Families who loved Journey to the Heart of the Abyss by London Shah 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 teen feels disillusioned by the systems around them or is struggling to reconcile their personal identity with family expectations. This high stakes underwater odyssey follows Leyla, a British Muslim teen, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic world to find her loved one and uncover truths about a corrupt government. It is a powerful exploration of resilience, the weight of heritage, and the courage required to challenge a status quo that demands silence. While the setting is a thrilling science fiction landscape, the emotional core focuses on finding one's voice when the world feels submerged in lies. Parents will appreciate the strong moral compass of the protagonist and the nuanced representation of a Muslim girl in a leadership role. It is ideal for ages 12 and up, offering a sophisticated look at how hope can be a form of rebellion in a broken world.
