Books like 'The Great Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy mystery action / adventure supernatural realistic family magical-realism friendship children
-
Everblaze by Shannon Messenger
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsA New York Times bestselling seriesA USA TODAY bestselling seriesA California Young Reader Medal–winning seriesSophie uncovers shocking secrets—and faces treacherous new enemies—in this electrifying third book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.Sophie Foster is ready to fight back... -
![Exile by Shannon Messenger]()
Exile by Shannon Messenger
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsSophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together. But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there... -
![The Ghost is Clear: A Ghost Detective Paranormal Cozy Mystery #3 by Jane Hinchey]()
The Ghost is Clear: A Ghost Detective Paranormal Cozy Mystery #3 by Jane Hinchey
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAmateur sleuth, PI in training, ghost whisperer.That's me. Audrey Fitzgerald, ghost detective. I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that I can not only communicate with ghosts, but animals too. Well, one in particular, my big gray teddy bear of a cat, Thor. What I haven't worked out yet is how to keep my newfound abilities a secret from the townsfolk of Firefly Bay... -
![Witching For Moxie by Deanna Chase]()
Witching For Moxie by Deanna Chase
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIris Hartman thought she’d finally gotten everything she’d ever wanted. She had her dream job of mayor of Premonition Pointe and was married to a handsome, charismatic man who adored her. But after finding out her husband was involved with a local drug dealer, she suddenly found herself single and forced to step down as mayor. Now she’s starting over... -
-
![The Last Present by Wendy Mass]()
The Last Present by Wendy Mass
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDon't miss the latest entry in the incredible Willow Falls series by Wendy Mass!Amanda and Leo have a history with birthdays. Now their friend's little sister, Grace, has fallen into a strange frozen state on her birthday, and Amanda and Leo must travel in time in order to fix whatever's wrong. As they journey back to each of Grace's birthdays, they start seeing all sorts of patterns . . -
![Witching for Clarity by Deanna Chase]()
Witching for Clarity by Deanna Chase
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsClarity “Gigi” Martin moved to Premonition Pointe for a fresh start. And that’s exactly what she got when she found a house that was connected to her ancestors and a group of witches who welcomed her into their fold. It’s not easy starting over at forty, but she’s determined to do it on her own terms with her past left firmly behind her… until Sebastian Knight walks back into her life... -
![Between Walls by W.R. Gingell]()
Between Walls by W.R. Gingell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDon't get too close to humans.That's rule number one. Well, it is if you're an emotionally constipated fae lord. As far as I'm concerned, the vampire could do a better job of keeping his distance, but he's never been that good at following the rules.G'day. I'm Pet. Schrödinger's Pet, these days; depends who's asking... -
![This Book Is Not Good for You by Pseudonymous Bosch]()
This Book Is Not Good for You by Pseudonymous Bosch
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsBetween the pages of this book lies the secret to the best-tasting chocolate in all the world. I promise, your taste buds will tingle. Your palette will sing! Oh no, have I accidentally tempted you to read this book? I will warn you, however, the most delicious things are never good for you.. -
![The Protection of Ren Crown by Anne Zoelle]()
The Protection of Ren Crown by Anne Zoelle
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBarely surviving her first term at college, all Ren wants to do over break is relax and bond with her roommate—not get eaten by a sentient building or attacked on the street. But with increasingly open warfare brewing between the magical factions and Layers of the world, this time, Ren will not fail in making sure everyone she loves stays safe and protected... -
![Total Eclipse of the Hunt by Mandy M. Roth]()
Total Eclipse of the Hunt by Mandy M. Roth
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome to Everlasting, Maine, where there's no such thing as normal.As a centaur, Deputy Jake Majoy (Deputy March), is immortal and has seen and done a lot in his five hundred years. Enough to know that Everlasting feels like home. It’s been perfect for him to fade away and blend in, as the town is anything but normal—and they protect their own... -
![Finding the Fox by Ali Sparkes]()
Finding the Fox by Ali Sparkes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDax Jones is an ordinary schoolboy . . . until something extraordinary happens one day. Whilst frightened for his life, he inexplicably changes into a fox! Before long, both a government agent and an ambitious young journalist are on his tail... -
![This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch, Robert Petkoff]()
This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch, Robert Petkoff
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe Secret Series continues in this dangerous and daring fourth adventure. Cass finds herself alone and disoriented, a stranger in a dream-like, medieval world. Where is she? Who is she? With the help of a long-lost relative, she begins to uncover clues and secrets--piecing together her family's history as she fights her way back to the present world...Categorized as:
children friendship historical-fiction humor magic magical-realism paranormal realistic -
