100 books like Dear Mothman

By Robin Gow,

Here are 100 books that Dear Mothman fans have personally recommended if you like Dear Mothman. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Jumbies

Stephanie Willing Author Of West of the Sea

From my list on where the magic and monsters are real.

Why am I passionate about this?

I think any kid wishes they could save their parent, or a loved one, from suffering. I know I did. When I was a pre-teen, my mom began to withdraw from friendships, church, and community, and she took me and my siblings with her. Her moods were unstable, and sometimes I blamed myself, and other times I just tried to keep her happy. I grew up inside her fairytale, until as an adult, I could recognize the signs of mental illness. I found myself wishing there was a magical reason she was the way she was. All the books on this list are linked by the fantastical way they explore family grief, isolation, and hope. 

Stephanie's book list on where the magic and monsters are real

Stephanie Willing Why did Stephanie love this book?

This middle-grade horror novel follows Corinne, a courageous girl who isn’t afraid to go into the forest she’s been warned about, but when she does, something evil follows her back out.

The jumbies of Caribbean folklore are malevolent tricksters, and there is one image from this book that I will never, ever get out of my head. I’m not going to tell you what it is! But it’s toward the end and has to do with the douens and backward feet. It’s a great spooky read, but I really love how the heart of the story is rooted in loss, memory, and trying to save a parent. And not for nothing, it’ll make you crave oranges! 

By Tracey Baptiste,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Jumbies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Corinne La Mer isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They're just tricksters parents make up to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest. Those shining yellow eyes that followed her to the edge of the trees, they couldn't belong to a jumbie. Or could they? When Corinne spots a beautiful stranger speaking to the town witch at the market the next day, she knows something unexpected is about to happen. And when this same beauty, called Severine, turns up at…


Book cover of Rules for Stealing Stars

Stephanie Willing Author Of West of the Sea

From my list on where the magic and monsters are real.

Why am I passionate about this?

I think any kid wishes they could save their parent, or a loved one, from suffering. I know I did. When I was a pre-teen, my mom began to withdraw from friendships, church, and community, and she took me and my siblings with her. Her moods were unstable, and sometimes I blamed myself, and other times I just tried to keep her happy. I grew up inside her fairytale, until as an adult, I could recognize the signs of mental illness. I found myself wishing there was a magical reason she was the way she was. All the books on this list are linked by the fantastical way they explore family grief, isolation, and hope. 

Stephanie's book list on where the magic and monsters are real

Stephanie Willing Why did Stephanie love this book?

When I think about magical books that talk about real-world stuff, my first thought is this incredible retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses that examines (through a magical lens) the toll of parental alcoholism.

Four sisters all have different ways of coping with the dysfunction caused by their mother’s alcoholism, but together they escape into magical worlds through their house’s closets. The youngest sister, Silly, has been left out for a long time, but she makes their magic stronger once her sisters finally let her join them.

The metaphors are so rich here—the escapism, the secrets and shadows hidden in family closets, and the seemingly perfect but oblivious dad—that this story goes beyond fairytale and becomes personal myth. I love it so much. It’s gorgeous.

By Corey Ann Haydu,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Rules for Stealing Stars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the tradition of Sharon Creech and Wendy Mass, Corey Ann Haydu's sparkling middle grade debut is a sister story with a twist of magic, a swirl of darkness, and a whole lot of hope. Silly is used to feeling left out. Her three older sisters think she's too little for most things-especially when it comes to dealing with their mother's unpredictable moods and outbursts. This summer, Silly feels more alone than ever when her sisters keep whispering and sneaking away to their rooms together, returning with signs that something mysterious is afoot: sporting sunburned cheeks smudged with glitter and…


Book cover of The Year We Fell from Space

Stephanie Willing Author Of West of the Sea

From my list on where the magic and monsters are real.

Why am I passionate about this?

I think any kid wishes they could save their parent, or a loved one, from suffering. I know I did. When I was a pre-teen, my mom began to withdraw from friendships, church, and community, and she took me and my siblings with her. Her moods were unstable, and sometimes I blamed myself, and other times I just tried to keep her happy. I grew up inside her fairytale, until as an adult, I could recognize the signs of mental illness. I found myself wishing there was a magical reason she was the way she was. All the books on this list are linked by the fantastical way they explore family grief, isolation, and hope. 

