Families who loved One Thing for Sure by David Gifaldi often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when their child is struggling with the social fallout and deep-seated anger caused by a parent's legal mistakes or incarceration. Dylan, a twelve-year-old boy in Oregon, finds himself trapped between the memories of the father he loved and the reality of a father who is now in prison for illegal timber cutting. The story navigates the heavy burdens of public shame and the feeling of being judged for a crime he did not commit, while also exploring the difficult path toward personal forgiveness. It is a realistic, grounded choice for middle-schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who need to see their complicated feelings of betrayal and loyalty reflected in a story. Parents will find it a valuable tool for opening honest conversations about the fact that we can love someone while being profoundly disappointed by their choices.