Families who loved Precious and the Boo Hag by Patricia C. McKissack 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 feeling vulnerable due to illness or needs a boost of confidence to handle being 'home alone' or independent for the first time. The story follows Precious, a young girl staying home with a stomachache while her family works in the fields. She must use her wit and her grandmother's wisdom to outsmart Pruella the Boo Hag, a tricky creature who can change shapes to try and get inside the house. Rooted in African American oral traditions, this story masterfully balances 'spooky' fun with a strong message about self-reliance and listening to one's intuition. It is a perfect choice for children ages 4 to 9 who are transitioning into 'big kid' responsibilities and need to see that even when they feel small or unwell, they have the inner strength to protect themselves and stand their ground.