Families who loved Last Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameron 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 teenager feels like they do not fit in at school, is struggling with family expectations, or is retreating into digital or imaginary worlds to avoid real-life pain. This story follows Brody, a teen who feels overshadowed by his high-achieving siblings and isolated by bullies, until he finds a portal to Everland. Everland is a magical realm where he can finally be himself, but the story serves as a poignant exploration of the thin line between finding a safe community and using escapism to avoid necessary growth. It is a deeply empathetic choice for parents of teens navigating social anxiety or identity questions, offering a grounded look at why 'running away' is so tempting and how to eventually come home to oneself. The book is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its mature handling of grief, bullying, and emerging romance.