Families who loved Contrary Imaginations by Larry Callen 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 'in-between' phase of grief, specifically when the adults around them seem too paralyzed by sadness to take action. This story follows three siblings who decide to finalize their father's memorial after their mother remains stuck in indecision regarding his ashes. It is a deeply empathetic look at how children often process loss through action and physical movement rather than just quiet reflection. While the subject matter is heavy, the tone is grounded and realistic for the middle-grade reader. It highlights the strength of sibling bonds and the importance of finding one's own way to say goodbye. Parents will find it a valuable tool for discussing how different family members grieve at different speeds and why it is okay for children to seek their own sense of closure when the grown-ups are struggling.