Looking for books similar to the popular novel Where the Crawdads Sing? You’re not alone. Delia Owens’ debut book has captured the hearts of many and has even been adapted into a movie by Reese Witherspoon. As a New York Times bestseller, it’s no surprise that readers are searching for more captivating reads like it.
If you’re one of those readers, look no further. This article will provide you with a list of the best books similar to Where the Crawdads Sing. From heart-wrenching tales to coming-of-age stories, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to find your next favorite book.
Before We Were Yours
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a novel that tells the story of children who grow up near the water in an isolated area. They live on a shanty boat on the Mississippi River until their lives are forever changed by the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The book is based on the true story of Georgia Tann’s adoption agency, which claimed to help orphans but actually kidnapped poor children and sold them to wealthy families.
The children in the novel, like the protagonist Kya, must learn to survive in difficult circumstances. The story spans generations, giving readers a glimpse into the characters’ senior years and how their lives evolved. Before We Were Yours is a great book club pick for discussion, as it raises important questions about the ethics of adoption and the mistreatment of vulnerable children.
The Girls in the Stilt House
Ada and Matilda, two teenage girls from vastly different backgrounds, find themselves intertwined in a murder investigation in 1920s Mississippi bayou.
Ada, having grown up in the swamp, and Matilda, the daughter of a sharecropper, navigate their way through a world of bootleggers and corruption while grappling with their own complicated pasts. As they strive to stay safe, their bond strengthens in the face of danger.
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance
In Ruth Emmie Lang’s debut novel, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance, readers are introduced to Weylyn Grey, a man who was raised by wolves after being orphaned. Weylyn’s story is told through the perspectives of those who have encountered him throughout the years.
He possesses supernatural abilities, which he developed during his time surviving in nature. Despite being a work of fantasy, Lang’s novel is well-written and captivating, making it an enjoyable read even for those who typically do not enjoy the genre.
A Girl of the Limberlost
A Girl of the Limberlost is a classic book written by Gene Stratton-Porter in 1909. The story is a sequel to the 1904 book Freckles and features Elnora as the main character. Elnora struggles with her mother and school but finds solace in an eastern Indiana swamp where she meets a boy who shares her love of nature. She discovers a way to turn her love of nature into funding for the education she craves.
The book is rated as appropriate for 3rd grade and up, making it a great read-aloud option for upper elementary or middle school kids. As of 8/24/22, the book is available for free on Kindle.
The Snow Child
In “The Snow Child,” Jack and Mabel, new to the Alaskan lifestyle, build a child out of snow during the first snowfall of the year. The next morning, they find that the snow child is gone, but they spot a young girl, Faina, running through the trees. The book explores Jack and Mabel’s relationship with Faina and her past.
This Pulitzer Prize finalist is a page-turner that keeps readers guessing what is real and what is not. The emotional story tugs at readers’ heartstrings throughout and would be an excellent pick for book clubs to read during the winter. Overall, “The Snow Child” transports readers to the demanding environment of 1920s Alaska and tells a captivating story of love, loss, and hope.
The Scent Keeper
In the novel, “The Scent Keeper,” Emmeline and her father live on a remote island in British Columbia where her father teaches her the art of smelling. Emmeline’s sense of smell is used for practical purposes like hunting and for preserving memories.
The book is a coming-of-age story that is often compared to the popular novel “Where the Crawdads Sing” due to the significant role that nature plays throughout the story. “The Scent Keeper” is included with Kindle Unlimited as of August 24, 2022.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” is a novel by Kim Michele Richardson based on the true story of Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project and the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. The story follows the life of Cussy Mary Carter, a traveling librarian who faces prejudice due to her blue skin and outsider status every time she visits a town.
Despite this, Cussy has a huge heart and is passionate about bringing books to Appalachia. The book takes readers on a journey through the mountains as Cussy navigates the challenges of her job and her personal life.
According to “The Book Girls,” there is also a sequel to this novel called “The Book Woman’s Daughter.” In 2022, the real Troublesome Creek experienced flooding that destroyed many homes, businesses, and libraries. The author, Kim Michele Richardson, has information on how to help those affected by the flood.
