Books Like The Willoughby Spit Wonder
Families who loved The Willoughby Spit Wonder by Jonathon Scott Fuqua 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 Willoughby Spit Wonder by Jonathon Scott Fuqua 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 facing the impending loss of a father or close male relative to chronic illness. Set in 1950s Virginia, the story follows young Carter as he uses the mantle of a comic book superhero, Prince Namor, to process his helplessness and attempt to 'save' his dying father. It is a poignant, realistic exploration of anticipatory grief and the power of a child's imagination as a coping mechanism. While the subject matter is heavy, the bond between siblings and the historical setting provide a grounding sense of continuity. It is best suited for middle-grade readers who are ready for a serious, honest look at mortality and familial love, offering a safe space to discuss the complex feelings that arise when a parent is no longer the 'invincible' hero children expect.
