Families who loved The Last by Katherine Applegate 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 feelings of isolation or is ready for a sophisticated fantasy that tackles the weight of being different. The story follows Byx, a dairne who fears she is the last of her kind after her pack is killed. While the premise deals with profound loss and the threat of extinction, it is ultimately a story about the family we choose. It is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy high stakes adventure but are also beginning to contemplate larger social themes like environmental conservation, prejudice, and the importance of truth. Katherine Applegate balances the heavy emotional reality of grief with the warmth of newfound friendships, making it a safe yet deeply moving entry point into epic fantasy.