If you grew up hearing stories about Baba Yaga, you probably remember her as the terrifying witch who lives in a house that stands on giant chicken legs and eats children. Sophie Anderson takes that myth and flips it on its head.

In this version, the "witch" is actually a Guardian. Marinka, our 12-year-old protagonist, lives with her grandmother, Baba, in a house that literally gets up and moves to a new location every few nights. Their job? To guide the spirits of the dead through "The Gate" and back to the stars.

The problem is that Marinka is lonely. She wants a friend who isn't dead. She wants to stay in one place long enough to actually know someone. She wants a life that doesn't involve being a "Guardian" of the deceased. It’s a classic "coming of age" story wrapped in a magical, Slavic-folklore-infused package.

Middle school is that weird transitional phase where kids are starting to realize that their parents are actual people with their own flaws, and that the "path" laid out for them might not be the one they want to walk.

Marinka’s struggle is incredibly relatable to a 10-year-old, even if they don't live in a house with legs. She’s dealing with:

Ask our chatbot about other books featuring strong-willed protagonists

We talk a lot about "digital wellness" and "brain rot" (looking at you, YouTube), but part of a healthy media diet is introducing stories that actually demand emotional labor.

The House with Chicken Legs doesn't shy away from the reality of death. It treats it as a natural, albeit sad, part of life. In an era where kids are often shielded from the "heavy stuff" until it hits them out of nowhere, this book provides a safe, metaphorical space to explore what it means to lose someone and what happens after we're gone.

It’s also a fantastic antidote to the "instant gratification" culture of apps like TikTok or Roblox. The pacing is deliberate, the atmosphere is thick, and it requires the reader to sit with uncomfortable feelings of loneliness and longing.

If your kid finishes this and is craving more of that "magical realism meets deep emotions" vibe, here are the top picks we recommend:

This is the gold standard for middle-grade fantasy. It deals with a "witch" in the woods, a swamp monster, and a dragon, but at its heart, it’s about how stories—and secrets—can shape a community. It’s poetic and beautiful.

If the idea of a sentient, moving house was the big draw, you have to watch the Studio Ghibli classic. It’s visually stunning and captures that same sense of "found family" and magical whimsy.

If your child liked the "living with the dead" aspect, this is a must-read. It’s about a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard. It’s slightly spookier than The House with Chicken Legs, but carries a similar weight regarding life and death.

For the kid who was more interested in the "changing your destiny" and "social justice" undertones, this Thai-inspired reimagining of Les Misérables is phenomenal.

Check out our full guide on fantasy books for 10-12 year olds

Recommended Ages: 9-12

Safety Considerations: There is no "inappropriate" content in the traditional sense—no profanity, no sexual content. However, there is significant emotional weight. The book deals with the passing of a loved one and the concept of "The Gate" to the afterlife. If your family has recently experienced a loss, this book could be either very healing or a bit too "close to home." Read the room (and maybe the first few chapters) before handing it over.

Let’s be real: Marinka can be annoying. She makes choices that will make you want to reach into the book and ground her. She lies to her grandmother, she puts people in danger, and she’s often driven by pure teenage angst.

But that’s actually why the book is good.

Too many children’s books feature kids who are "wise beyond their years" and always do the right thing. Marinka is a mess, and that’s a great talking point for parents. You can ask your kid, "Why do you think she did that?" or "Do you think there was a better way to get what she wanted?"

Also, the ending isn't a perfect, tied-with-a-bow Disney finale. It’s bittersweet. It’s about compromise and finding a "middle way" between tradition and independence.

Learn more about why we recommend "messy" protagonists for middle schoolers

If you’re looking to turn this into a "car ride conversation," try these prompts:

The House with Chicken Legs is a top-tier choice for parents who want to move their kids away from "junk food" media and into something with more substance. It’s a 10/10 on the "Screenwise Score" for emotional intelligence and cultural richness.

It’s not just a "book about a witch." It’s a book about the universal struggle to grow up without losing where you came from.

Ask our chatbot for a personalized reading list based on your child's favorite games