Families who loved The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman 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 or is struggling to find a place where their unique interests are valued. Elizabeth Rew is a quiet, observant student who feels invisible at her new school and disconnected from her family. Her life changes when she is recruited to work at the New York Circulating Material Repository, a library that lends historical objects instead of books, including a secret collection of magical items from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. This story beautifully addresses the emotional need for belonging and the thrill of discovering hidden depths in oneself and others. While it contains elements of fantasy and mystery, it is grounded in the realistic social dynamics of middle school and the importance of integrity. It is an ideal choice for readers aged 10 to 14 who enjoy magical realism and stories about finding a chosen family through shared responsibility.