Families who loved The Hills of Estrella Roja by Ashley Robin Franklin often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the heavy, lingering fog of grief after the loss of a parent and is struggling to reconnect with their roots or their own identity. It is an ideal choice for a teen who feels like an outsider or who is beginning to explore their first romantic feelings while navigating a complex emotional landscape. The story follows Mari, who travels to a small town in Mexico to investigate local legends for her podcast, only to find herself entangled in a supernatural mystery alongside a local girl named Kat. This graphic novel masterfully blends spooky folk horror with a tender, authentic exploration of queer identity and cultural heritage. It is appropriate for readers aged 14 and up who can handle moderate horror elements and themes of death. Parents will appreciate how it uses the supernatural as a mirror for the internal process of healing from trauma and finding the courage to be oneself.