Families who loved The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall 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 teenager is grappling with the weight of social expectations or questioning how to navigate a world that feels rigged against them. It is an ideal choice for readers who feel caught between two versions of themselves or who are beginning to recognize the systemic injustices in the world around them. The story follows a girl posing as a male pirate and a noblewoman escaping an arranged marriage, exploring deep themes of gender identity, the brutality of colonialism, and the courage required to choose kindness in a cruel environment. While the high-seas magic and mermaids provide an engaging backdrop, the heart of the book is a sophisticated exploration of self-determination. It is best suited for older teens due to its unflinching look at human trafficking and systemic violence, offering a powerful mirror for those seeking to define their own path toward liberation.