Stephanie's book list on where the magic and monsters are real

Stephanie Willing Why did Stephanie love this book?

My favorite thing about this book is the way Liberty creates her own constellations, called star maps, out of the sky. She finds stories and meaning in them and charts them herself.

This love for space is something she shares with her dad, who is deeply depressed, and who has recently moved out. When she witnesses a meteorite fall to earth, she lugs it back to her room and begins to talk to it. Is it really a meteorite? Does it talk back? Is Liberty depressed too? The uncertainty deftly reflects the confusion Liberty feels about her parents’ divorce. 

Full disclosure, I narrated this one (which is how I was introduced to it), and I had to pause my recording lots of times to get through it without crying. 

By Amy Sarig King,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Year We Fell from Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The deeply affecting next book from acclaimed author Amy Sarig King.

Liberty Johansen is going to change the way we look at the night sky. Most people see the old constellations, the things they've been told to see. But Liberty sees new patterns, pictures, and possibilities. She's an exception.Some other exceptions:Her dad, who gave her the stars. Who moved out months ago and hasn't talked to her since.Her mom, who's happier since he left, even though everyone thinks she should be sad and lonely.And her sister, who won't go outside their house.Liberty feels like her whole world is falling from…


Book cover of The Queen of the Damned

T.L. Sturgis Author Of Flirting with Darkness

From my list on paranormal stories that takes a new a fresh approach.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Tyeshia Sturgis, aka T. L. Sturgis. I’m an American author of horror, thriller, and fantasy. In the fantasy genre, I wanted to write something that I enjoyed reading about, and who doesn't like vampires right? My passion came from both newer and older authors and I wanted to write my vampire series but with a new world. Through hard work and dedication, I believe that I've accomplished just that. I knew it would be a challenge… but it helped me become a better writer. I write/read 6-8 hours a day and love what I do and also help mentor other authors and try to motivate people to read and write more. 

T.L.'s book list on paranormal stories that takes a new a fresh approach

T.L. Sturgis Why did T.L. love this book?

Yes, I'm recommending the same author and another book in the series but I had to. I have a thing for badass female vampires. This book gave me just that. Anne Rice is by far my greatest writer when it comes to vampires. The way she describes things puts you inside the character's minds and the way they feel. It’s seductive and spicy. Another book part of a series that will have you wanting more. Love, horror, and suspense. Again this is another book that had me feeling emotional. I even caught myself yelling at the characters (as if they could hear me). Outstanding book and series altogether and I highly recommend it. Rest in peace Anne Rice, you are truly missed.

By Anne Rice,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Queen of the Damned as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

***The Vampire Chronicles is soon to be a major TV show***

After 6,000 years of horrifying stillness, Akasha, mother of all vampires and Queen of the Damned, has risen from her sleep to let loose the powers of the night.

But her monstrous plan for ruling the worlds of the living and the undead must be stopped before she destroys mankind, and it falls to the vampire Lestat to fight her all-encompassing evil - for it is he who challenged her power by waking her from sleep.

Also in the Vampire Chronicles:
Interview with the Vampire
The Vampire Lestat
The…


Book cover of Mothman: Behind the Red Eyes

Nicole Cushing Author Of Mothwoman

From my list on paranormal investigation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a weirdo, so of course I’m attracted to the idea that the universe may be weird, too. I like the idea that the universe is able to hold itself together ninety-nine percent of the time, but every once in a while it just has to let its freak flag fly. Even if paranormal experiences are nothing more than waking dreams, they may still be worth our attention (the same as any dream). Even if such experiences aren’t objectively “real”, they’re subjectively fascinating. I love exploring the line between reality and unreality. Like Fort, I don’t believe it to be as cut and dry as mainstream science would have us believe.

Nicole's book list on paranormal investigation

Nicole Cushing Why did Nicole love this book?