The Language of Flowers
Victoria Jones, the protagonist in the novel “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, has a deep connection with flowers and their meanings. Each flower has a unique language that can convey a range of emotions and messages. In Victorian times, the language of flowers was used to express feelings that could not be spoken aloud. Victoria has a gift for using flowers to help others, and she uses her knowledge of their meanings to create bouquets that convey specific messages. For example, yellow roses symbolize friendship, while red roses represent love. The language of flowers is a fascinating way to communicate without words.
| Flower | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lily | Purity |
| Daisy | Innocence |
| Iris | Faith |
| Sunflower | Adoration |
| Carnation | Fascination |
| Orchid | Beauty |
| Chrysanthemum | Loyalty |
| Tulip | Declaration of love |
| Violet | Modesty |
| Rose | Love, friendship, gratitude |
Using the language of flowers can add a special touch to any occasion, from weddings to funerals. It is a timeless way to convey emotions and messages that will never go out of style.
The Girl with the Louding Voice
The Girl with the Louding Voice, written by Abi Dare, is a novel set in Nigeria that tells the story of Adunni, a young girl who dreams of getting an education. Adunni’s journey is full of obstacles, but she never gives up in her pursuit of knowledge.
The book has been compared to Where the Crawdads Sing due to the similarities in the characters’ determination and strength in the face of adversity. The Book Girls both rated it 5 stars and expressed their hope for a sequel.
The Tilted World
In the novel set in 1927, “The Tilted World” by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly, two federal agents investigate the disappearance of two other agents who were chasing a bootlegger in Hobnob, Mississippi.
During their investigation, they stumble upon an abandoned baby boy at a crime scene. Agent Ingersoll becomes determined to find a good home for the orphaned child. However, their search for the bootleggers and a home for the baby boy is compounded by the rising banks of the Mississippi River, which threatens the town.
Similar to “Where the Crawdads Sing,” the characters and environment in “The Tilted World” evoke a historical mystery that captivates the reader. Additionally, other works by Tom Franklin, such as “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter” and “Hell at the Breech,” evoke similar feelings as “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
If the Creek Don’t Rise
If the Creek Don’t Rise is a novel written by Leah Weiss, which takes place in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. The book explores the struggles of the local people, which are similar to those faced by Kya in the low country.
The story revolves around Sadie Blue, who realizes that her marriage is a mistake but feels trapped until a stranger arrives in town. Some readers may initially find the local dialect distracting or challenging, but many become absorbed in the story and find it difficult to put down.
This Tender Land
This Tender Land is a novel by William Kent Kruger, set in the era of the Great Depression. The story revolves around four orphans who have escaped from the abusive Lincoln Indian Training School. They embark on a journey down the river, struggling to survive in the wilderness while being chased by the school.
Along the way, they encounter strangers and have to make difficult decisions about whom to trust. The book is a blend of adventure and emotion and is often compared to Huckleberry Finn. This Tender Land has received numerous positive reviews, with readers praising its captivating story and well-crafted characters.
Cormorant Lake
Cormorant Lake is a story of a woman named Evelyn Van Pelt, who decides to take her underfed and neglected roommate’s daughters to Cormorant Lake, where she grew up. The story revolves around motherhood, guilt, and coming back to the place where she left 14 years ago.
Evelyn turns to two women from her past, her foster mom, and biological mother, for guidance. The lake holds past tragedy, but it also represents a place of healing and redemption for Evelyn and the young girls.
The Moonshiner’s Daughter
In the novel, “The Moonshiner’s Daughter” by Donna Everhart, Jessie is a 16-year-old girl who wants nothing to do with her family’s moonshine business. She believes that it is responsible for her mother’s death when she was just four years old.
Jessie’s search for the truth about her mother’s death leads her to develop an eating disorder as a way to gain control over her life. When she comes up with a plan to eliminate the moonshine stills, it unintentionally reignites old rivalries and grudges. Through Jessie’s story, the novel explores themes of family legacy, truth-seeking, and the consequences of trying to take control.
Where the Forest Meets the Stars
In the novel, “Where the Forest Meets the Stars,” Joanna Teale, a graduate student studying nesting birds, finds herself distracted from her mother’s loss and her own battle with breast cancer when a young girl named Ursa appears on her doorstep.