![Ghostly Guidance by Sherry A. Burton]()
Ghostly Guidance by Sherry A. Burton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsJerry McNeal didn’t ask to be born with the gift of premonition. Nor did he ask to be haunted by the ghost of a K-9 police dog that doesn’t even appear to like him. And yet, in the second book in The Jerry McNeal Series, Jerry finds himself saddled with both... -
![Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson]()
Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTheo has always dreamed of belonging to a real family. Her dream seems to come true when she is mysteriously "adopted" by the warm Kaldor clan. For the first time, Theo has brand new clothes, things of her own, security, and good friends. But, as time passes, the magic of Theo's new life begins to fade--really fade. In fact, Theo herself is vanishing...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship ghosts historical-fiction magical-realism action-adventure -
-
![Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Mass]()
Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsGROUNDHOG DAY meets FLIPPED in this tale of a girl stuck in her birthday.It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited -- after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together... -
![A House for Keeping: an urban fantasy by Matteson Wynn]()
A House for Keeping: an urban fantasy by Matteson Wynn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat would you give to add some magic to your life? Finn Foster is done with the dismal, dusty desert of the Southwest, and is determined to add a little excitement to her existence... -
![The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland, Kari Sutherland]()
The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland, Kari Sutherland
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series, Tui T. Sutherland, and her sister, Kari Sutherland, comes the Menagerie series, perfect for fans of Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series and The Spiderwick Chronicles.In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures... -
![Awful Auntie by David Walliams]()
Awful Auntie by David Walliams
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom number one bestselling author David Walliams comes another heartfelt but hilarious hoot of an adventureStella Saxby is the sole heir to Saxby Hall. But awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl will stop at nothing to get it from her... -
![If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch]()
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsBeware!Dangerous secrets lie between the pages of this book.OK, I warned you. But if you think I'll give anything away, or tell you that this is the sequel to my first literary endeavor, The Name of This Book is Secret, you're wrong... -
![Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston]()
Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers! Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Nevermoor.War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge... -
![Key of Light by Nora Roberts]()
Key of Light by Nora Roberts
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsMalory Price’s life plan has hit a snag. She’s in danger of losing her job managing an art gallery in Pleasant Valley, Pennsylvania. A welcome distraction comes in the form of an invitation to a cocktail party at Warrior’s Peak, an infamous estate overlooking the town... -
![The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare]()
The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsCallum Hunt’s summer break isn’t like other kids’. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren’t heading back to the magical world of the Magisterium in the fall. It’s not easy for Call . . -
![Monsters Under The Magnolia by J.L. Collins]()
Monsters Under The Magnolia by J.L. Collins
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome to Witch Hazel Lane... Former Vegas star and witch in hiding, Birdie Devaine is ready for a vacation away from all of the stresses of an ongoing (and haunted) house renovation. Lucky for her she’s got a first-class ticket aboard one of the swankiest cruise ships in the world... -
![The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill]()
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 56 ratingsEvery year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the forest, Xan, is kind and gentle. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster named Glerk and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, Fyrian... -
-
![Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger]()
Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDarcie Little Badger's Elatsoe launched her career and in the years since has become a beloved favorite. This prequel to Elatsoe, centered on Ellie's grandmother, deepens and expands Darcie's one-of-a-kind world and introduces us to another cast of characters that will wend their way around readers' hearts...Categorized as:
magical-realism historical-fiction paranormal ghosts animals magic family friendship -
![The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari]()
The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCharlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother. Liam, his eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts historical-fiction magic magical-realism action-adventure -
![The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington]()
The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA magical adventure for fans of Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Holm about a girl with a mysterious connection to the elephant who saved her life.An elephant never forgets, but Lexington Willow can't remember her past. Swept away by a tornado as a toddler, she was dropped in a nearby Nebraska zoo, where an elephant named Nyah protected her from the storm... -
