Families who loved Dust & Grim by Chuck Wendig 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 navigating a difficult relationship with a sibling or feeling like the 'outsider' in their own family. It is especially resonant for children who have experienced parental neglect or the loss of a parent and need a safe, fantastical space to process those heavy emotions. While the setting is a spooky mortuary for monsters, the heart of the story is about two estranged siblings learning to trust one another after being raised in very different circumstances. The story follows thirteen-year-old Molly and her brother Dustin as they inherit a supernatural family business. Through ghost-filled adventures and humor, the book explores themes of belonging, forgiveness, and finding common ground despite deep-seated resentment. It is a secular, fast-paced read that balances its darker elements with wit and heart, making it an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy a 'spooky but safe' aesthetic while dealing with real-world family complexities.