Books Like New Land
Families who loved New Land by Sarah Schmidt 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 New Land by Sarah Schmidt 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 feeling the weight of unfairness, whether they are struggling with a stroke of bad luck or feeling like an outsider at school. It is an ideal choice for the pre-teen who values justice and is beginning to question the complex social structures around them. The story follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a desert labor camp for a crime he did not commit, where he must dig holes to satisfy a mysterious Warden. While it addresses heavy themes like systemic injustice and historical racism, it does so through a masterful, puzzle-like plot that remains accessible and deeply engaging. This modern classic is perfect for ages 10 to 14, offering a hopeful look at how friendship and perseverance can break even the oldest cycles of misfortune. It validates a child's sense of 'it's not fair' while showing them the power of personal integrity.
