Families who loved Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon by Sally M. Keehn 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 struggling with a strong-willed personality or a temper that often gets them into trouble. It is a perfect choice for the 'difficult' child who needs to see that their stubbornness, or 'cussedness,' can actually be a life-saving virtue when channeled toward helping others. Set in the Appalachian mountains in 1872, the story follows thirteen-year-old Magpie Gabbard as she navigates a world of family feuds and folkloric monsters. Magpie believes she is cursed by her family's violent legacy, but when goblins steal the moon and threaten her community, she must use her grit and defiance to fulfill a prophecy. This historical fantasy offers a rich, atmospheric adventure that validates a child's intense emotions while modeling how to transform impulsivity into bravery. It is an excellent bridge for 8 to 12-year-olds who enjoy tall tales, folklore, and stories about finding one's place in a complicated family.
