Families who loved Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale 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 starting to grapple with the difference between friendship and peer pressure, or when they are beginning to notice social inequities in the world. As Miri moves from her rural mountain home to the sophisticated capital city, she is caught between her loyalty to the future princess and her new friends who want to overthrow the monarchy. It is a nuanced exploration of how 'good' people can disagree on how to solve 'bad' problems. While it features a magical world and royal balls, the heart of the story is about the courage required to think for yourself. It is perfect for readers aged 8 to 13 who are ready for more complex themes of social justice and the weight of making difficult choices.