Books Like Room to Breathe
Families who loved Room to Breathe by JoAnn Bren Guernsey 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 Room to Breathe by JoAnn Bren Guernsey 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 they notice their teenager is beginning to chafe under protective boundaries or is struggling to voice their own opinions in relationships. It is a nuanced look at the transition from being a compliant child to a self-actualized young adult, specifically for teens who find it easier to play helpless than to stand their ground. Set in the early 1970s, the story follows seventeen-year-old Mandy as she navigates her father's overprotectiveness and her boyfriend's expectations during a time of massive social change. This historical context provides a safe distance for parents and teens to discuss modern parallels of independence, peer influence, and the importance of finding one's own breath. It is a realistic, thoughtful exploration of the courage required to grow up.
