Families who loved Ruby, the Red-Hot Witch at Bloomingdale's by Marlene Fanta Shyer 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 harboring the secret hope that they can somehow fix your separation or divorce through sheer will or a touch of magic. It is a comforting and surprisingly humorous story for children ages 8 to 12 who feel caught between two households and are struggling to accept a new family reality. Through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Petra, the narrative explores the heavy desire for reconciliation while maintaining a whimsical tone. By introducing Ruby, a department store employee who might just be a real witch, the book validates a child's magical thinking while gently guiding them toward the realization that some things are beyond their control. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to normalize the grief of a breakup while providing a lighthearted, urban fantasy escape that emphasizes sibling bonds and the importance of moving forward.
