Books Like A Place at the Table
Families who loved A Place at the Table by Laura Shovan often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved A Place at the Table by Laura Shovan 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 child is navigating the social growing pains of middle school or feeling the pressure of being 'different' in a new environment. This dual-narrative story follows Sara, a Pakistani American girl, and Elizabeth, a white Jewish girl, as they bond over a South Asian cooking class. While they initially seem to have little in common, they find shared ground in their family struggles: Sara deals with her mother's citizenship test stress and a new school, while Elizabeth copes with her mother's clinical depression. Through the lens of food and friendship, the story explores heavy themes like xenophobia and mental illness with a gentle, realistic touch. It is a wonderful choice for parents who want to normalize conversations about mental health and cultural identity while celebrating the joy of cross-cultural connection. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, it models how to be a supportive friend and how to take pride in one's heritage.
