Books Like Far from Xanadu
Families who loved Far from Xanadu by Julie Anne Peters often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Far from Xanadu by Julie Anne Peters often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is experiencing the heavy, confusing weight of a first crush that cannot be reciprocated. It is especially suited for a young person who feels like an outsider in their own community, whether due to their interests, gender expression, or sexual orientation. The story follows Mike, a butch teenager in a small Kansas town, who falls deeply for a new girl named Xanadu. While the romance is the catalyst, the book is truly about the painful but necessary process of self-discovery and the courage it takes to be oneself when the world feels very small. This is a poignant exploration of identity, longing, and the reality of unrequited love. It deals with mature themes including grief over a parent's suicide and the struggle of being LGBTQ+ in a conservative environment. Because of its raw emotional honesty and some mature references, it is most appropriate for high school students aged 14 and up. It offers a mirror for teens who feel 'different' and provides a roadmap for moving through heartache toward self-acceptance.
