Families who loved Lily Quench and the Treasure of Mote Ely by Natalie Jane Prior 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 beginning to navigate the complexities of social circles, especially when they are learning that people can be more than their outward appearances or reputations. Through Lily's journey into the past, children are invited to explore the nuances of loyalty, the burden of family legacy, and the courage required to trust others in uncertain circumstances. Lily is a brave protagonist who finds herself in a crumbling castle within a marsh, tasked with finding a hidden treasure and a way home. The story moves quickly through themes of resilience and discernment, making it an excellent choice for elementary readers who enjoy fantasy but are ready for deeper emotional questions. It provides a safe space to discuss how enemies can become allies and how true friendship is built on actions rather than expectations.
