Books like 'Darkest Hour'
Readers who enjoyed Darkest Hour by Lauren Brooke also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism coming-of-age friendship
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We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Eearth by Gabi Garcia
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTeach your child the power of empathy, kindness, and respect. We Are All Connected is a lyrical picture book that reminds kids to celebrate differences, stand up for each other, and work together to make the world a better place.Let’s speak up for others—include and embrace.We all make mistakes. We can give others grace.We have more in common than we may believe.We are all connected... -
![Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart]()
Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen Sasha Silver and her horse, Charm, arrive on the campus of the elite Canterwood Crest Academy, Sasha knows that she's in trouble. She's not exactly welcomed with open arms. One group of girls in particular is used to being the best, the brightest, and the prettiest on the team, and when Sasha shows her skills in the arena, the girls' claws come out... -
![Best Enemies by Jessica Burkhart]()
Best Enemies by Jessica Burkhart
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSome Girls Just Have To Be The Best At Everything. If any two girls know about being the best, it's Heather Fox and Jasmine King. Just ask them; they'll be happy to tell you. But every girl knows that there can only be one "best...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship horses realistic boarding-school children-books -
![Owen by Kevin Henkes]()
Owen by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratings“Fuzzy goes where I go.”Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age friendship realistic book children-books -
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![Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester]()
Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIn this lighthearted moral tale, an unlikely hero defeats a school bully and is finally celebrated by his classmates for his secret super power: his speech impediment. Poor Rodney Rat can't pronounce his R's and the other rodents tease him mercilessly... -
![Unfriendly Competition by Jessica Burkhart]()
Unfriendly Competition by Jessica Burkhart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis is the final book of the Canterwood Crest books starring Sasha Silver... -
![Elite Ambition by Jessica Burkhart]()
Elite Ambition by Jessica Burkhart
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the next two installments of the four-book arc that began with City Secrets, the tide has turned at the elite Canterwood Crest Academy…...Categorized as:
animals horses anthropomorphism realistic friendship middle-grade young-adult children-books -
![Can You Get An F In Lunch? by Nancy E. Krulik]()
Can You Get An F In Lunch? by Nancy E. Krulik
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBest-selling author Nancy Krulik delves into the mind of a twelve-year-old girl just trying to survive middle school.After spending the night studying the Joyce Kilmer Middle School Handbook, Jenny McAfee feels totally prepared to start sixth grade. But Jenny has another reason to feel confident. She'll have her best friend, Addie Wilson, right there by her side...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade womens-fiction -
![A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker]()
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsCheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship.Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse -- small and gray and bright-eyed...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship book children-books contemporary family -
![Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin]()
Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsFarmer Brown is going on vacation. He asks his brother, Bob, to take care of the animals. "But keep an eye on Duck. He's trouble." Bob follows the instructions in Farmer Brown's notes exactly. He orders pizza with anchovies for the hens, bathes the pigs with bubble bath, and lets the cows choose a movie. Is that giggling he hears? Giggle, giggle, quack, giggle, moo, giggle, oink..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship book children-books contemporary fiction -
![Run Away Home by Terri Farley]()
Run Away Home by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSamantha can't wait for the holiday break from school. But there's no time to Brynna's baby is due any day; the local authorities are gathering more mustangs from the range; and her best friend Jen's ranch is in upheaval–its owner, Linc Slocum, has just been arrested, and no one is sure what will happen to Jen and her family...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism young-adult children-books middle-grade -
![I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak]()
I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCosmo’s family is falling apart.And it’s up to Cosmo to keep them together.He knows exactly what to do.There’s only one problem.Cosmo is a Golden Retriever.Incredibly funny, and filled with warmth and heart, this is Charlotte’s Web meets Little Miss Sunshine – the story of one dog’s attempt to save his family, become a star, and eat a lot of bacon...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age friendship realistic audiobook children-books -
![Scandals, Rumors, Lies by Jessica Burkhart]()
Scandals, Rumors, Lies by Jessica Burkhart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn the next two installments of the four-book arc that began with City Secrets, the tide has turned at the elite Canterwood Crest Academy…... -
![A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind]()