![The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst]()
The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSophie loves the hidden shop below her parents' bookstore, where dreams are secretly bought and sold. When the dream shop is robbed and her parents go missing, Sophie must unravel the truth to save them. Together with her best friend—a wisecracking and fanatically loyal monster named Monster—she must decide whom to trust with her family’s carefully guarded secrets... -
![What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford]()
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA surprising, stunningly beautiful, and funny novel about a girl who turns invisible and, in the process, discovers who she really is, from the author of TIME TRAVELING WITH A HAMSTER Twelve-year-old Ethel Leatherhead only meant to cure her acne, not turn herself invisible. But that's exactly what happens when she combines herbs bought on the Internet with time spent in a secondhand tanning bed... -
![Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic by Jason Segel]()
Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic by Jason Segel
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic is the sequel to the hilariously scary New York Times bestselling novel Nightmares! by multitalented actor Jason Segel and bestselling author Kirsten Miller. You thought the nightmares were over? You better keep the lights on! Charlie Laird has a dream life. 1) He has a weirdo stepmom who runs an herbarium... -
![The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty]()
The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAward-winning Astonishingly originalArtistic and magicalTime slides around the world so strangely ...It's not easy being Princess Ko.Her family is missing, taken to the World through cracks in the Kingdom, which were then sealed tightly behind them.Now Princess Ko is running the Kingdom, and war is looming...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family friendship humor magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
![Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford, Jaime Zollars]()
Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford, Jaime Zollars
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWelcome back to the irresistible world of Greenglass House where thirteen-year-old Milo is, once again, spending the winter holidays stuck in a house full of strange guests who are not what they seem. There are fresh clues to uncover as friends old and new join in his search for a mysterious map and a famous smuggler’s lost haul...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal -
![The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd]()
The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEveryone in Emma's family is special. Her ancestors include Revolutionary War spies, brilliant scientists, and famous musicians--every single one of which learned of their extraordinary destiny through a dream. For Emma, her own dream can't come soon enough... -
![The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage, Lauren Fortgang]()
The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage, Lauren Fortgang
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe eagerly anticipated followup to the Newbery honor winner and New York Times bestseller, Three Times LuckySmall towns have rules. One is, you got to stay who you are -- no matter how many murders you solve.When Miss Lana makes an Accidental Bid at the Tupelo auction and winds up the mortified owner of an old inn, she doesn't realize there's a ghost in the fine print...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts historical-fiction humor magical-realism paranormal -
-
![The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury, Suzy Jackson]()
The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury, Suzy Jackson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsLength: 8 hrs and 18 minsHumor, heart, and a symphony of magic take center stage in this middle-grade fantasy, perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The School for Good and Evil series.Amelia Jones has always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create magic... -
![The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester]()
The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsYou just can't keep a good girl down . . . unless you use the proper methods.Piper McCloud can fly. Just like that. Easy as pie.Sure, she hasn't mastered reverse propulsion and her turns are kind of sloppy, but she's real good at loop-the-loops.Problem is, the good folk of Lowland County are afraid of Piper. And her ma's at her wit's end... -
![The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch]()
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsWarning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances... -
![No Bones About It by Allie Brahms]()
No Bones About It by Allie Brahms
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSo far, my first demon hunting mission with Zhen has gone 1) We came in for one job. It was not one job. And all of our nice, conventional weapons aren’t working. (Zhen is right, EFTs suck)2) A crash course in Monocan legends and medicine. (Probably the best part of this trip.)3) The bond plays a painful game of yo-yo with us. (Which means I’m getting dragged into fights I’d rather skip... -
![Just South of Home by Karen Strong]()
Just South of Home by Karen Strong
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCousins Sarah and Janie unearth a tragic event in their small Southern town’s history in this witty middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Stella by Starlight, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and As Brave as You.Twelve-year-old Sarah is finally in charge...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts historical-fiction magical-realism paranormal realistic -
