Families who loved Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 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 struggling with self-doubt or needs to see that even the quietest person can find their voice when it matters most. This spirited Western adventure follows Emily, a timid orphan who must travel across the frontier to reach her new home while staying one step ahead of a greedy uncle. Along the way, she forms an unlikely partnership with a boisterous boy named Jackson and learns that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to keep going. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced historical fiction with a heavy dose of humor. The story explores themes of resilience and chosen family in a way that feels empowering rather than heavy, making it an excellent bridge for children transitioning into more complex chapter books.