Families who loved Cast Two Shadows by Ann Rinaldi 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 starting to ask complex questions about the blurred lines of history, especially the intersection of the American Revolution and slavery. This story follows fourteen year old Caroline, who lives in a South Carolina home divided by the war: her father is a Patriot prisoner while her brother serves the British. It is a powerful exploration of loyalty, family secrets, and the brutal reality of war in the South. Parents might choose this book to help a mature middle schooler understand that history is rarely black and white, as Caroline navigates the dangers of the British occupation while grappling with her own identity and the realization that the people she loves are flawed. It is an excellent choice for developing empathy and critical thinking regarding social justice and historical nuance.