Families who loved My Own World by Mike Holmes 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 retreating into their own head to cope with family stress or social anxiety. It is the perfect choice for a child who feels overwhelmed by things they cannot control, such as a family medical crisis or schoolyard friction. The story follows nine-year-old Nathan, who discovers a magical lighthouse portal that leads to a vibrant world shaped by his own imagination. While this world offers a berry-colored sanctuary from his worries about his brother and neighborhood bullies, Nathan eventually learns that while daydreaming is a powerful tool for healing, he must eventually find the courage to reconnect with the real world. It is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant graphic novel for ages 8 to 12 that validates the need for safe mental spaces.