Families who loved Julia Gillian and the Art of Knowing by Alison McGhee 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 a 'worrier' who tends to overthink the future or becomes paralyzed by the possibility of a sad outcome. It is a perfect fit for the sensitive child who might stop reading a story or avoid a new experience because they are afraid of how it might end. Julia Gillian is a nine-year-old girl who loves her routine and her oversized dog, Bigfoot. During a hot Minneapolis summer, she faces a specific, relatable crisis: the book she is reading seems to be heading toward a tragic conclusion, and she is terrified to finish it. Through this gentle, realistic narrative, the story explores the 'Art of Knowing' how to face fear and navigate the unknown. It is highly appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a mirror for children who feel things deeply and a toolkit for building emotional resilience in a low-stakes, comforting way.
