Are There Middle Grade Stories About Found Family Like One For The Murphys?

I get frustrated with recommendations that only suggest sad, issue-driven books. Kids in care are whole people. Where's the foster kid who solves mysteries? Who's the chosen one in a fantasy epic? Who invents a crazy app? Their entire narrative existence shouldn't be defined by their placement. 'Murphys' works because it's the story, but we need a broader landscape where it's just one facet of a complex character.

The Land of Stories' mix of fairy tale adventure and brother-sister journey definitely sets a tone. For a similar feel, I'd point folks toward 'The Magic Misfits' by Neil Patrick Harris, which has that blend of found family, stage magic, and a quaint town with secrets. It’s playful but with real stakes. 'Nevermoor' by Jessica Townsend is another strong contender—it’s got a plucky heroine, a fantastical city, and a series of trials that give it a similar 'ordinary kid in an extraordinary world' vibe. Both series keep the chapters moving and the threats thrilling without getting too dark. I’d also toss 'The Unwanteds' by Lisa McMann into the ring. It’s often called a magical take on 'The Hunger Games' for the middle grade crowd, with a strong emphasis on creativity as a form of rebellion. The world-building is expansive but introduced in digestible chunks. For readers who latched onto the portal fantasy aspect, 'The Frog Princess' series by E.D. Baker is a classic. It’s lighter and more comedic, but it plays with fairy tale tropes in a really fun, subversive way. The pacing there is more episodic, which can be nice for readers who aren’t ready for a single, overwhelming arc. Honestly, though, I sometimes wonder if the search for 'like' Land of Stories misses what made it work—it was a specific alchemy of fairy tale nostalgia and a modern quest. 'A Tale of Magic...' by Chris Colfer himself might scratch that itch directly, but branching out into something like 'Pages & Co.' by Anna James could work too, where bookwandering brings classics to life. The tactile love of stories is similar, even if the mechanics differ.

What about the verse novel 'The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary' by Laura Shovan? It's not a single foster story, but a classroom of kids documenting their year as their school faces closure. Several characters have complex home lives, including instability and non-traditional guardianship. The multi-voice format lets you see growth from many angles—kids learning to advocate for themselves and their community. The growth is collective and individual. If you connect with Carley's voice in 'Murphys,' you might enjoy seeing similar resilience woven through different poetic perspectives. It's a clever, heartfelt book.

Found family themes in YA literature? Oh, I could gush about this for hours! One of my all-time favorites is 'The Raven Boys' by Maggie Stiefvater. It starts with this rich, lonely girl named Blue who gets tangled up with a group of private school boys searching for a dead Welsh king. What begins as a supernatural quest turns into this beautifully messy, heartwarming bond where they all become each other's chosen family. The way Stiefvater writes their dynamics—full of inside jokes, shared trauma, and unconditional support—makes you wish you could jump into the pages and join their group. Another gem is 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo. A ragtag crew of criminals with tragic backstories slowly morph into this tight-knit unit that would literally die for each other. There's something so powerful about watching these broken kids, who've never known stability, build something resembling home together. Kaz's gloves, Inej's knives, Jesper's guns—they all become symbols of trust rather than just tools. The found family trope hits different when it's forged through heists and near-death experiences!

I recently stumbled upon a Matilda fanfic titled 'Roots in the Rubble' that absolutely wrecked me in the best way. It delves into Matilda's post-adoption life with Miss Honey, exploring how their bond deepens as they both unpack their traumas. The fic doesn’t shy away from the messy parts—nightmares, trust issues, even Miss Honey’s lingering fear of Trunchbull. But what got me was the quiet moments: baking fails, shared books, and Matilda teaching Miss Honey to laugh again. The author nails the found family vibe by adding original characters like a gruff but kind neighbor who becomes a surrogate grandparent. It’s tender without being saccharine, and the emotional growth feels earned. Another gem is 'The Library of Second Chances,' where Matilda discovers a hidden cache of letters from Miss Honey’s estranged mother. The fic intertwines themes of generational healing, with Matilda and Miss Honey piecing together their fractured histories. The prose is lyrical, especially in scenes where Matilda uses her powers to 'read' the emotions left in objects—like sensing warmth in Miss Honey’s childhood teacup. It’s a slower burn, but the payoff is cathartic, especially when they finally visit the mother’s grave together. Both fics honor Dahl’s spirit while expanding the emotional universe.

of all people. The way the author builds their reluctant trust—starting with snarky banter during safehouse confinement, escalating to Zemo unexpectedly covering Sam's blind spot during a firefight—it feels earned. The fic doesn't shy away from the messiness either; Wanda's cameo forces them to confront past sins while cleaning up HYDRA remnants. What really sells it is the small moments. Bucky teaching Zemo how to use a coffee maker from this century, Sam teasing them both about their 'grandpa habits,' even Zemo secretly restocking the medical kit after noticing Bucky's arm maintenance routine. These aren't characters suddenly becoming best friends—they're damaged people choosing to extend olive branches despite history. Another gem is a 'Hawkeye' post-'Endgame' fic where Kate Bishop and Yelena Belova become chaotic sisters while tracking down Clint's old enemies. The writer nails Yelena's deadpan humor contrasting Kate's hyperactivity, yet shows genuine vulnerability when they discuss Natasha over terrible takeout. Found-family works best when bonds form organically through shared purpose rather than forced sentimentality.

A different angle: 'A Handful of Stars' by Cynthia Lord. The trauma here is the impending blindness of Lucky's dog, which is tied to her grief over her mother's death. The trust is in a new friend from a different community (the migrant workers) who helps her find a way to possibly save her dog's sight. It's about breaking out of isolation, trusting someone from outside your usual circle, and working together toward hope. It's a small, tender story about how new connections can help heal old wounds.

If you loved 'Amina’s Voice' for its heartfelt exploration of identity and community, you might enjoy 'The Gauntlet' by Karuna Riazi. It’s got this fantastic blend of adventure and cultural depth, following a Bangladeshi-American girl who gets sucked into a magical board game. The way it balances family bonds and self-discovery is so relatable—I couldn’t put it down! Another gem is 'Front Desk' by Kelly Yang. It tackles heavier themes like immigration and poverty through the eyes of a 10-year-old managing a motel, but it’s infused with so much warmth and humor. Mia’s voice feels so authentic, and her determination to help her family while chasing her writing dreams hit me right in the feels. For something quieter but equally poignant, 'The Night Diary' by Veera Hiranandani offers a historical lens through letters written by a half-Hindu, half-Muslim girl during India’s partition—it’s lyrical and packs an emotional punch.