Book cover of Ellen Outside the Lines

Book description

Winner of a Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor!

Thirteen-year-old Ellen Katz feels most comfortable when her life is well planned out and people fit neatly into her predefined categories. She attends temple with Abba and Mom every Friday and Saturday. Ellen only gets crushes on girls, never boys, and she…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Ellen Outside the Lines as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ellen Outside the Lines is the book I wish I had when I was a young person. Ellen is autistic and A.J. Sass writes her experience with authenticity and compassion.

I was completely drawn into the ups and downs that Ellen faced during the school trip: from the change in routine to friendship drama and questions of identity. I didn’t want the book or the adventure to end! 

If you love Ellen Outside the Lines...

Book cover of Jane Addams: The Most Dangerous Woman in America

Jane Addams by Marlene Targ Brill,

This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…

Want books like Ellen Outside the Lines?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Ellen Outside the Lines.

Browse books like Ellen Outside the Lines

Book cover of Good Different
Book cover of A Day with No Words
Book cover of ThunderBoom

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Ellen Outside the Lines, you might also like...

Book cover of On the Horizon

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry,

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were…

Book cover of Mamiachi & Me: My Mami's Mariachi Band

Mamiachi & Me by Jolene Gutiérrez,

Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book about what it means to be a mariachi in an all‑female band.

Today, Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t…

5 book lists we think you will like!