Families who loved Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith 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 teenager is grappling with the heavy burden of family expectations or the complex process of grieving a loss while trying to maintain their own integrity. It is an ideal choice for a young adult who feels they are constantly being defined by labels they did not choose. The story follows Quincie Morris, a girl juggling the management of her late parents restaurant with the terrifying reality of her new life as a vampire. While the setting is supernatural, the emotional core deals with the pressure to remain good when circumstances feel stacked against you. It is appropriate for mature teens due to themes of murder mysteries and romantic tension. Parents will appreciate how it explores the transition into adulthood as a series of moral choices rather than just a biological milestone.