Families who loved Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron by Kathleen Duey 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 struggling with a loss of agency or feels pressured by peers or authority figures to change who they are. This story provides a powerful emotional mirror for children who value their independence and are learning how to navigate a world that often demands conformity. It follows a wild mustang named Spirit who is captured by the cavalry, exploring his refusal to be broken and his eventual bond with a Lakota young man named Little Creek. While the setting is the American West during the 1800s, the heart of the narrative is about internal strength and the meaning of true freedom. The book explores themes of resilience, the ethics of captivity, and the difference between being controlled and being a partner. It is a sophisticated chapter book that is appropriate for middle grade readers who are ready for some intensity regarding animal treatment and historical conflict, but ultimately it offers an empowering message about staying true to one's spirit.
