Families who loved Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff 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 if your child is navigating a major life transition, such as a move to a new country or joining a family member they haven't seen in years. It is a deeply empathetic choice for children who feel like 'outsiders' in their own lives or who are grieving the loss of a parent while trying to maintain a brave face. Twelve-year-old Lidie leaves her familiar life in Brazil to join her father and brother on a New York horse ranch. The story beautifully parallels Lidie's struggle to adapt with the journey of a fiery, untamed filly named Wild Girl. Through themes of patience, cultural identity, and the bond between humans and animals, the book offers a roadmap for resilience. It is a gentle yet realistic look at the hard work of making a new place feel like home.