Books Like The Village by the Sea
Families who loved The Village by the Sea by Anita Desai 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 Village by the Sea by Anita Desai 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 starting to notice the weight of adult responsibilities or when you want to explore the concepts of resilience and grit through a global lens. This story follows Lila and Hari, two siblings in a small Indian fishing village who must step up to lead their family due to their mother's chronic illness and their father's alcoholism. It is a poignant, realistic look at how young people find agency when the world feels stacked against them. While the setting is specific to 1980s India, the emotional core of sibling bonds and the drive to improve one's circumstances is universal. It is an excellent choice for middle-schoolers (ages 10-14) who are ready for a story that acknowledges life's hardships while ultimately celebrating the power of hope and practical planning. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to spark deep conversations about family loyalty and the impact of economic change.
