Families who loved River of Spirits by Shana Targosz 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 wrestling with feelings of being an outsider or is beginning to ask deep questions about their family history and ancestral roots. Senka, the ward of Charon, lives in the gray space between the living and the dead. Her journey downriver is not just a rescue mission, but a quest for self-discovery that explores the weight of secrets and the true meaning of home. It is a lyrical, atmospheric story that handles the concept of the afterlife with grace and imagination. While the setting involves spirits and the Underworld, the heart of the story is Senka's search for her own identity. It is perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy mythology and are ready for a story that combines high-stakes adventure with profound emotional growth.