If you enjoy reading books by Angie Thomas then you might also like the following authors:
Nic Stone writes stories that feel real and hit hard. Her book, “Dear Martin,” follows a high-achieving Black teenager named Justyce as he writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., trying to make sense of his experiences with racism and injustice.
One scene early on shows how a simple act of kindness lands Justyce in handcuffs, setting the tone for the challenges he faces throughout the story. Stone creates characters and moments that linger in your mind.
If you liked “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, there’s a good chance you’ll connect with this too.
Jason Reynolds is an author who crafts stories with heart and honesty. His book “Long Way Down” follows a boy named Will, who steps into an elevator with a gun in his waistband. His brother has been killed, and Will is set on revenge.
But as the elevator stops on each floor, someone from his past gets on, forcing him to face memories and hard truths. The entire book is written in verse, which makes it so raw and immediate. It’s a powerful look at grief, choices, and the weight of family and history.
Elizabeth Acevedo is a writer who brings vivid emotion and honesty to her stories. One of her books, “The Poet X,” follows Xiomara, a Dominican teen growing up in Harlem. Xiomara finds herself feeling unheard and out of place, so she pours her thoughts into poetry.
Her words become her way of grappling with family expectations, faith, and her own desires. The book reads like a personal diary, offering a glimpse into her struggles and triumphs. Acevedo’s writing makes Xiomara’s voice strong and unforgettable.
Tiffany D. Jackson is an author known for writing stories that explore real-world issues through impactful characters. Her book “Monday’s Not Coming” focuses on Claudia, a girl who realizes her best friend Monday has vanished.
No one seems to notice or care, including the authorities. Claudia is left to figure out what happened, uncovering secrets and truths along the way.
Jackson weaves a story that feels raw and pulls readers into the emotions of her characters while tackling topics that stay with you long after you finish.
Ibi Zoboi is an author who writes stories with heart and a deep sense of connection to culture and identity. Her book “Pride” is a modern retelling of “Pride and Prejudice” set in a Brooklyn neighborhood.
It follows Zuri Benitez, a girl fiercely protective of her community as it faces gentrification. Things get complicated when the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, and Zuri finds herself at odds with their arrogant son, Darius.
The story weaves together romance and family with a focus on what it means to feel at home.
Renée Watson writes stories that feel real and heartfelt. Her book, “Piecing Me Together,” follows Jade, a teen navigating life as a Black girl in a mostly white private school.
She’s smart and ambitious but feels like she’s constantly being offered things that make her feel like a project instead of a person. The story explores her journey as she learns to find her voice, make meaningful connections, and define success for herself.
Watson captures everyday struggles that feel honest and relatable.
Brandy Colbert writes stories that feel honest and true, often focusing on young Black characters as they navigate tough situations and relationships. Her book “The Only Black Girls in Town” follows Alberta, a middle schooler living in a mostly white California beach town.
When a new Black girl named Edie moves in across the street, they form a friendship and uncover hidden family secrets after finding old journals in Edie’s attic.
It’s a story about friendship, identity, and uncovering the past in a way that reveals the connections between people.
Nicola Yoon is an author known for heartfelt stories about love and identity. Her book “Everything, Everything” follows Maddy, a girl with a rare illness that keeps her confined to her home. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Olly, the boy next door.
Their connection grows through messages and sneaky moments, pushing Maddy to question the limits of her sheltered world. It’s a story that explores risk, love, and self-discovery, with twists that keep readers hooked until the end.
Dhonielle Clayton writes stories that stick with you. Her book “The Belles” takes you to a world where beauty is everything, and only a select few can control it.
Camellia, the main character, wants to be the best Belle in the kingdom, but she quickly learns the price of power and perfection. With court politics and dark secrets, the story keeps you hooked.
If you like Angie Thomas, you might enjoy how Clayton creates vivid worlds and strong characters facing tough truths.
Jewell Parker Rhodes writes stories that tackle real-world issues through the eyes of young characters. Her book “Ghost Boys” centers on a 12-year-old boy named Jerome, who is killed by a police officer after being mistaken for holding a gun.
As a ghost, Jerome meets other boys from history who suffered similar fates, including Emmett Till. The story follows his journey to understand his death and the prejudice behind it.
It’s a powerful book that explores racism and social justice, but it’s also deeply personal through Jerome’s perspective.
Kim Johnson writes stories that tackle social issues, combining heartfelt characters with thoughtful storytelling. Her book, “This Is My America,” follows Tracy Beaumont, a teenager fighting to save her father from death row while uncovering buried secrets in her community.
The book dives into family, justice, and the lengths someone will go to for the truth. It’s a story that pulls you in with its urgency and emotion.
Lamar Giles is an author known for writing stories that hook readers with vivid characters and intense scenarios. One of his books, “Not So Pure and Simple,” follows Del, a high schooler who joins a purity pledge group at his church to get closer to his longtime crush, Kiera.
What seems like a simple plan turns complicated when Del becomes a voice in conversations about relationships, sex, and expectations. The story mixes humor and heartfelt moments while tackling serious issues teenagers navigate.
If you enjoy real and relatable characters, this one’s worth checking out.
Erika L. Sánchez is a Mexican-American author who writes with honesty and heart. Her novel, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” follows Julia, a teenager navigating her family’s high expectations after her sister dies.
As Julia struggles with secrets about her sister, she begins to question the life she thought she knew. The story explores family, identity, and finding your voice. Fans of Angie Thomas might appreciate the depth and emotion Sánchez brings to her characters.
Ashley Woodfolk writes stories that feel heartfelt and honest. One of her books, “The Beauty That Remains,” explores how grief connects three teenagers who are each dealing with loss. Autumn loses her best friend, Logan loses his ex-boyfriend, and Shay loses her twin sister.
The characters are tied together through music and shared pain as they try to heal. The book shines a light on love and friendship in the hardest moments, offering comfort through each of the characters’ journeys.
Fans of Angie Thomas, especially those who like emotional depth, might really enjoy Woodfolk’s style.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author known for his heartfelt stories that often explore identity and relationships.
One of his best-known books, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” follows two boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they form a deep and life-changing friendship.
Set in the 1980s, the book touches on family bonds, personal growth, and the quiet moments that shape who we are. The story has a thoughtful, emotional tone, making it a great read for those who enjoy stories with honest, impactful characters.