Families who loved The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen 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 beginning to question the fairness of rules or needs to see a model of unwavering loyalty in the face of fear. In this high stakes adventure, Ani and her friend Weevil are sent to a quarantine colony for a plague they do not believe they have. It is a story about the courage it takes to look past official narratives to find the truth, even when everyone else is content to stay silent. Parents will appreciate the way the story balances intense survival themes with a profound sense of justice and resilience. While the setting involves a lethal illness, the core of the book is about political corruption and the power of friendship. It is an excellent pick for middle schoolers who enjoy fast paced mysteries and characters who refuse to be victims of their circumstances.