Books Like Anna Was Here
Families who loved Anna Was Here by Jane Kurtz 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 Anna Was Here by Jane Kurtz 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 struggling to bridge the gap between where they came from and where they are now, especially after a significant move. It provides a gentle mirror for the child who feels like their inner world does not match their new surroundings, offering a path toward integrating two different identities. Anna was born and raised in Ethiopia as the daughter of missionaries, but she suddenly finds herself in the middle of Kansas. The story explores her deep sense of displacement and her struggle to reconcile her memories of a vibrant, familiar home with the flat, quiet, and often confusing reality of her new American life. It is an emotionally resonant choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are navigating major life transitions. Parents will appreciate how it validates the grief of losing a home while celebrating the slow, beautiful process of finding belonging in a new community.
