Families who loved The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan 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 powerlessness of a life transition, particularly if they are missing a loved one due to travel, separation, or immigration hurdles. It is a story about Sila, a young girl whose mother is stuck in Turkey due to visa issues, leaving Sila feeling isolated and angry. Her world changes when she meets a lottery-winning widower and assists in the rescue of Veda, a retired circus elephant. This gentle but deeply moving novel explores how caring for another living thing can help mend a broken heart. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12, offering a realistic look at social injustice while maintaining a hopeful, heartwarming tone through the bonds of friendship and animal companionship.