Families who loved Goodbye, Mr. Spalding by Jennifer Robin Barr 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 grappling with the realization that the world is not always fair, especially when powerful interests override the needs of a community. Set in 1935 Philadelphia, the story follows Jimmy and Lola, best friends who live in the shadow of Shibe Park. When the stadium owner decides to build a massive wall to block the view of fans who watch for free from their rooftops, the duo launches a series of clever, desperate schemes to stop it. This is a story about the intersection of hobby and livelihood, as the Great Depression looms in the background. It explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the complicated truth that even our best efforts cannot always stop change. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are beginning to navigate social justice and the importance of standing up for what they believe in, even when the odds are stacked against them.