Families who loved Jude Banks, Superhero by Ann Hood 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 processing a sudden, inexplicable loss and is struggling with the irrational but heavy burden of guilt. This story is specifically designed for the child who feels like they failed to protect someone they loved, or who is watching their family dynamic shift under the weight of shared grief. Twelve year old Jude Banks is reeling from the sudden death of his sister, Katie, and believes he is responsible for the tragedy. As his parents struggle with their own sorrow, Jude finds a lifeline in Clementine, a girl who understands the unique pain of losing a sibling. This is a secular, realistic, and deeply compassionate look at the messy process of healing. It is most appropriate for middle grade readers (ages 8-12) who are ready for a story that doesn't shy away from the 'unanswerable' questions of life and death, providing a roadmap for how a family can eventually find their way back to each other.