Books Like The Storm in the Barn
Families who loved The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan 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 their child is grappling with the weight of expectations or feels like an outsider in their own community. It is a powerful tool for a child who feels 'unseen' by their peers or family, or who is navigating a period of significant family stress. Set against the harsh backdrop of the 1937 Dust Bowl, the story follows eleven-year-old Jack, who feels like a failure in his father's eyes while his town literally blows away around him. This graphic novel blends historical reality with a touch of supernatural folklore to explore themes of courage and resilience. Jack discovers a mysterious 'Rain King' in a barn, forcing him to choose between fear and action. It is highly appropriate for middle-schoolers, offering a visual journey through history and the internal struggle of finding one's worth when the world feels hopeless. Parents will appreciate how it validates the anxiety of being small in a world of big problems.
