Families who loved The Middle of Nowhere by Geraldine McCaughrean 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 grappling with a profound loss or navigating a period of isolation where they have retreated into their own imagination. Set in the desolate Australian Outback in 1899, the story follows young Comity Pinny as she deals with the sudden death of her mother. While her father buries himself in his work at a telegraph station, Comity writes letters to relatives depicting a life of luxury and joy that does not exist. It is a sophisticated, evocative look at grief, the power of storytelling, and the harsh reality of living under the influence of a cruel, prejudiced adult. Best for mature middle grade readers (10 to 14), this novel offers a path toward resilience through the lens of historical adventure.