Books Like Josephine Against the Sea
Families who loved Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling to welcome a new romantic partner into the family or is still processing the protective grief of losing a mother. Josephine is a spirited eleven year old in Barbados who uses her wits and cricket skills to sabotage her father's dating life. When she accidentally summons a dangerous sea creature from Caribbean mythology who masquerades as her father's new girlfriend, the stakes become literal and magical. This story is a perfect bridge for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who enjoy high energy adventure but need a safe space to explore complex feelings like jealousy, territoriality, and the fear of being replaced. By externalizing the 'threat' of a new stepmother as a mythological monster, the book allows children to validate their defensive instincts while eventually learning that their father's heart has enough room for both new love and a daughter's devotion.
