Books Like Once There Was
Families who loved Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef 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 Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is wrestling with a significant loss or struggling to bridge the gap between their cultural heritage and their modern identity. It is a deeply resonant choice for preteens and teens who feel like they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders following the death of a guardian. The story follows fifteen-year-old Marjan, who discovers her late father was a secret veterinarian to creatures from Iranian folklore, leading her into a hidden world of danger and wonder. While the book functions as a high-stakes urban fantasy, its heart lies in the exploration of grief and the burden of legacy. It is best suited for readers aged 11 and up due to its mature themes regarding murder, animal injury, and moral complexity. Parents will appreciate how the book utilizes Persian mythology not just as window dressing, but as a framework for Marjan to understand her father's secret life and her own inner resilience.
