Families who loved A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when they have a child who finds more comfort in the stacks of a library than on a playground, or who feels like an outsider searching for their 'tribe.' It is a beautiful choice for the quiet, observant child who is beginning to notice that the places they love require protection and that their voice, however small, can be a force for change. Set in a whimsical version of New York City, the story follows Pearl, a socially awkward girl who discovers that her local library branch is at risk of closing. To save it, she must solve a mystery involving a stolen statue and team up with a quirky group of humans and a surprisingly literate pack of raccoons. The book explores themes of community, the power of literacy, and the courage it takes to step out of one's comfort zone. It is a warm-hearted, sophisticated middle grade read that validates the 'oddball' and celebrates the magic found in everyday places.
