Families who loved A Matter of Heart by Amy Fellner Dominy often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with a life-altering disappointment or a health diagnosis that forces them to redefine who they are. Abby is a powerhouse swimmer with Olympic dreams until a sudden heart diagnosis ends her career instantly. This story explores the intense grief of losing a passion and the dangerous temptation to ignore medical advice when your identity is at stake. It is a realistic, emotionally resonant choice for high schoolers navigating the difficult transition from who they were to who they might become, emphasizing that value exists beyond performance.