Families who loved Meant to Be by Jo Knowles 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 if your child is a worrier who struggles with transitions, moving, or the fear of losing friendships. It is a gentle and deeply relatable story for children navigating housing instability or financial stress, but its heart lies in the universal experience of growing up and realizing that life cannot always be controlled. Ivy is a protagonist who loves baking and fixing things, providing a tangible way for kids to process the intangible 'breaks' in life. Through her journey, she learns to apologize for mistakes and find her place in a changing world. It is a compassionate choice for middle-grade readers ages 8 to 12 who need to see their own anxieties reflected and resolved with hope.