Books Like Julia and the Shark
Families who loved Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave 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 Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave 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 noticing a parent's emotional withdrawal or struggling to understand why someone they love 'isn't themselves.' This story provides a safe, metaphorical bridge to discuss the complexities of clinical depression and the heavy toll it takes on a family unit. Julia's summer on a remote island is defined by her mother's obsessive search for the elusive Greenland shark, a quest that mirrors her mother's internal descent into mental illness. The narrative is deeply compassionate, blending the wonder of marine biology with a raw, honest look at adult fragility through a ten-year-old's eyes. While it addresses serious themes, it is ultimately a story of resilience and the enduring light of family love. It is best suited for mature middle-grade readers who are ready for a nuanced, non-linear exploration of hope and healing.
