Books Like Riding the Flume
Families who loved Riding the Flume by Patricia Curtis Pfitsch 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 Riding the Flume by Patricia Curtis Pfitsch 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 processing a past loss and needs to find a way to channel their lingering grief into positive action. It is particularly resonant for children who feel a deep connection to the environment or those who are starting to question the motives of authority figures in their community. The story follows fifteen-year-old Francie in 1894 as she risks her safety to protect a giant sequoia tree that symbolizes her late sister's memory. Set in the rugged forests of early California, the novel explores themes of environmental conservation, feminine strength in a male-dominated frontier, and the healing power of purpose. While the book touches on the sadness of a sibling's death, it is ultimately an empowering adventure that balances historical detail with high-stakes mystery. It is a perfect choice for middle-schoolers who are ready for more complex emotional narratives and ethical dilemmas regarding natural resources and personal legacy.
