Cover of Elanus by Ursula Poznanski

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Ursula Poznanski

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Similar in characterization + relationships

These books are ranked using the characterization + relationships labels extracted for Elanus. Books rank higher when they are close on every selected axis.

Characterization labels used: gifted teen, arrogant protagonist, unsympathetic lead, socially awkward, technically gifted, moral ambiguity, character development, outsider

Relationships labels used: friendship, gast family, student relations, crush, romantic pursuit, social rejection, trust

This does not mean the books share the same plot, setting, quality, or difficulty. It means their characterization + relationships embeddings are close.

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Cover of Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini

Be More Chill

Ned Vizzini · 2005

An awkward teen swallows a tiny supercomputer that promises coolness, popularity, and a shot at his crush.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: male teen protagonist · socially awkward protagonist · outcast protagonist · low self-esteem · crush-driven motivation · morally flawed characters · bully peers · one-dimensional female characters (claimed) · teen boy interiority · best friend

Relationships labels: crush · friendship strain · peer pressure · romantic pursuit · male friendship · social hierarchy · sexual double standards · objectification

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1357

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Cover of Stranger Things: Rebel Robin by A.R. Capetta

Stranger Things: Rebel Robin

A.R. Capetta · 2021 · Stranger Things

A queer 1980s teen tries to fit in, then realizes the only escape she needs is becoming herself.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: intelligent teen · sarcastic narrator · misfit · unpopular outsider · queer teen · overthinker · relatable protagonist · dorky charm · witty character · loner · self-questioning · bookish · music kid · nerdy · sensitive

Relationships labels: friend group · female crush · best friends · teacher mentor · peer tension · family support · future friendship · platonic bond · social exclusion · school rivalry · unrequited interest

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1444

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Cover of Morbid Curiosities by S. Hati

Morbid Curiosities

S. Hati · 2026

A scholarship teen at an elite science institute uncovers secret experiments, mutations, and a threat to her own mind.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: ambitious teen · overachiever · scholarship student · gifted student · isolated protagonist · untrusting · prickly protagonist · mysterious girl · cutthroat peers · rich students · scientist characters · complex characters

Relationships labels: rivals to lovers · academic rivalry · friendship trio · found family · class divide · peer sabotage · trust issues · mentor power imbalance · romantic subplot

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1494

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Cover of Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres and the Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky

Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres and the Methods of Rationality

Eliezer Yudkowsky · 2015 · Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality

An alternate-universe Harry Potter uses science and rationality to probe magic, challenge Hogwarts, and remake his fate.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: child prodigy · rationalist · smart protagonist · annoying genius · arrogant protagonist · self-centered protagonist · overly mature child · relatable flaws · dark lord aspiration · logical villain · over-the-top characterization · female characters weak

Relationships labels: friendship · unlikely friendship · mentor-student tension · rivalry · family change · adoptive family · found family · student-teacher conflict · power imbalance · uncertain friendship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1499

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Cover of Feed by M.T. Anderson

Feed

M.T. Anderson · 2004

A teen’s moon vacation turns into a close-up look at a brain-implanted media system, a collapsing world, and a fragile romance.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: immature teen · self-absorbed youth · alienated narrator · more aware girl · brainwashed peers · shallow characters · thoughtful outsider · unlikable protagonist · complicated characters · static character arc

Relationships labels: teen romance · star-crossed lovers · peer pressure · friend group · family strain · dependence · social conformity · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1500

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Cover of Lost and Found by Orson Scott Card

Lost and Found

Orson Scott Card · 2019 · Micropowers

A shunned teen with a tiny finding-lost-things power gets pulled into friendship and a dangerous missing-child case.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: misunderstood teen · gifted teen · brilliant teen · cynical teen · snarky teen · loner · outcast · social pariah · intelligent friend · supportive father · child detective helper · quirky secondary characters

Relationships labels: friendship · found family · father-son relationship · mentor-like detective relationship · peer support · outsider bond · protective friendship · authority mistrust · school bullying · mutual dependence

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1536

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Cover of Qualify by Vera Nazarian

Qualify

Vera Nazarian · 2014 · The Atlantis Grail

In 2047, a teen genius must survive brutal trials to win a seat on rescue ships before an asteroid ends Earth.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen heroine · nerdy heroine · clumsy protagonist · brilliant student · athletic underdog · strong female lead · sibling group · family-centered protagonist · bullied outsider · relatable heroine · self-sacrificing heroine · unlikable protagonist (mixed) · love interest triangle · crush-driven teen

Relationships labels: sibling bond · family loyalty · friendship · camaraderie · romantic triangle · crush · love interest · mentor-student · rivalry · bullying · team dynamics · supportive family

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1536

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Cover of Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

