Families who loved Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact by A.J. Hartley 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 feels like an outsider, perhaps due to a recent move, or when they are struggling to find a sense of belonging in a new environment. Darwen Arkwright is an eleven year old boy who has been uprooted from his small English town to the sprawling city of Atlanta, Georgia. Just as he is grappling with the loneliness of being the 'new kid' with a strange accent, he discovers a secret world called Silvertown accessible through his bedroom mirror. This discovery transforms his isolation into a grand adventure, where he must lean on new friends to protect both worlds from ancient threats. It is a classic portal fantasy that uses magic as a metaphor for the courage required to navigate real world changes. Parents will appreciate how the story validates the difficult emotions of relocation while encouraging bravery and curiosity. It is ideal for middle grade readers who enjoy high stakes action balanced with relatable themes of loyalty and school life.
