Angie Thomas is acclaimed for her powerful young adult novels. Her bestselling titles such as The Hate U Give and On the Come Up thoughtfully explore social justice issues through unforgettable characters.
If you enjoy reading books by Angie Thomas then you might also like the following authors:
Jason Reynolds writes young adult fiction that gets to the heart of real teen experiences, especially around issues of racial identity, family, and community. His novels feel authentic, with raw emotion and humor woven throughout.
If you enjoyed Angie Thomas, you'll appreciate his novel Long Way Down, a powerful story about grief, revenge, and choices told through striking poetry.
Nic Stone's work is honest, thought-provoking, and sharply relatable, tackling tough topics teens face such as racial injustice, identity struggles, and friendship.
Fans of Angie Thomas' realistic style will find similar connections in Stone's Dear Martin, which follows a young black student coping with racism and violence while trying to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Elizabeth Acevedo combines poetry and prose in her work, creating stories that leap off the page through rhythm, passion, and vivid imagery. She often explores identity, family expectations, and cultural tensions faced by teens of color.
Readers who connect with strong, complex characters like those in Angie Thomas' books will appreciate Acevedo's The Poet X, a powerful coming-of-age novel told in verse.
Tiffany D. Jackson writes intense, suspenseful young adult novels that uncover difficult realities teens face every day. She tackles themes such as trauma, social injustice, and mental health in bold, engaging ways.
For those who admire the gripping realism of Angie Thomas' storytelling, Jackson's Monday's Not Coming offers both an absorbing mystery and powerful commentary on friendship and society’s neglect of vulnerable youth.
Nicola Yoon offers readers heartfelt, emotional stories with relatable teen characters dealing with questions of identity, culture, family, and love. Her narratives thoughtfully explore diversity and belonging in a way Angie Thomas' fans will appreciate.
Yoon's The Sun Is Also a Star weaves themes of immigration, fate, and romance together to create a moving, memorable reading experience.
Ibram X. Kendi writes clearly and thoughtfully about racism, justice, and American society. He explores difficult topics in a straightforward way, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and actions.
His book, Stamped from the Beginning, offers an insightful look at racist ideas throughout American history and their lasting impact.
Kekla Magoon tackles tough subjects like race, identity, and social activism with sincerity and emotional honesty. Her novels give readers characters they can relate to and root for.
In How It Went Down, Magoon presents multiple perspectives on the shooting of an unarmed Black teenager, examining how events impact families, neighborhoods, and communities.
Lamar Giles combines suspenseful storytelling with thoughtful insights about social issues and teen life. His writing is sharp and engaging, often highlighting themes of social inequality and activism.
In his book Spin, Giles weaves a thrilling mystery around a popular musician's death, examining popularity, media pressure, and race through a compelling narrative.
Brandy Colbert creates relatable characters who face complex issues of race, identity, and navigating relationships. Her writing style is raw and real, helping readers connect with the struggles and feelings of her protagonists.
One of her notable works is Little & Lion, where she explores sibling relationships, mental health, and identity in a gentle yet powerful way.
Samira Ahmed writes moving stories about young people grappling with questions about identity, prejudice, family, and standing up against injustice. Her novels blend important social themes with stories about friendship, family pressures, and personal courage.
Her book Internment imagines a near future when Muslim-Americans are placed into camps, exploring both injustice and hope through the eyes of a brave teenage protagonist.
Renée Watson is known for her heartfelt stories focused on Black girlhood, identity, family, and community. Her writing is authentic, emotional, and deeply relatable, often addressing topics like empowerment and social justice.
Her novel Piecing Me Together follows Jade, a young girl navigating issues of race, class, and friendship while pushing toward her own dreams and ambitions.
Ibi Zoboi tells stories rich with cultural perspective, often exploring the immigrant experience, identity, race, and belonging. Zoboi's honest, intelligent writing emphasizes authentic teenage voices.
Her book American Street is a powerful tale of a Haitian teen who must navigate family challenges, cultural differences, and the harsh realities of life in Detroit, exploring the complex intersection of immigrant experiences and Black American identity.
Kim Johnson's storytelling combines mystery with social justice, providing thought-provoking narratives centered around racial injustice and teenage resilience.
In her novel This Is My America, Johnson tells the story of Tracy Beaumont, a determined high school student fighting to free her innocent father from death row, and later compelled to save her brother from false accusations, making this an intense, heartfelt narrative about family, systemic racism, and the power of activism.
Justin A. Reynolds writes engaging, heartfelt novels that weave humor, romance, and emotional depth into relatable coming-of-age stories.
His YA novel Opposite of Always creatively explores love, loss, and second chances through the story of Jack, who experiences a time loop, giving him multiple chances to save the girl he loves, highlighting themes of friendship, compassion, and resilience.
Maureen Goo writes fresh, funny novels often blending romance with relatable family relationships, immigrant experiences, and young adulthood. Her stories frequently explore themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery, featuring bright, witty, and relatable characters.
Her novel I Believe in a Thing Called Love follows Desi, a girl who sparks hilarious misadventures when she models her romantic life on Korean drama tropes, delivering humor, authenticity, and heartfelt connections.