Families who loved Gilbert and Sullivan Set Me Free by Kathleen Karr 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 feeling misunderstood or trapped by their mistakes, or when they are struggling to find their voice within a rigid environment. Based on a true historical experiment in prison reform, the story follows Libby, a teenager serving time in a women's reformatory in 1914. While the setting is a prison, the heart of the story is about the transformative power of the arts and how a shared goal can turn strangers into a supportive community. Libby finds her dignity through music and the wit of Gilbert and Sullivan, proving that even in the darkest circumstances, one can find a sense of freedom. It is a sophisticated but accessible choice for middle schoolers that explores complex themes of redemption and social justice without being heavy-handed. It offers a unique window into a specific moment in history through a lens of hope and personal growth.
