Books like Deep and Dark and Dangerous

If you liked Deep and Dark and Dangerous, read Because of Winn-Dixie, Ruby Holler, or Stolen Children — the closest matches in our database, matched on shared award lists and reading level.

Looking for books like Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn? The 10 titles below are the closest matches in the ReadingList database — each scored on shared themes, shared award lists, genre, and reading level, and each linked to the curricula, states, and grades where it’s assigned, with primary sources.

These are reading-level matches, not just topical ones — so the picks stay grade-appropriate for a grades 4–6 reader. See how we judge text difficulty on our methodology page.

10 books similar to Deep and Dark and Dangerous

Reading the whole similar-books list? Kids who struggle with the print versions often finish the assigned books by listening.

Listen free on Audible30-day trial

New members only · many assigned titles are included with the membership. As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases and membership trials at no extra cost to you.

Why each is a match

Amazon links below are affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Because of Winn-Dixie610L
Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+2 more shared lists), overlapping grades (3–5), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
Ruby Hollergrades 3–5
Both on the Land of Enchantment Book Award list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (3–5), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
Stolen Childrengrades 4–6
Both on the Land of Enchantment Book Award list (+4 more shared lists), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
The City of Embergrades 4–6
Both on the Land of Enchantment Book Award list (+2 more shared lists), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
The Hunger Games810L
Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+2 more shared lists), overlapping grades (6–9), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)740L
Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+4 more shared lists), overlapping grades (4–7), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulanegrades 3–6
Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (3–6), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
The Sea of Monstersgrades 4–6
Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
The Tale of Despereaux670L
Both on the Land of Enchantment Book Award list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (3–6), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroomgrades 4–6
Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+4 more shared lists), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →

Books like Deep and Dark and Dangerous for elementary readers (grades 3–5)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 3–5— same scoring, different audience.

  • Wenny Has Wings by Janet Lee Carey · grades 4–6 — Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2000s).
  • A Million Ways Home by Dianna Dorisi-Winget · grades 4–6 — Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen · grades 5–8 — Both on the Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (5–8).
  • Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea · grades 3–5 — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+2 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (3–5).
  • Blended by Sharon M. Draper · 610L — Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (3–7).

Books like Deep and Dark and Dangerous for middle school (grades 6–8)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 6–8— same scoring, different audience.

  • Wenny Has Wings by Janet Lee Carey · grades 4–6 — Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2000s).
  • A Million Ways Home by Dianna Dorisi-Winget · grades 4–6 — Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen · grades 5–8 — Both on the Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (5–8).
  • Blended by Sharon M. Draper · 610L — Both on the Mark Twain Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (3–7).
  • Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick · grades 6–9 — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (6–9).

Books like Deep and Dark and Dangerous for high school & teens (grades 9–12)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 9–12— same scoring, different audience.

  • Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick · grades 6–9 — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (6–9).
  • Refugee by Alan Gratz · 800L — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (5–9).
  • The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen · grades 5–9 — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (5–9).
  • Eragon by Christopher Paolini · grades 6–9 — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list, overlapping grades (6–9), and the same era (2000s).
  • Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli · grades 6–9 — Both on the Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) — formerly the Arizona Young Readers Award list, overlapping grades (6–9), and the same era (2000s).

Book data last updated 2026-07-07. Matches are computed from each book’s cited attributes — see the methodology.

← Back to Deep and Dark and Dangerous