Families who loved The Fish Makes a Wish by Elizabeth Carbone 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 starts asking complex questions about right and wrong, or when they are fascinated by the idea of heroes but ready for a more grounded, gritty exploration of how a person chooses to be good. This narrative dives into the origins of a legendary city and the figures who strive for justice within it. It serves as a compelling entry point for preteens to explore themes of systemic corruption, personal loss, and the resilience required to stand up for what is right. While the setting is fictional, the emotional core deals with the weight of grief and the spark of hope in dark places. It is best suited for readers aged 10 to 14 who are transitioning from simple superhero stories to nuanced tales of urban mystery. Parents will appreciate how it frames justice not just as a superpower, but as a difficult, daily choice made by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.