Families who loved Ida Early Comes over the Mountain by Robert Burch 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 quiet, lingering sadness of a loss or the stress of financial changes at home. Set during the Great Depression in rural Georgia, the story follows the Sutton family, who are grieving their mother and struggling to make ends meet until a tall, eccentric woman named Ida Early appears. Ida brings laughter back into their home through her wild tall tales and unconventional spirit. While the backdrop is one of hardship, the heart of the book is about how creativity and humor can be powerful tools for healing. It is an excellent choice for children ages 8 to 12 because it acknowledges that life can be difficult while showing that joy can be found in the most unexpected people. This book provides a gentle way to discuss grief and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
