Books Like Where the Water Takes Us
Families who loved Where the Water Takes Us by Alan Barillaro 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 Where the Water Takes Us by Alan Barillaro 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 struggling with a family crisis or a health scare that feels outside of their control. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who exhibit 'magical thinking' or perfectionism as a way to cope with anxiety. The story follows Ava, who is sent to her grandparents' lake house while her mother faces a high-risk pregnancy with twins. Overwhelmed by the fear that something irrevocable will happen, Ava finds a dead bird and becomes convinced she is cursed. To break the spell and save her family, she dedicates herself to protecting two orphaned bird eggs. Through Ava's journey, the book explores the heavy weight of responsibility and the path toward resilience. It is perfectly suited for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are beginning to navigate the complex reality that they cannot protect their loved ones from everything. This is a comforting, beautifully written tool for opening a dialogue about anxiety and finding agency through small, meaningful acts of compassion.