A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA girl who longs for her own horse is given the chance to care for a troubled, damaged horse, who needs her as much as she needs him.Fourteen-year-old Jane Ryan has always dreamed of having a horse of her own―but so long as she gets to ride her favorite school horse, Beau, at Sunny Acres farm, she's content. And this is the summer she means to try out for the advanced riding class... -
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![Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell]()
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAdrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse--the best and most beautiful horse anywhere.But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets... -
![The One Dollar Horse: Fire Storm: Book 3 by Lauren St. John]()
The One Dollar Horse: Fire Storm: Book 3 by Lauren St. John
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTeenage eventing star Casey Blue has it all - fame, her champion horse Storm and a boyfriend who loves her.Then Kyle West walks into her life. The country's hottest equestrian coach is also drop dead gorgeous and Casey knows right away that she's in trouble... -
![Save the Cupcake! by Lisa Papademetriou]()
Save the Cupcake! by Lisa Papademetriou
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis delicious new series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Papademetriou is a real treat -- full of humor and heart and cupcakes!Confession: My life is soooo not sprinkles and sunshine . . . Hayley's world is far from perfect: her parents have divorced, her mom has lost her job, and she and her sister Chloe are stuck sharing a bedroom in their grandmother's apartment... -
![Madame President by Nancy E. Krulik]()
Madame President by Nancy E. Krulik
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBest-selling author Nancy Krulik delves into the mind of a twelve-year-old girl trying to survive middle school.Jenny McAfee never thought of herself as a leader, but then again, Jenny had also never thought that her best friend, Addie Wilson, would ditch her for the Pops-- the most popular kids in school...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade womens-fiction -
![Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon]()
Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis first book in The Cupcake Diaries is told through the perspective of Katie Brown. We find Katie miserable on the first day of middle school. Her best friend Callie came back from camp boy-crazy and part of a whole new group of friends. When it's made clear that Callie is in the PGC (Popular Girls Club) and Katie is not invited to join, Katie suddenly feels incredibly alone...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship realistic children-books contemporary culinary fiction -
![Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker]()
Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis New York Times bestselling chapter book series has been keeping readers engaged and laughing for more than a decade with over one million copies sold! Clementine's having a nervous breakdown. The FAMILY MEETING! sign is up in her house, and she just knows she's in trouble for something...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship realistic audiobook children-books contemporary family -
![Born to Run by Michael Morpurgo]()
Born to Run by Michael Morpurgo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe bag wasn't just drifting gently along, it was turning of it's own accord. There was something inside it, squeaking and squealing in terror. Patrick didn't think about it. He shrugged off his school bag and leaped into the canal.For Best Mate, being rescued from drowning as a young puppy is only the start of his adventures...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age friendship realistic action-adventure audiobook -
![Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney]()
Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAfter the holidays, Humphrey is shocked by a big surprise in Room 26-a new class pet! Humphrey tries to be welcoming, but Og the frog doesn't respond to any of his friendly squeaks or visits (remember, he has a lock-that-doesn't-lock). Plus, the students are so interested in Og, they almost stop paying attention to Humphrey altogether...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship realistic book children-books contemporary -
![Inside, Outside, Upside Down by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain]()
Inside, Outside, Upside Down by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratings"Mama! Mama! I went to town. Inside, outside, upside down!" Toddlers and young children will immediately identify with the small bear who crawls inside a box in 'Inside Outside Upside Down'. His epic adventure is created from a vocabulary of only 23 easy words, which combined with the simple art and rhyming text make this a perfect choice for teaching spatial concepts...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children children-books classics contemporary fiction humor -
![Wednesday Riders by Tudor Robins]()
Wednesday Riders by Tudor Robins
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe island. Meg can’t wait to get back. She’s excited to see her new mare kick up her heels in Salem’s old paddock. She’s impatient to run on country roads between breeze-blown hayfields.Mostly, Meg longs to be back with Jared again.It’s going to be the perfect summer... -
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![My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann]()
My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Jen Mann has written a hilarious and heartwarming story for fans of Meg Cabot and Rainbow Rowell. My name is Plum Parrish, I'm fourteen, and I'm pretty sure I'm invisible. Not like super power invisible, more like loser invisible. There's a big difference... -
![Wild Cat by Dandi Daley Mackall]()
