Families who loved The Art of Flying by Judy Hoffman 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 a difficult moral dilemma or struggling with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to a friend. Eleven year old Fortuna Dalliance is a practical girl thrust into a magical mess when two eccentric sisters accidentally turn a bird into a boy named Martin. As Fortuna and Martin bond, she faces a heart-wrenching choice: follow the adults' instructions to return Martin to his natural form, or support her friend's desire to remain human. This enchanting middle grade novel explores the nuances of agency, the weight of responsibility, and the courage required to prioritize a friend's happiness over your own. It is a gentle but profound story about growing up and learning that love often means letting go. Perfect for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy magical realism rooted in deep emotional truths.