Families who loved The Bell, the Book, and the Spellbinder by Brad Strickland 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 starting to navigate the complex social dynamics of middle school, particularly when they are worried about a friend following a bad influence or changing in ways they do not understand. Set in a nostalgic 1950s atmosphere, it explores the deep-seated fear of losing a companion to a force or crowd that feels unreachable. The story follows Johnny Dixon as he realizes his best friend, Fergie, is being manipulated by a dark, magical power after stealing a cursed book. It is a supernatural mystery that functions as a powerful metaphor for peer pressure and the courage required to pull a friend back from the brink. While spooky and atmospheric, it remains appropriate for middle-grade readers, offering a safe space to discuss loyalty and the importance of standing up for others even when they push you away.
