Families who loved Mr. Summerling's Secret Code by Dori Hillestad Butler 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 loss of an elderly neighbor or mentor and needs a constructive, gentle way to process that absence. It is also an excellent choice for kids who struggle with group projects or feel like they do not fit in with their peers because of their unique interests. The story follows Marly, who discovers her late neighbor left her a literal treasure hunt that requires her to team up with two classmates she barely knows. Through riddles and codes, the narrative explores how different personality types can complement each other to solve complex problems. It handles the theme of death with a secular, realistic touch, focusing more on the legacy and memories left behind rather than the heavy trauma of loss. Ideal for independent readers ages 8 to 11, it provides a perfect balance of intellectual stimulation and emotional growth.
