Families who loved A Soul Full of Hope by Derek Landy 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 middle schooler is looking for a fast-paced escape that balances dark, supernatural stakes with clever, snarky humor. It is an ideal choice for readers who feel a bit like outsiders or are beginning to grapple with the weight of growing responsibilities and the complexity of choosing between what is easy and what is right. In this high-stakes adventure, the skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant and his partner Valkyrie Cain face a ticking clock to stop a magical catastrophe. While the plot is filled with monsters and magic, the heart of the story lies in the unwavering loyalty between the two leads and their commitment to accountability. Parents should note that while the tone is frequently funny, the book contains stylized fantasy violence and some darker themes suited for more mature pre-teens and young teenagers.