Families who loved Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson 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 facing a massive life transition, like moving to a new city or leaving a long-term school, and feels overwhelmed by the scale of the change. While set in the year 2213, this sci-fi epic focuses on Liam and Phoebe, the last two humans left on Mars as the sun begins to die. It beautifully mirrors the anxiety of saying goodbye to the only home you have ever known. Through their high-stakes race against time, the story explores how to find courage and hope when the world as you know it is literally ending. It is a thrilling, sophisticated read for ages 8 to 12 that balances cosmic wonder with the deeply personal experience of letting go.