Wild Cat by Dandi Daley Mackall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI haven't done anything with my life. . . . I need to do something . . . like Mom and Dad and Hank do all the time. And I need to do it now.Meet 12-year-old Kat―short for Katharine. She thinks she has two weeks to do something worthy of being adopted by her wonderful foster family...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic anthropomorphism children friendship christian contemporary -
![Mad Dog by Dandi Daley Mackall]()
Mad Dog by Dandi Daley Mackall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new series by Dandi Daley Mackall, author of the best-selling Winnie the Horse Gentler series!If the world had any idea how mad I, Wesley “Mad Dog” Williams, am at it, the sun would be too scared to show its ugly face around here.Meet 14-year-old Wes Williams, aka Mad Dog. He's from Chicago and looking to return―just as soon as his mother gets out of rehab...Categorized as:
animals horses children anthropomorphism friendship realistic contemporary christian -
![Just Gus by McCall Hoyle]()
Just Gus by McCall Hoyle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsReturn to the world of devoted working dogs and the humans they love in a new book from the best-selling author of Stella. A boy and his dog learn that they are better together. Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job—protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he’s very good at it...Categorized as:
animals realistic children anthropomorphism middle-grade dogs fiction children-books -
![It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap]()
It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThirteen-year-old Julia would much rather work with horses at the rescue barn than worry about things like dating and makeup. But when her BFF meets a boy at camp, Julia's determined not to get left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and gets a comment from Tyler―a seemingly nice kid who lives across town...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age animals horses friendship children middle-grade contemporary -
![BFF*: Just As Long As We're Together / Here's to You, Rachel Robinson by Judy Blume]()
BFF*: Just As Long As We're Together / Here's to You, Rachel Robinson by Judy Blume
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this new bind-up, Judy Blume's two stories about three best friends will reach a new set of girls. Stephanie, Rachel and Alison know there will be plenty of family issues, broken hearts, and tough school assignments as they make their way through junior high. But with a good pair of friends, a girl can do anything...Categorized as:
coming-of-age realistic children friendship young-adult fiction middle-grade children-books -
![Runaway by Dandi Daley Mackall]()
Runaway by Dandi Daley Mackall
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA new series by Dandi Daley Mackall, author of the best-selling Winnie the Horse Gentler series!I've run away seven times―never once to anything, just away from. Maybe that's why they call me a “runaway,” and not a “run-to.”Meet 16-year-old Dakota Brown. She used to love all things “horse” until she lost everything, including hope... -
![No Small Thing by Natale Ghent]()
No Small Thing by Natale Ghent
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFull of heart and humor, this coming-of-age tale is no small thing — the tale of a boy's search for love and identity in the face of longing, abandonment, and uncertainty.When twelve-year-old Nathaniel and his two sisters discover an ad in the paper for a free pony, they can hardly believe their luck...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children coming-of-age fiction historical-fiction middle-grade -
![Gypsy Gold by Terri Farley]()
Gypsy Gold by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSamantha and Jen are out camping when they meet Nicholas, a boy traveling cross–country on a beautiful Gypsy Vanner mare, learning about his gypsy ancestry. His caravan also includes a young colt. Nicholas says it's a stray, but the colt looks a lot like a missing mustang. When people start getting suspicious, Sam wants to stick up for her new friend...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism young-adult middle-grade children-books -
![Secret Star by Terri Farley]()
Secret Star by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor the Phantom, there is only one girl. For Sam, there is only one horse. A movie star horse and his trainer are coming to River Bend Ranch, and Samantha can't wait. But when Bayfire shows up, something is obviously wrong. The famous stallion has lost his sparkle. Bayfire has to get ready for his biggest, most dangerous scene of his new movie...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism young-adult middle-grade children-books -
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![Firefly by Terri Farley]()
Firefly by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe further adventures in the wildly popular series about Samantha and her mustang the Phantom. In Firefly, the Phantom's wild colt has been injured, and Sam must help him find a new home...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic anthropomorphism children middle-grade children-books fiction -
![The Wildest Heart by Terri Farley]()
The Wildest Heart by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMore adventures in the popular series about Samantha and her mustang, the Phantom Stallion! Ages...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism young-adult middle-grade children-books -
![Rain Dance by Terri Farley]()
Rain Dance by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Phantom Stallion's new foal is ready to be born, and River Bend Ranch's own Dark Sunshine is the mother. Samantha couldn't be more excited, and she's sure she can handle the new baby while everyone is gone on the annual cattle drive...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic coming-of-age children anthropomorphism fiction middle-grade -
