Books Like...

Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Zinny who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing by clearing a trail on her family's farm in Kentucky. The book delves into themes of grief, guilt, and growing up, as Zinny navigates her emotions and finds solace in nature. The writing style is described as comforting, nostalgic, and captivating, with a focus on inner dialogue and family dynamics that are relatable and authentic.

'Bloomability' by Sharon Creech follows the story of 13-year-old Domenica, known as Dinnie, who comes from a family constantly on the move. Set in a boarding school in Switzerland, the novel explores Dinnie's struggles with homesickness, independence, and adapting to a new life. The storyline delves into themes of family dynamics, acceptance, and diversity, showcasing the protagonist's journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of Alpine beauty and new opportunities. The writing style is described as beautifully worded, relatable for middle schoolers, and engaging for readers of all ages.

Dinnie's experiences at the boarding school, her relationships with her aunt and uncle, and the unique syllabus at the school that focuses on global awareness are highlighted through the eyes of readers. captures the essence of adventure, unpredictability, and the theme of acceptance, portraying a world where diverse cultures and viewpoints coexist harmoniously. The open ending of the book leaves readers pondering Dinnie's future choices between her old life in the USA and the newfound possibilities in Switzerland, adding depth to the narrative and inviting reflection on themes of belonging and change.

'Absolutely Normal Chaos' by Sharon Creech is a coming-of-age story told through the journal entries of 13-year-old Mary Lou Finney as she navigates love, loss, family, and friendship during a chaotic and eventful summer. The book follows Mary Lou as she embraces an English assignment to keep a journal over the summer, which leads to unexpected adventures and self-discovery. Through her journal, Mary Lou shares her experiences with her family, her first crush on Alex Cheevey, her boy-crazy best friend Beth Ann, and the mysterious arrival of her cousin Carl Ray, all while providing humorous commentary on life events and her summer reading of The Odyssey.

The story is narrated in a diary style, offering a glimpse into Mary Lou's world and her personal growth as she faces challenges, explores relationships, and discovers more about herself and those around her. The book captures the essence of teenage life with themes of empathy, family dynamics, first love, and the complexities of adolescence, providing a relatable and engaging read for young readers.

'The Wanderer' by Sharon Creech follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Sophie as she embarks on a transatlantic voyage with her three uncles, two cousins, and a sailboat named 'The Wanderer'. Through journal entries from Sophie and her cousin Cody, readers learn about the family dynamics, secrets, and challenges faced during the journey to visit their grandfather in England. The narrative style alternates between the two protagonists, providing insights into their thoughts, fears, and growth as they navigate the complexities of relationships and personal histories while sailing across the ocean.

Bridge to Terabithia is a heartwarming story about friendship and imagination, focusing on the bond between two young children, Jess and Leslie. The two friends create a magical kingdom in the woods, Terabithia, where they escape their reality and face challenges together. The book takes a turn when a tragic event occurs, forcing Jess to navigate through loss and find strength in the memories and teachings of Leslie. The writing style is engaging and emotionally impactful, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of Terabithia.

"Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of the author's grandmother, depicting the life of a young girl named Esperanza who goes from living a life of luxury in Mexico to facing the harsh realities of the Great Depression in California. After her father's tragic death, Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee to America and work as migrant farm workers, struggling to adapt to their new circumstances. The story follows Esperanza's journey of growth, resilience, and determination as she navigates through challenges, racism, and discrimination, ultimately learning the true value of family and perseverance.

Ruby Holler is a heartwarming tale about Dallas and Florida, two orphaned twins who have faced hardships in various foster homes. Their lives take a turn when they are taken in by the kind-hearted couple, Tiller and Sairy, who introduce them to a life of adventures and love in Ruby Holler. The story unfolds as the siblings learn to trust, love, and find a sense of family in a unique and magical setting.

The narrative of Ruby Holler is filled with themes of resilience, family, and perseverance. Through the characters of Dallas and Florida, readers experience the journey of finding love and acceptance after a life of struggles and disappointments. Sharon Creech's writing style captures the essence of hope, kindness, and the transformative power of relationships, making this novel a touching exploration of the human spirit.

Jeffrey Lionel Maniac Magee, known as Maniac, is a young boy who becomes an orphan after a tragic accident. He runs away from his unhappy home and arrives in a racially divided town where he starts living with different families, bridging the gap between the white and black neighborhoods. Maniac Magee's legendary feats and remarkable ability to bring people together make him a symbol of hope and change in the community, despite facing challenges of racism and homelessness.

The story of Maniac Magee is a heartwarming tale of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. Through Maniac's journey, readers witness the impact of his actions on the people around him, as he navigates through difficult situations and ultimately finds a sense of belonging and home with the Beales family. The book addresses themes of race, poverty, and identity, portraying Maniac as a symbol of unity and acceptance in a divided town.

Ella Enchanted is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, with a twist - Ella is cursed with the gift of obedience at birth by a fairy godmother. Despite this curse, Ella is a strong-willed and independent character who embarks on a journey to break the curse and find her own happiness. The book is filled with magical elements, fairy tale creatures, and a charming love story between Ella and the prince, set in a fantasy world full of ogres, elves, fairies, and giants.

When 16-year-old Kit Tyler leaves her tropical island home in Barbados to journey to her Aunt and Uncle's house in Connecticut, she faces daily internal conflict as she struggles to fit in with the harsh Puritan ways of the community. Befriending a kind, old woman branded as a witch, Kit puts her own reputation at risk and finds herself in the midst of the witch trials. The story provides a window into late seventeenth-century Connecticut society and culture, showcasing Kit's challenges in remaining true to herself in a buttoned-down environment.

The book "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" is a historical fiction tale set in 1687, following Kit Tyler's journey from Barbados to the Connecticut territory to live with her only remaining family. As Kit navigates the puritan lifestyle and faces accusations of witchcraft, the story delves into themes of individuality, acceptance, tolerance, and family dynamics against the backdrop of the Salem Witch Trials and the challenges of fitting into a new society.