While many readers would cite John Keel’s The Mothman Prophecies as the definitive account of the late ‘60s cryptid sightings in West Virginia, I have a strong preference for Wamsley’s books on the subject. He has reprinted vintage newspaper articles (yes, Mothman sightings were the subject of mainstream local news articles back in the day). He also publishes transcripts of his interviews with witnesses, and photographs of these witnesses. You get to see them and read their accounts, in their own words. They sound credible.

He also makes sure to reprint news articles that offer natural explanations for the sightings. (Was the Mothman just an oversized bird, the sandhill crane? A giant owl? Experimental weather balloons released by a high school science club?) 

Good stuff!

By Jeff Wamsley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mothman as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Look deeper into the mystery of the Mothman legacy with the most extensive collection of data ever assembled. Research materials include: Firsthand eyewitness accounts, Rare documents and press archives, UFO/Men in Black encounters, Silver Bridge disaster, TNT Area archives, Illustrations, maps, and photos.

"Mothman goes under the microscope as Jeff Wamsley continues to dig for more clues to this complex mystery.ᅠ A required investigative resource for those who are searching for answers." - John A. Keel, Author, The Mothman Prophecies.

"More riveting than ever! Once again Jeff Wamsley has put together the definitive, absolutely must-have book on one of the…


Book cover of Transmutation: Stories

Tiffany Tsao Author Of The Majesties

From my list on riddles, wrapped in a mystery, inside an engima.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I started writing The Majesties, I wanted the narrative to be a continual excavation of secrets, one after the other. This sort of multi-layered story has always intrigued me and my fascination with it has influenced all my written work so far. I am particularly fascinated by books where characters unconsciously keep secrets from themselves, and where the line between the “real” and the fantastic is blurred beyond recognition. Sometimes it’s not just about solving a mystery, but articulating its mysteriousness—giving it flesh and bone, stitching its parts together, and bringing it to life through words.

Tiffany's book list on riddles, wrapped in a mystery, inside an engima

Tiffany Tsao Why did Tiffany love this book?

I picked up Transmutation when it was very difficult for any book to hold my interest—during the constant low-level depression that colored the seemingly endless extended lockdown in Sydney in 2021. It held me spellbound. I had an inkling it would: I adored DiFrancesco’s earlier work, Psychopomps, which I read in 2019. The stories of Transmutation are electric and warm and sad. Like the other stories and novels on this list, they never fully answered my questions, never wrapped anything up in a neat bow. They left me immensely satisfied.

By Alex Difrancesco,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Transmutation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Transgressive, transformative short stories that explore the margins of trans lives.

Building on the success of All City, here is a wry, and at the same time dark and risk-taking, story collection from author (and baker) Alex DiFrancesco that pushes the boundaries of transgender awareness and filial bonds. Here is the hate between 16-year-old Junie, who is transitioning, and their mom's boyfriend Chad when the family moves into Chad's house on Lake Erie. And here is the love being tested between Sawyer and his dad, who named his boat after his child and resists changing it from Sara to Sawyer…


Book cover of Fierce Femmes And Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl's Confabulous Memoir

Alyssa Gonzalez Author Of Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity: A More Than Two Essentials Guide

From my list on neurodiversity and relationships.

Why am I passionate about this?

Relationships are treacherous terrain for people outside the mainstream. Whether we’re tangling with the unwelcome biases of those who do not understand us or trying to navigate situations designed without us in mind, trying to find “our people” is tricky and often exhausting. I am an autistic polyamorous sapphic trans woman and each of those adjectives adds a layer of challenge to the life I have to lead. I am also the holder of a doctorate and like to think I’m pretty clever. Between these realities, I’ve found books about relationships, neurodivergence, and what it’s like to be someone like me that I think do a pretty good job. I hope you enjoy them.

Alyssa's book list on neurodiversity and relationships

Alyssa Gonzalez Why did Alyssa love this book?

Neurodivergence, queerness, and the power of spreading love far and wide will find few more apt combinations than in Kai Cheng Thom’s magical-realist faux-memoir, Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars.

This surreal, poignant piece of fiction hits so many notes that resonate for people like us that it is difficult to list them all.

In its violent and sometimes confusing splendor, one finds a story of someone finding the people who will love her through the pain of a world that neither understands nor respects our difference, and in the end, what more could we want than that?

