Families who loved When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Parents should reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the isolating grief of losing a parent or dealing with a terminal illness in the family. The story follows Danny, a high school senior who travels to Tokyo shortly after his mother's death to uncover the secret life she led while seeking medical treatment there. It is a deeply moving exploration of how we piece together the identity of those we love after they are gone. While the book contains mature elements like profanity and sexual situations suitable for older teens, it offers a profoundly hopeful perspective on finding joy amidst sorrow. It is an excellent choice for helping a young adult process the complex transition into adulthood while carrying the weight of a major life loss.