity, sixteen‑year‑old Simon Spier must decide whether to protect his secret, save his friend, and risk a new, unexpected romance.

A transgender middle‑school girl navigates her identity and friendship when she strives to play Charlotte in her class theater production, with help from her best friend to reveal her true self.

In small‑town Texas, 16‑year‑old Willowdean battles stereotypes and her own self‑esteem while preparing for the community beauty pageant her mother organizes, all while navigating a budding crush on a co‑worker.

P.S. I Loathe You follows a group of teenage girls navigating friendships, crushes, and school cliques in a realistic high‑school setting.

Struggling to recover socially after a fashion faux pas and a disappointing outcome of the school pageant, Mandy is dismayed when a rival gains the attentions of the entire class, including Mandy's best friend, because of a broken wrist. "Eight-year-old Mandy Berr is spirited, sassy, and determined to shine--even if she's not the center of attention! After learning the hard way that polka dot underwear and white pants are not the best combination, Mandy Berr has gotten over that fashion faux pas, and has (almost) recoverd from not being named George Washington in the recent Presidential Pagent. But just when things seem like they might be back in her favor, her former nemesis, Natalie, manages to steal Mandy's spotlight--again. A broken wrist for Natalie means a cool cast and the attention of Mandy's classmates ... even from Anya, Mandy's BFF. Can Mandy figure out a way to get back into the center of attention, win back her best friend, and snag a pair or fancy-dancy periwinkle sunglasses?"--Publisher's website.

Twin sisters Mara and Owen face a devastating accusation when their friend Hannah claims Owen raped her, pulling Mara into a battle between family loyalty and justice amid tense relations with her ex‑girlfriend Charlie.

Teen Ramona Blue, a tall, blue‑haired lesbian living in Eulogy, Mississippi, balances family responsibilities, a turbulent past after Hurricane Katrina, and her growing desire for a life beyond her trailer hometown.

In the final chapter of the Jessica Darling series, a mid‑twenties Jessica returns to the airport for a Caribbean wedding and unexpectedly meets former boyfriend Marcus. Their reunion—viewed partly through Marcus’s eyes—thinks back on a rocky past and a possible future.

Jasmine of the palace explores her world when she meets Aladdin, who carries her on a magic carpet.

When 14‑year‑old Robin Murphy, the school’s self‑declared loser, starts dating popular Sophie, his reputation takes a hit—until he finds acceptance in an art class at Harvard High.

Twin sisters Jessica and Elizabeth delight in the circus that visits Sweet Valley, with Jessica dreaming of performing as a rider under the big top.

Lulu Saad, a lively Texas teen, tackles high school life with her three best friends, facing adventures, mishaps, and the challenges of teenage friendships and social customs.