Ursa claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles, but provides no further information about herself. Concerned about the girl’s bruises, Joanna allows Ursa to stay with her while she tries to uncover the mystery of the girl’s origins.
As the summer progresses, the miracles Ursa spoke of begin to occur, but as the fifth and final miracle approaches, Ursa’s troubled past also draws closer. Joanna enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor to help solve the mystery of where Ursa came from and the secrets she holds.
Readers can expect a heartwarming and poignant story of love, loss, and the unexpected connections that can form in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
Educated
In her memoir, Tara Westover recounts her upbringing in an isolated community of survivalists in Idaho, where formal education was not a priority. Despite this, she was able to gain admission to Brigham Young University at age 17, and eventually earned a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
Westover’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative potential of education, even in the face of significant obstacles.
Ordinary Grace
Ordinary Grace, written by William Kent Krueger, is a novel that tells the story of Frank, a 13-year-old boy living in Minnesota in 1961. The book is a blend of mystery and coming-of-age genres, with Frank being forced to mature quickly after a town tragedy.
The story is narrated by Frank himself as an adult, looking back on his life. The novel’s moving storytelling style is similar to that of Beartown, and it shares similarities with Crawdads as well.
Prodigal Summer
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver is a novel that takes place in southern Appalachia and is often described as a hymn to the wilderness. The story is set over one summer and follows the lives of three characters whose stories intertwine.
Deanna Wolfe is a wildlife biologist who is determined to save a family of coyotes. Lusa Maluf Landowski is a young widow and scientist who is obsessed with insects. Nannie Land Rawley is a 70-year-old apple grower. Each character faces challenges with the land and relationships, and their stories merge into one by the end of the summer.
Call Your Daughter Home
“Call Your Daughter Home” is a historical fiction novel set in South Carolina in 1924, which explores the themes of motherhood and womanhood. The book revolves around three women who find themselves at a crossroad: Gertrude, Retta, and Annie. Gertrude, a mother of four, is faced with a difficult decision to save her daughters. Retta, a first-generation freed slave, comes to Gertrude’s aid, and Annie, the matriarch of the influential Coles family, offers Gertrude a job.
Despite their differences, the three women come together to fight against the injustices plaguing their small town. The book is a timeless story about the strength of family, community, and the power of motherhood. Through the characters’ struggles, readers are reminded of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for what is right.
Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss
Late Migrations is a collection of short essays by Margaret Renkl that offers insightful observations on the natural world and its creatures. The book also delves into the cycles of joy and grief that everyone experiences throughout life.
Renkl’s writing style is reminiscent of Kya’s in Crawdads, making it an excellent choice for fans of the novel. For those who enjoy books with child protagonists, a list of recommendations is available, while readers who prefer teenage main characters can also find a comprehensive list of books.
Late Migrations is a highly-rated book that offers a unique perspective on the natural world and human emotions.
Magic Hour
Magic Hour is a novel by Kristin Hannah, who is also the author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone. The story takes place in the Pacific Northwest, where a 6-year-old girl named Alice is found alone in the forest, unable to speak.
A child psychiatrist makes it her mission to uncover the truth about Alice’s past and help her heal, in hopes of giving her a brighter future. The book explores themes of trauma, healing, and the power of human connection.
The Marsh King’s Daughter
“The Marsh King’s Daughter” is a novel by Karen Dionne that takes place in the marshlands of upper Michigan. The story follows Helena Pelletier, who was raised by her criminal father as a survivalist.
Helena’s mother was kidnapped as a teenager and hidden away in a cabin deep in the marsh. Two years later, Helena was born. Despite her father’s brutality, she loved her home and him until one day when his behavior became unbearable. Twenty years later, her father escapes from prison and disappears into the marsh. Helena is the only person with a chance to find him.
Summary
Readers who enjoyed the atmospheric setting and coming-of-age story of “Where the Crawdads Sing” may also enjoy other books with similar themes and settings. Some recommended titles include “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah, “The Marsh King’s Daughter” by Karen Dionne, and “The Water Will Come” by Jeff Goodell. These books offer compelling characters, beautiful descriptions of nature, and thought-provoking themes.