Families who loved You're Breaking My Heart by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich 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 teenager is struggling with the heavy, circular thoughts of 'if only' following a significant loss. This story addresses the visceral guilt and shame that often accompany grief, particularly when a final interaction was left unresolved or angry. Harriet, a Nigerian-American high schooler, believes she is responsible for her brother's death and finds herself drawn to a mysterious girl who promises a way to change the past. While the narrative touches on speculative elements, it is deeply rooted in the realistic emotional landscape of depression and social isolation. It offers a sophisticated look at self-forgiveness and the courage it takes to live in the reality of the present rather than the fantasy of a redo. Suitable for ages 12 and up, this is a compassionate choice for parents wanting to validate their child's complex feelings while gently steering them toward healing.
