Books Like Celebrating the Hero
Families who loved Celebrating the Hero by Lyll Becerra de Jenkins often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Celebrating the Hero by Lyll Becerra de Jenkins 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 navigating the complex grief of losing a parent while simultaneously questioning their own heritage or family history. It is particularly resonant for those in multicultural households where secrets from the past may be coming to light. The story follows seventeen year old Camila as she travels to Colombia after her mother's death to honor her grandfather, only to realize the man celebrated as a hero may have had a much darker side. This novel deals with themes of honesty, the disillusionment of growing up, and the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths. While the tone is somber and reflective, it offers a path toward authentic self-identity. It is best suited for older middle schoolers and high school students who are ready to engage with the idea that our elders are flawed human beings and that history is often more complicated than the stories we are told.
