Families who loved Lenny's Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is processing the profound unfairness of a sibling's chronic illness or facing a significant bereavement. It is a deeply moving story about Lenny and her younger brother Davey, whose rare form of gigantism means he never stops growing. Set in the 1970s, the siblings find escape and connection through the arrival of monthly encyclopedia entries that promise a world of knowledge even as Davey's world becomes physically constrained. It explores themes of fierce sibling love, the burden of being the 'healthy' child, and the power of imagination in the face of loss. While the subject matter is heavy, the prose is luminous and provides a safe space for children ages 10 to 14 to navigate complex grief and find beauty in small, shared moments.