Families who loved Wishing Season by Anica Mrose Rissi often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing the heavy, confusing aftermath of a sudden loss and needs to know that their grief, and their continued connection to the person they lost, is valid. This tender story follows Lily, whose twin brother, Silas, has recently died. As Lily navigates a world that feels fundamentally altered, she begins to notice signs and 'wishes' that make her wonder if Silas is still trying to communicate with her from the other side. Written for the 8 to 12 age range, the book masterfully balances the weight of sadness with the light of childhood wonder and sibling bonds. It addresses the 'mystery' of death through a secular, gentle lens that focuses on the internal emotional landscape of the survivor. Parents will find it a valuable tool for normalizing the messy, non-linear process of grieving while offering a sense of hope that love doesn't end just because a person is gone.