Families who loved Exile by Kathryn Lasky 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 feels like an outsider or is struggling with the pain of being unfairly judged by a group they once trusted. It is a powerful story for children who have experienced social exclusion or the frustration of seeing a leader or friend being influenced by the wrong person. As the fourteenth installment in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, Exile follows a band of loyal friends who are forced into the wilderness after being falsely accused of treason. While the story is set in a high-fantasy world of owls, its emotional core is deeply human. It explores the heavy lifting of loyalty, the courage required to stand by the truth when it is unpopular, and the resilience needed to survive in isolation. Though there is some fantasy violence and intense atmospheric peril, it is a masterclass in how to maintain one's integrity during a crisis. It is ideal for middle grade readers who enjoy epic adventures and are starting to navigate more complex social dynamics and moral dilemmas.