Families who loved Around the World by Matt Phelan 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 expresses a desire for independence or feels intimidated by a massive goal. It is an ideal pick for the middle-grade reader who loves history but finds dense textbooks uninspiring. Through the immersive and atmospheric format of a graphic novel, Matt Phelan brings to life three true stories of Victorian-era adventurers who set out to circle the globe. The book explores the internal grit required to face the unknown. From Thomas Stevens on his high-wheel bicycle to Nellie Bly's race against time and Joshua Slocum's solitary voyage, the stories highlight resilience and the quiet moments of doubt that accompany great courage. It is a sophisticated yet accessible work that encourages children to see the world as a place of endless possibility, while validating the loneliness and fear that often come with being a pioneer.