Families who loved Ting and the Deadly Waters by Ailynn Collins 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 grappling with the concept of major world events, natural disasters, or the heavy responsibility of caring for others during a crisis. It is a powerful tool for discussing how resilience and leadership can emerge from the most frightening circumstances. The story follows twelve-year-old Ting as she navigates the catastrophic 1931 Yangtze River floods in China, searching for her missing parents while protecting her younger brother. While the disaster is intense, the graphic novel format makes the historical weight accessible for middle-grade readers. Parents will appreciate the focus on sibling bonds, courage, and the realistic portrayal of survival. It offers a bridge to discuss historical empathy and the strength children possess when their world is literally turned upside down.