Families who loved Hidden Roots by Joseph Bruchac 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 senses that there are unspoken parts of their family history. It is a vital resource for middle grade readers who are beginning to ask deep questions about their identity and where they come from, especially if they feel a disconnect between their home life and the world around them. The story follows eleven year old Sonny, who lives in a household defined by his father's sudden outbursts of anger and his mother's mysterious silences. As Sonny spends more time with his Uncle Louis, he begins to uncover his Abenaki heritage, a secret kept for generations due to fear of persecution. This book gently explores the weight of historical trauma and the healing power of cultural reclamation. It is best suited for children ages 10 to 14 who are ready for a realistic, slightly heavy, but ultimately empowering look at how knowing our past helps us build a stronger future.