Families who loved Billy Thunder and the Night Gate by Isobelle Carmody often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling with the emotional weight of a parent's long term illness, coma, or sudden absence. It provides a metaphorical space for a child to process the feeling that their world has turned upside down and that they must be the one to 'fix' things. The story follows Rage Winnoway, who enters a magical realm with her loyal dogs to find a cure for her mother's deep sleep after an accident. This high fantasy adventure explores themes of bravery, the burden of responsibility, and the power of devotion. While it contains some dark and surreal elements, it serves as a powerful tool for building resilience and agency in middle grade readers aged 10 to 14, showing them that even in the face of overwhelming fear, they have the strength to navigate strange and difficult territories.
