Books Like Matylda, Bright and Tender
Families who loved Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee 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 grappling with the sudden, confusing weight of grief or the guilt that often follows a loss. It is a vital resource for navigating the transition from shared joy to solitary mourning. The story follows Sussy, a young girl who must learn how to care for Matylda, the pet gecko she shared with her best friend Guy, after Guy is killed in a tragic accident. As Sussy navigates her profound sadness, she begins to act out in ways that reflect her internal turmoil, including stealing from a pet store to try and 'fix' things for her gecko. It is a deeply realistic look at how children process trauma through action and obsession. This chapter book is best suited for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are ready for a nuanced, secular, and ultimately hopeful exploration of how we carry the memory of those we love while learning to live again.
