Books Like When JFK was My Father
Families who loved When JFK was My Father by Amy Gordon 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 When JFK was My Father by Amy Gordon 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 overlooked by busy adults or is struggling to find their footing in a new, intimidating environment. It is particularly resonant for children who use rich inner worlds and storytelling to navigate loneliness or feelings of abandonment. Set in the 1960s, the story follows Georgia as she is sent to a Connecticut boarding school while her parents remain living separate lives abroad. To cope with her isolation, Georgia develops an imaginary bond with the ghost of a headmistress and, most notably, creates a fantasy where President John F. Kennedy is her caring, attentive father. This historical fiction piece gently explores the bridge between childhood imagination and the maturing realization that parents are flawed humans. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who appreciate sensitive, atmospheric storytelling and need to see that they can find strength and belonging even when their family structure feels fractured.
