Families who loved The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when a child is processing a major life transition, such as the loss of a parent or a difficult move, and needs a high-stakes adventure to help externalize those heavy emotions. The story follows siblings Emily and Navin who, after witnessing their father's accidental death, move to a mysterious ancestral home. When their mother is kidnapped by a multi-eyed creature, they must enter a subterranean world of robots and monsters to save her. While it features intense fantasy action and some frightening imagery, the core of the book is about family loyalty and finding the courage to protect those you love. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy cinematic, fast-paced storytelling but are also ready to grapple with themes of grief and responsibility.