Families who loved The Poe Estate 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 is grappling with the lingering presence of grief or feels burdened by expectations of their family history. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers who are moving through the transition of losing a loved one and need a story that validates their feeling that the past is never truly gone. The story follows Sukie as she navigates a magical library annex filled with the spirits and stories of the Poe family, weaving together elements of Gothic mystery with a modern understanding of mourning. While it features ghosts and a spooky atmosphere, the core of the book is a secular, hopeful exploration of how we honor those we have lost while finding our own path. It is perfectly suited for 10 to 14 year olds who appreciate a smart, atmospheric mystery that does not shy away from deep emotional truths.