Families who loved Come What May by Lauren Brooke 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 grappling with the complex emotions of an absent parent, specifically when one sibling is ready to forgive and the other remains guarded. It is an ideal choice for middle grade readers who find comfort in animal stories but are ready for more mature, nuanced explorations of family dynamics and emotional boundaries. The story follows Amy as she balances her resistance to reconnecting with her estranged father against her sister's desire for a relationship. Through the high stakes of a difficult horse birth, the narrative gently explores how healing isn't about forgetting the past, but finding the courage to move forward. It is a secular, grounded story that provides a safe space to discuss why family members often process grief and abandonment at different speeds. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's right to feel angry while offering a hopeful path toward peace.