Families who loved The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee by Barry Jonsberg 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 like an outsider because of their literal thinking, or when your family is navigating the quiet weight of grief or a parent's illness. This story follows twelve-year-old Candice Phee, a girl who likely occupies a space on the autism spectrum, though it is never explicitly labeled. She is on a mission to fix the broken parts of her world, from her mother's depression following a family tragedy to her father's feud with his brother. It is a deeply funny yet profoundly moving exploration of neurodivergence and emotional resilience. While it tackles heavy themes like infant death and depression, it maintains a quirky, optimistic tone that validates a child's desire to help their loved ones. It is best suited for middle schoolers ready for nuanced discussions about family dynamics and mental health.
