Families who loved Close to the Wind: The Beaufort Scale by Peter Malone 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 curious about the hidden forces of nature or when they are feeling intimidated by a large, complex task. It is a masterful blend of science and historical fiction that uses the real 1810 Beaufort Scale to structure a young boy's journey at sea. As a twelve-year-old midshipman documents the transition from a calm breeze to a terrifying hurricane, children learn about the history of maritime exploration and the importance of observation. The book beautifully balances the wonder of the natural world with the quiet bravery required to face its power. It is ideal for elementary schoolers who enjoy technical details but still crave a human story to ground the facts.
