Families who loved Take Me with You by Carolyn Marsden 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 facing a major transition that threatens to separate them from a best friend, or if they are beginning to ask complex questions about where they belong. Set in a post-World War II Italian orphanage, it follows Susanna, a biracial girl, and her best friend Pina as they navigate the hopeful yet terrifying possibility of adoption. While they desperately want families, they dread the thought of being torn apart. This gentle historical novel explores themes of loyalty, racial identity, and the meaning of home. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12, offering a sensitive look at how we carry our history with us even as we move toward a new future. Parents will find it a valuable tool for discussing the nuances of friendship and the reality that life changes can be both exciting and bittersweet.