Families who loved The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley 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 teenager is navigating a major life transition, such as a cross-country move or the restructuring of their family through remarriage. It is particularly resonant for teens dealing with the sudden, sharp edges of grief and the feeling of being an outsider in a new culture. The story follows Maggie, a Chicago girl relocated to a quiet Irish town during the 1990s grunge era. As she grapples with the loss of a mentor-like uncle and the blossoming of a first love, the book explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the healing power of music. Due to mature themes and realistic portrayals of loss, this is best suited for high school readers who appreciate raw, honest storytelling about finding one's footing when the ground keeps shifting.