Families who loved The Earth Shook: A Persian Tale by Donna Jo Napoli 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 processing a frightening event, a natural disaster, or a feeling of deep isolation within their community. This lyrical tale follows young Parisa after an earthquake leaves her town of Bam, Iran, deserted and quiet. As she encounters animals who are also scared and defensive, she discovers that her own resilience, joy, and kindness are the keys to rebuilding connection. It is a sophisticated yet accessible story that uses the metaphor of nature and animal interactions to explore how we heal after trauma. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to balance the gravity of a disaster with the light of the human spirit. While the setting is specific to a 2003 earthquake in Iran, the emotional themes of bravery and empathy are universal. It is particularly suited for children aged 4 to 9 who are ready to discuss how small acts of care, like watering a plant or dancing in the sun, can help restore a sense of safety and community even when things feel broken.
