The book 'Criss Cross' by Lynne Rae Perkins is a standalone novel, but it feels so rich and full of life that I totally understand why someone would hope for more! It won the Newbery Medal in 2006, and what I love about it is how it captures those tiny, everyday moments that somehow feel huge when you're growing up. The way it weaves together multiple characters' stories makes it feel bigger than just one book—like a slice of a whole universe. I sometimes wish Perkins would revisit those characters, maybe as adults looking back, but for now, it's perfect as a single, self-contained gem.
That said, if you're craving something similar, Perkins' other books like 'All Alone in the Universe' have a comparable vibe—quietly profound with a focus on adolescence. Or if you enjoy interconnected narratives, maybe try 'The View from Saturday' by E.L. Konigsburg. It’s funny how some stories leave you satiated yet still curious, like finishing a meal but wanting to linger at the table just a little longer.