![Red Feather Filly by Terri Farley]()
Red Feather Filly by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlready beloved by horse lovers all over the world, the tales of the Phantom Stallion are as captivating and thrilling as the Wild West itself. This wildly popular series continues with more adventures of Samantha and her mysterious mustang known as the Phantom...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic coming-of-age children anthropomorphism friendship children-books -
![Free Again by Terri Farley]()
Free Again by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNot realising the extent of care she must provide for some newly-adopted mustangs, Sam becomes buried with responsibilities, especially when a blind horse gets lost in a fierce snowstorm...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age horses realistic action-adventure book -
![Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder, Nathalie Dion]()
Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder, Nathalie Dion
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn this companion novel to It's Raining Cupcakes, twelve-year-old Sophie has a dream come true when she's offered a TV commercial spot...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade young-adult -
![Accidentally Friends by Lisa Papademetriou]()
Accidentally Friends by Lisa Papademetriou
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe fourth book in our first Candy Apple mini-series from New York Times-bestselling author Lisa Papademetriou! Seventh grader Amy Flowers is at it again in her fourth fish-out-of-water adventure at super-snooty Allington Academy... -
![The Challenger by Terri Farley]()
The Challenger by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor the Phantom, there is only one girl. For Sam, there is only one horse. Wildcats are threatening the mustangs that live near Samantha's ranch...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism children-books contemporary young-adult -
![The Renegade by Terri Farley]()
The Renegade by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor the Phantom, there is only one girl.For Sam, there is only one horse. When an ambitious rodeo contractor comes to town, Sam's worried. The woman wants to buy tamed mustangs from local ranchers, including Sam's dad, and doesn't seem to like taking no for an answer. Then Sam spots the Phantom's herd –– without him...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism coming-of-age children-books young-adult -
![Gift Horse by Terri Farley]()
Gift Horse by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor the Phantom, there is only one girl. For Sam, there is only ont horse. When Samantha rescues a beautiful draft horse from an auction, she's sure he'll be perfect to groom for resale. He's big and strong –– but so big, Sam can barely saddle him. He's great at jumping –– over pasture fences...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic coming-of-age anthropomorphism children middle-grade children-books -
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![On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety by Michael Kroft]()
On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety by Michael Kroft
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOnce an amusing extrovert with a reputation as a prankster, Mr. Rosen is entering his retirement years as a stoic thirty-year converted introvert who has no interest in people, despises change, and is more than content to have his wife navigate his life... -
![Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes]()
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe third book starring Penny, a brand-new mouse character, in a brand-new series from Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes.From Kevin Henkes, the creator of Lilly, Owen, and Chrysanthemum, comes a brand-new mouse for brand-new readers...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship realistic audiobook book children-books -
![Thicker Than Water by Lauren Brooke]()
Thicker Than Water by Lauren Brooke
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEleven years after her father deserted her, Amy must face the fact that he is coming to Heartland. Thicker than Water, the eighth Heartland title, is a story of family and discovery and acceptance.Amy's father is scheduled to visit Heartland. Amy hasn't seen him since he abruptly left the family following his debilitating accident...Categorized as:
animals children coming-of-age horses realistic children-books contemporary female-author -
![Tomorrow's Promise by Lauren Brooke]()
Tomorrow's Promise by Lauren Brooke
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Amy's father gives her a thoroughbred jumper, she decides to begin showing again. She meets Daniel at a local event and becomes interested in helping him treat his horse, Amber.When Amy meets Daniel, she is stunned by his defensive nature. She can't figure out how someone with so much love for his horse could be so cold to everyone else...Categorized as:
animals children coming-of-age horses realistic children-books contemporary female-author -
![Dark Sunshine by Terri Farley]()
Dark Sunshine by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThirteen-year-old Samantha rescues an abused mare from outlaw horse rustlers, but the good deed could cost her everything. Original...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism coming-of-age middle-grade fiction -
![Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London]()
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFroggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation...Categorized as:
animals children friendship realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary
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