Families who loved Granny the Pag by Nina Bawden 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 questioning what makes a family 'real' or is navigating a complicated relationship with parents who may be well-meaning but unreliable. Cat has lived with her eccentric, motorcycle-riding grandmother, the Pag, since she was small. When her glamorous actor parents suddenly decide they want her back, Cat must find the courage to speak up for the life she actually wants. It is a powerful story about agency, the bond between generations, and the realization that children have a right to be heard in decisions affecting their future. It is particularly suited for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12) who appreciate stories where the 'rules' of adulthood are challenged by sharp, observant young protagonists.