Families who loved Swimming with Spies by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger 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 grappling with world events that feel scary or when they are facing a bully who seems untouchable. Set against the real-life 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea, this story follows Sofiya as her world is upended by invading forces and the threat to her father's beloved dolphins. It beautifully balances the macro-tensions of war with the micro-tensions of middle school, exploring how communication and courage can bridge even the widest divides. It is an ideal choice for 8 to 12 year olds who are ready to discuss complex themes of loyalty, political conflict, and animal welfare through a lens of hope. Parents will appreciate how it models standing up for one's principles when the stakes are at their highest.