Families who loved The Tides of Time by Liz Kessler 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 middle-grade reader is beginning to express anxiety about the future, climate change, or the weight of making the right choices. While it features the whimsical world of mermaids, this story serves as a gentle entry point into discussing how individual actions impact the environment and how communities must collaborate to solve systemic problems. Emily Windsnap navigates a time-traveling adventure where she sees the consequences of pollution and social division, ultimately learning that she cannot carry the world's problems alone. Parents will appreciate how the book balances high-stakes fantasy with relatable themes of friendship and responsibility. It provides a hopeful framework for children who feel overwhelmed by 'grown-up' problems like ocean health and social discord. The story models that while the future can be scary, it is not fixed, and through teamwork and empathy, it can be shaped for the better.