Code Orange

Caroline B. Cooney · 2005

A lazy New York teen researching smallpox for school thinks he may be infected and spirals into danger.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: slacker · reluctant student · lazy teen · procrastinator · bright student · carefree teen · motivated under pressure · resourceful teen · selfless protagonist · unlikable protagonist · charismatic protagonist · rich kid · prep-school student · brainy student · driven student · supporting characters

Relationships labels: crush · girlfriend · best friend · romance subplot · parent-child · friendship · peer support · family concern · romantic tension

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1553

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Cover of Redemption Prep by Samuel Miller

Redemption Prep

Samuel Miller · 2020

At an elite remote prep school, a missing girl sparks a web of secrets, suspects, and a mystery that turns strange.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: gifted students · prodigy students · high achievers · creepy stalker · obsessive boy · addicted boyfriend · genius best friend · science-minded student · popular girl · underdeveloped characters · unlikable characters · two-dimensional characters · flat characters · socially awkward character · analytical mind

Relationships labels: best friends · boyfriend-girlfriend · roommates · stalker-target · class alliances · peer suspicion · betrayal · codependency · friendship under pressure · teacher-student power · group partnership

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1560

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Cover of Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace

Firebreak

Nicole Kornher-Stace · 2021 · Firebreak

An aroace streamer in a corporate dystopia stumbles onto a deadly secret hidden inside a VR war game.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: orphan · streamer · gamer · introvert · antisocial · ethical · kind · reluctant leader · flawed protagonist · nonromantic · solitary

Relationships labels: friendship · best friends · platonic love · found family · loyalty · trust · no romance · friend crush · teammates · roommates

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1566

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Cover of Erebos by Ursula Poznanski

Erebos

Ursula Poznanski · 2010 · Erebos

A secretive game spreads through a school, pulling a teen into a world where virtual quests spill into real life.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · ordinary student · basketball player · popular kid · curious protagonist · addicted player · immature teens · game avatar · strong-willed girls

Relationships labels: friendship · best friends · school peers · crush · romance subplot · peer pressure · secretive group · parent-child distance · rivalry · manipulation

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1571

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Cover of Mother of Learning: ARC 1 by Domagoj Kurmaić

Mother of Learning: ARC 1

Domagoj Kurmaić · 2021 · Mother of Learning

A teen mage trapped in a repeating month uses every reset to master magic, solve a mystery, and survive an invasion.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teenage mage · driven protagonist · antisocial protagonist · unlikeable start · cautious planner · thoughtful strategist · power growth · cunning · self-improving hero · angsty teen

Relationships labels: family conflict · sibling relationship · mentor relationship · classmate dynamics · peer rivalry · teacher-student relationship · friendship growth · social isolation · complicated family · non-looping relationships

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1574

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Cover of InterWorld by Neil Gaiman

InterWorld

Neil Gaiman, Michael Reaves · 2007 · InterWorld

A directionless teen stumbles into a multiverse war and joins alternate versions of himself to defend reality.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: average teen · bland protagonist · underqualified hero · reluctant hero · outsider · geeky kid · misfit team · alternate selves · young protagonist · heroic potential · reaction-driven lead

Relationships labels: alternate selves · teamwork · friendship · mentor student · family · rival factions · good vs evil · found family · romantic crush · loyalty

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1576

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Cover of The Book of Koli by M.R. Carey

The Book of Koli

M.R. Carey · 2020 · Rampart Trilogy

A teenage outcast in a walled future village discovers secrets about old tech, power, and a deadly changed world.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · immature protagonist · self-aware narrator · thoughtful protagonist · naive protagonist · coming-of-age protagonist · outcast · young male lead · rampart elite · healer · artificial intelligence · woodsmith · authoritarian leaders · sympathetic protagonist

Relationships labels: best friends · crush · love triangle · family hierarchy · mentor relationship · power imbalance · community dependence · romantic frustration · friendship · fellowship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1578

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Cover of Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

Battle Royale

Koushun Takami · 2003

A class of junior high students is stranded on an island and forced into a state-run fight to the death.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen ensemble · classmates · adolescent psychology · morally grey · psychopath · survivalist · naive protagonist · strong side characters · backstory-rich

Relationships labels: friendship · crushes · romance · betrayal · classmate conflict · school ties · trust and distrust · rivalry · alliance · loyalty · teacher-student power

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1580

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Cover of The Girl and the Glim by India Swift

The Girl and the Glim

India Swift · 2017

A shy new kid at school discovers only she can see mysterious creatures tied to fear, friendship, and danger.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: awkward protagonist · anxious protagonist · shy protagonist · small-for-age protagonist · outcast · brave protagonist · spunky protagonist · relatable protagonist · bully target · well-meaning parents · distinct side characters

