Families who loved The Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm 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 feels like they have to work twice as hard to be seen or respected, particularly within their own family. Set in a 1900 Washington State logging community, the story follows May Amelia, a headstrong thirteen-year-old girl living in a house full of boys and a father who views daughters as useless burdens. When a smooth-talking businessman threatens the family's survival, May Amelia must find the courage to save their farm and redefine her own value. This historical novel addresses deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and the desire for parental approval. It is perfect for middle-grade readers navigating the transition into young adulthood. While it deals with the harsh realities of pioneer life and financial struggle, the tone remains resilient. Parents will appreciate the way it models persistence and the dismantling of rigid gender expectations through a spirited, relatable protagonist.