Families who loved Return to the Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz 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 struggling with the pressure of expectations or feeling like they have to act a certain way to fit in. While set in a fantastical world of Disney villains and heroes, the heart of the story is about the tension between our past and our future. Mal and her friends must return to their old home, the Isle of the Lost, where they face the temptation to slip back into 'wicked' habits. It is a powerful exploration of identity, showing kids that their choices, not their origins, define who they are. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, this story provides a safe space to discuss peer pressure and the courage it takes to be a good person when it is easier to be bad. Parents will appreciate how it models the importance of supportive friendships during times of personal change.