By Kai Cheng Thom,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Fierce Femmes And Notorious Liars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Fiction. LGBTQIA Studies. Asian and Asian American Studies. Young Adult. FIERCE FEMMES AND NOTORIOUS LIARS: A DANGEROUS TRANS GIRL'S CONFABULOUS MEMOIR is the highly sensational, ultra-exciting, sort-of true coming-of-age story of a young Asian trans girl, pathological liar, and kung-fu expert who runs away from her parents' abusive home in a rainy city called Gloom. Striking off on her own, she finds her true family in a group of larger-than-life trans femmes who live in a mysterious pleasure district known only as the Street of Miracles. Under the wings of this fierce and fabulous flock, the protagonist blossoms into the…


Book cover of Trans Voices: Becoming Who You Are

Philippa Ryder Author Of My Name Is Philippa

From my list on our lives in public: personal stories and memoirs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I had so many questions as I grew up. Why was I so different to other boys. Then, some 20 years ago, I started to find and talk to others like me. I realised I was transgender, ‘born in the wrong body’ as the saying goes. From that point on I began to work for the LGBTQ+ community as I also negotiated the personal and difficult path of transitioning from male to female. My passion for activism continues to this day, shown in my role as Chair of Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride and delivering workshops, presentations, and lectures to multinational companies and government bodies where I encourage everyone to see the beauty in diversity.

Philippa's book list on our lives in public: personal stories and memoirs

Philippa Ryder Why did Philippa love this book?

I loved this book! The author has interviewed lots of trans people and has nicely captured the diversity of the different expressions of gender which is such an important part of being transgender. It covers all aspects of transitioning such as hormones, surgeries, coming out, sex and sexuality, and other areas.

The challenges faced by the trans community are also covered, from transphobia, discrimination, and hate crime to accessing vital health care. Declan Henry has provided valuable insights and lessons for the LGBTQ+ community and all who wish to be an ally to the trans community.

By Declan Henry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trans Voices as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bronze Winner for the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards in the category of Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Non-Fiction

Foregrounding the voices of transgender and non-binary people, this honest and insightful book is a compilation of the voices of those who have decided to undergo transition - both male-to-female and female-to-male. Drawing on over one hundred interviews with individuals, the book details the diverse experiences and challenges faced by those who transition, exploring a range of topics such as hormone treatments; reassignment surgeries; coming out; sex and sexuality; physical, emotional and mental health; transphobia; discrimination; and hate crime, as well as highlighting the lives…


Book cover of A Civil Campaign

Elizabeth Zelvin Author Of Voyage of Strangers

From my list on featuring characters you fall in love with.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always fallen in love with endearing characters. I want to go home with them. For me, the best characters are as real as any other friends. So many good books start with an idyllic situation. Say, a family or group of friends who have strong bonds. Then, someone is killed, or war breaks out. The idyll is smashed so the adventure can begin. I  also like the outsider perspective. The characters have to fight the powers that be. They must have a moral compass. Integrity. Why? I’m a Jewish woman. I was a Girl Scout in the Peace Corps, a poet, a social worker, and a therapist. 

Elizabeth's book list on featuring characters you fall in love with

Elizabeth Zelvin Why did Elizabeth love this book?

I love not only the main characters in this book, Miles and Ekaterin, but almost all the characters. It’s space opera crossed with comedy of manners. Miles is courting Ekaterin, and being too smart for his own good, he treats it like a military campaign.

I laugh till I cry every time I read the funniest scenes. These people are all so real and so appealing that I want to go home with them. I want to sit down to dinner with Count and Countess Vorkosigan and the Koudelkas and their four daughters. I want to listen when Miles’s parents give him wise and witty advice and when he spirals out of control with his own particular genius. I’d love to be Ekaterin’s friend.

By Lois McMaster Bujold,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Civil Campaign as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

ONE CUNNING PLAN TOO MANY. . . ?
It's spring in Vorbarr Sultana, and a young person's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love . . . money . . . bio-genetics . . . love . . . lack of money . . . incompat


Book cover of The Jumbies
Book cover of Rules for Stealing Stars
Book cover of Breadcrumbs

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