Families who loved The Royal Book of Oz by Ruth Plumly Thompson 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 starts asking deeper questions about their family tree or begins to feel like the odd one out among their peers. It is a perfect choice for children navigating the realization that they are different from those around them and who are seeking a sense of historical or familial identity to ground themselves. In this fifteenth Oz adventure, the Scarecrow experiences a crisis of identity after being told he has no family. His journey to find his roots leads to a magical underground kingdom and a quest for belonging that is both whimsical and deeply relatable for middle grade readers. While it is an older classic, its focus on self-discovery and the importance of chosen family remains incredibly relevant. It is a gentle, imaginative way to discuss the idea that our origins do not define our worth, but understanding them can help us grow.