Families who loved Pavi Sharma's Guide to Going Home by Bridget Farr 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 expresses a deep sense of injustice about the world or when they are struggling to find where they belong within a non traditional family structure. It is an ideal choice for empathetic middle grade readers who are ready to explore complex social themes through the lens of a resilient and proactive protagonist. Pavi Sharma's story navigates the realities of the foster care system with a focus on agency and bravery rather than just victimhood. The book follows twelve year old Pavi as she balances her own search for a permanent home with a mission to protect a younger child from an abusive situation she once escaped. It touches on themes of systemic failure, the power of chosen family, and the moral complexity of breaking rules to do what is right. While it deals with heavy topics like neglect and emotional abuse, the narrative is ultimately empowering and focuses on the strength found in community and self advocacy. It is a sophisticated yet accessible read for ages 8 to 12.