![Ghost in the Attic by Dori Hillestad Butler]()
Ghost in the Attic by Dori Hillestad Butler
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA brand-new young chapter book series from Edgar Award winner Dori Hillestad Butler! After successfully solving the mystery of the ghost in the library, Kaz and Claire land the first case for their detective agency--a haunted attic in a neighbor's home! With a little help from Grannie, Kaz and Claire discover that what appeared to be something spooky has a much simpler explanation...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts paranormal action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
![Legend of the Ghost Dog by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel]()
Legend of the Ghost Dog by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA thrilling mystery set against a stark landscape and the inspiration of Nome's real-life dog hero, Balto.Twelve-year-old Tee didn't think she believed in ghosts . . . until a walk in the woods around her new rural Alaskan home changes her mind. She and her beagle, Henry, are stalked by a wolfish, decidedly spooky shadow. There's something out there - and it's not of this world... -
![The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh]()
The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwelve-year-old Mary Hayes can't stand her orphanage for another night. But when an attempted escape through the stove pipe doesn't go quite as well as she'd hoped, Mary fears she'll be stuck in the Buffalo Asylum for Young Ladies forever...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure -
![Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison]()
Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen her best friend, Wendy Choy, qualifies to compete in an international piano competition in Oxford, England, irrepressible Gilda Joyce finds a way to get an invitation herself—as a page-turner. Wendy settles into an exhausting practice schedule, made worse by strange nightmares, while Gilda finds herself falling in love with a British boy...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts humor magical-realism paranormal realistic action-adventure -
![Portero de La Selva, El by Mal Peet]()
Portero de La Selva, El by Mal Peet
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn an interview with a young journalist, World Cup hero, El Gato, describes his youth in the Brazilian rain forest and the events, experiences, and people that helped make him a great goalkeeper and renowned soccer star...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age ghosts historical-fiction magical-realism paranormal realistic 21st-century -
-
![The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic by F.T. Lukens]()
The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic by F.T. Lukens
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDesperate to pay for college, Bridger Whitt is willing to overlook the peculiarities of his new job—entering via the roof, the weird stacks of old books and even older scrolls, the seemingly incorporeal voices he hears from time to time—but it’s pretty hard to ignore being pulled under Lake Michigan by… mermaids? Worse yet, this happens in front of his new crush, Leo, the dreamy football star... -
![Ghost Dog Secrets by Peg Kehret]()
Ghost Dog Secrets by Peg Kehret
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEach day, sixth-grader Rusty feeds a dog that's left chained in the frigid weather with no shelter, food, or water. When he realizes the dog has been injured, he tries to have Animal Control help - but when that fails, Rusty and his friend Andrew unchain the dog and take it... -
![The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories by Maggie Stiefvater, Brenna Yovanoff]()
The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories by Maggie Stiefvater, Brenna Yovanoff
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom acclaimed YA authors Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff comes The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories.- A vampire locked in a cage in the basement, for good luck.- Bad guys, clever girls, and the various reasons why the guys have to stop breathing.- A world where fires never go out (with references to vanilla ice cream)...Categorized as:
friendship ghosts historical-fiction humor magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
![Malamander by Thomas Taylor]()
Malamander by Thomas Taylor
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNobody visits Eerie-on-Sea in the winter... -
![Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt, Alison McGhee]()
Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt, Alison McGhee
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSylvie and Jules.Jules and Sylvie.Jules adores her older-by-one-year sister, Sylvie.Sylvie: beautiful like their mother.Sylvie: supreme maker of tiny snow families.Sylvie: faster than fast.Sylvie: gone.Into thin air, Sylvie goes missing, and as Jules stumbles in grief, a fox cub is born. A shadow fox, spirit and animal in one... -
![Body & Soul by Stacey Kade]()
Body & Soul by Stacey Kade
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe final book in The Ghost and the Goth Trilogy!The GhostI’ve been trapped in the body of Lily “Ally” Turner for a month now. Talk about a fashion crisis on an epic scale. What worries me more, though, is sometimes I catch Will looking at me like he thinks I’m Lily...or that he wishes I were. Without the good looks of my former self, I don’t know who I am, or if who that is is good enough...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
