Families who loved The Button Box by Bridget Hodder 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 feels sidelined by prejudice or questions whether their own heritage is something to be proud of. It is an essential choice for children experiencing social exclusion based on their religious or ethnic background, providing a safe space to process feelings of hurt through a lens of historical pride. The story follows Ava, who is Jewish, and her Muslim friend Nadeem as they travel back in time to ancient Morocco. There, they discover a shared history of cooperation and mutual respect that stands in stark contrast to the bullying they face at school today. This middle-grade adventure uses elements of magical realism to teach children that their identities are rooted in a long, beautiful legacy of alliance. It is a comforting, empowering read for ages 8 to 12 that emphasizes that friendship and history are powerful shields against hate.