Relationships labels: friendship · new friendship · missing old friends · bullying · peer clique · parent-child · found companionship · protective ally · classmate tension

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1584

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Cover of Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements

Things Not Seen

Andrew Clements · 2004 · Things

A 15-year-old boy wakes up invisible and teams with a blind girl while his family races to explain and reverse it.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · relatable teen · sarcastic teen · angsty teen · physicist parent · blind girl · independent girl · supportive parents · smart parent · quick-thinking protagonist · emotionally controlled narrator · mature growth arc

Relationships labels: friendship · crush · romantic tension · parent-child · peer connection · interdependence · trust · family strain · allyship · caregiver concern

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1584

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Cover of The Tatami Galaxy by Tomihiko Morimi

The Tatami Galaxy

Tomihiko Morimi · 2022 · 四畳半シリーズ

An unnamed Kyoto college student relives four possible campus lives, chasing the one he thinks he missed.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: unnamed protagonist · disaffected student · antihero · unlikable protagonist · self-deprecating narrator · aimless young adult · socially awkward · mischievous friend · obnoxious friend · eccentric supporting cast · frenemy · mischief-maker · self-pitying · morally messy

Relationships labels: friendship · rivalry · frenemy relationship · crush · romantic tension · campus community · male friendship · mentor figure · student clubs · love-hate friendship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1586

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Cover of Bumi by Tere Liye

Bumi

Tere Liye · 2014 · Bumi

A 15-year-old girl who can disappear is pulled into a hidden world where her secret ties to larger clan conflicts.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · genius friend · supportive friend · comic relief · secretive heroine · impulsive heroine · overpowered characters · idealized teens

Relationships labels: friendship trio · best friends · classmates · family bond · parent-child relationship · mentor figure · rivalry

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1586

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Cover of SYLO by D.J. MacHale

SYLO

D.J. MacHale · 2013 · The SYLO Chronicles

A teen on a Maine island faces quarantine, military takeover, and a growing mystery tied to a strange drug and strange skies.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: average teen · reluctant hero · underdog · resourceful · determined · sympathetic protagonist · smart best friend · tough female lead · enigmatic love interest · untrustworthy adults · secretive parents · football player

Relationships labels: best friends · teen crush · romantic tension · parent-child tension · parental betrayal · peer rivalry · group teamwork · friendship under pressure · community distrust · authority conflict

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1595

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Cover of Limited Wish by Mark Lawrence

Limited Wish

Mark Lawrence · 2019 · Impossible Times

A teen math prodigy at Cambridge must untangle converging timelines before a paradox destroys his future.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: reluctant prodigy · teen genius · awkward hero · introverted protagonist · relatable protagonist · morally serious · smart characters · supportive friends · new characters · villains · bullies · mathematician · time traveler

Relationships labels: friend group · romantic triangle · love triangle · friendship · family support · crises of loyalty · ex-girlfriend · new boyfriend · mentor relationship · parent-child bond

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1595

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Cover of Sleepless by Lou Morgan

Sleepless

Lou Morgan · 2014 · Red Eye

Desperate exam-takers try a study drug, then sleep loss, hallucinations, and danger turn revision into survival.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: privileged teens · high-achieving students · wealthy students · desperate students · unlikeable characters · flat characters · underdeveloped characters · rivalrous friend group · queen bee · know-it-all · unreliable protagonist · control-freak character · unstable protagonist · moral consequence

Relationships labels: friend group · best friends · possible romance · toxic friendship · jealousy · group friction · betrayal · camaraderie · peer pressure · parental absence · authority avoidance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1597

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Cover of The White Mountains by John Christopher

The White Mountains

John Christopher · 2003 · The Tripods

A teen flees an alien regime that brainwashes adults with metal caps and heads for a rumored refuge in the mountains.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · flawed hero · curious outsider · rebellious youth · bullying cousin · mysterious mentor · knowledgeable companion · fallerible protagonist · boys' adventure

Relationships labels: cousins · friendship · male camaraderie · mentor relationship · parent child distance · peer rivalry · companionship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1599

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Cover of No Safety in Numbers by Dayna Lorentz

No Safety in Numbers

Dayna Lorentz · 2012 · No Safety in Numbers

Four teens are trapped in a suburban mall after a hidden biological threat triggers lockdown, panic, and survival choices.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen ensemble · stereotyped characters · cliqued characters · distinct voices · character development · flat characters · morally ambiguous · shy outsider · jock · nerd · rebel · loner · popular girl · bullies · authority figure

Relationships labels: love triangle · crushes · insta-love · friendship under pressure · family concern · sibling tension · romantic rivalry · peer conflict · community breakdown · power struggle

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1603

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