If you grew up reading Ann M. Martin, you probably remember series like *The Baby-Sitters Club*. Her books are known for focus on realistic friendships and the everyday adventures in the lives of young people. Readers connect with characters that feel like real friends.
Her stories explore the ups and downs of school, family, and growing up. If you want to discover other authors with a similar style, writers who understand the world of kids and teenagers, then keep reading.
Books by Beverly Cleary often capture the humor, challenges, and heartfelt moments of childhood friendships and family experiences, similar to the themes Ann M. Martin fans enjoy.
In “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” Cleary introduces readers to Ramona, a spirited young girl figuring out school, family, and friendships. Ramona faces everyday dilemmas, like dealing with an embarrassing classroom incident and navigating the ups and downs of having a new teacher.
Cleary creates relatable, funny, and genuine characters that readers easily grow attached to. Readers familiar with Ann M. Martin’s books about friendship and growing up will find Cleary’s characters warmly familiar and refreshingly authentic.
Readers who enjoy Ann M. Martin’s thoughtful stories about friendship, family, and growing up will likely connect with Judy Blume’s novels. Blume is beloved by readers for her honest and relatable portrayal of childhood and adolescence. Her book “Are You There God?
It’s Me, Margaret” follows Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old girl adjusting to a new town and new friends. Through conversations with God, Margaret navigates the challenges of puberty, fitting in, and finding her own identity.
The story gently captures the awkwardness and humor of early adolescence while exploring deeper themes of faith and personal discovery.
If you enjoy Ann M. Martin’s stories about friendship, family, and young characters facing life’s challenges, you’ll probably also appreciate Gail Carson Levine. Levine writes enchanting books filled with brave characters and plenty of heart.
Her novel “Ella Enchanted” reimagines the traditional Cinderella tale through the story of Ella, a spirited girl cursed with obedience at birth. Ella must find a way to break free of this curse before it forces her into a life she doesn’t want.
The journey she takes includes humorous encounters, magical friendships, and clever twists that keep readers intrigued all the way through.
Books by Jacqueline Wilson often explore family life, friendship, and the joys and struggles of growing up. If you enjoy Ann M. Martin’s stories of heartfelt friendships and relatable characters, you’ll probably connect with Wilson’s “The Story of Tracy Beaker.”
This book follows Tracy, a spirited young girl in foster care who dreams of finding her own happy ending. Tracy faces challenges head-on and narrates her experiences with humor and honesty. Wilson blends serious subjects and lighter moments beautifully.
If you’re drawn to authentic, emotionally rich stories that capture childhood truthfully, Jacqueline Wilson is an author worth discovering.
Paula Danziger was an American author known for warm and humorous books that explore the realistic challenges kids and teens face. Readers who enjoyed the engaging stories and relatable characters of Ann M. Martin may also appreciate Danziger’s approach to storytelling.
One good example is her book “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit.” It follows Marcy Lewis, a funny and honest teen who struggles with low confidence, strict parents, and her own body image.
When her favorite teacher faces trouble at school, Marcy has to find strength she didn’t know she had. This story highlights friendship, courage, and taking risks to support someone you believe in.
Lois Lowry is an author whose heartfelt stories often explore friendship, family, and the challenges young people face. If you’ve enjoyed Ann M. Martin’s relatable characters and emotional depth, Lowry’s novel “Number the Stars” could resonate with you.
This powerful book follows a young Danish girl named Annemarie during World War II who must find courage and friendship when her Jewish best friend faces grave danger. Through Annemarie’s eyes, readers experience bravery, loyalty, and hope in a frightening but inspiring setting.
Lowry creates believable characters with warmth and honesty, making “Number the Stars” a memorable story.
Katherine Paterson is an author who creates meaningful and heartfelt stories, especially appealing to readers who love Ann M. Martin’s books. In her novel “Bridge to Terabithia,” readers meet Jess Aarons, a quiet boy who dreams of becoming the fastest runner in fifth grade.
His life changes when Leslie Burke arrives and beats him in a race. Despite their awkward start, Jess and Leslie quickly form a deep friendship. They create their own imaginary kingdom, Terabithia, hidden in the woods near their homes.
Jess and Leslie rely on their imagined world to understand the real challenges and uncertainties of childhood. Paterson writes with honesty and sensitivity about friendship, loss, and growing up, themes that resonate with fans of Ann M. Martin.
Readers who enjoy Ann M. Martin’s heartfelt stories will likely appreciate the charm and warmth of Elizabeth Enright’s books. Enright’s stories often capture family life and childhood adventures with humor, realism, and a loving spirit.
In her book “The Saturdays,” we meet the four Melendy siblings—Mona, Rush, Miranda, and Oliver. They decide each Saturday to pool their allowances so one sibling can have their own personal adventure in New York City.
Each child leaps into new experiences, discovers surprises, and learns about courage, friendship, and having fun along the way. Elizabeth Enright delivers a thoughtful and playful view of family bonds and everyday adventures that fans of Martin’s writing will warmly embrace.
Robin Jones Gunn is an author known for warm and relatable stories that focus on friendships, growing up, and discovering who you are.
Readers who enjoy Ann M. Martin’s books might find a similar connection with Gunn’s “Summer Promise,” the first novel of the “Christy Miller” series. In “Summer Promise,” Christy travels to California to spend the summer with her aunt and uncle.
She meets new friends and faces typical teenage challenges about self-image, peer pressure, and finding her own values. The easygoing storytelling style and authentic characters make Robin Jones Gunn appealing to fans of Ann M. Martin’s heartfelt tales.
Books by E.L. Konigsburg often explore friendship, family, and the adventures of childhood independence, themes readers of Ann M. Martin’s stories frequently enjoy.
In “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” Claudia and her younger brother Jamie run away from home and hide out in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Their escapade soon turns into a curious mystery when they find themselves caught up in solving the story behind an enigmatic statue. E.L. Konigsburg weaves thoughtful, engaging stories about young characters whose bravery and cleverness bring them memorable adventures.
If you enjoy Ann M. Martin’s stories about family, friendship, and self-discovery, Sharon Creech’s books may appeal to you too. Creech writes thoughtful novels full of warmth, emotion, and humor, often exploring the perspective of young, relatable characters.
In her book “Walk Two Moons,” readers meet Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who sets off on a road trip across America with her grandparents. As they drive west, Sal shares stories about her missing mother and her quirky friend Phoebe Winterbottom, weaving together memories and mysteries.
The journey reveals surprising truths about family and loss, making “Walk Two Moons” both memorable and moving.
Debbie Dadey writes lively children’s books filled with friendship, mystery, and humor. Readers who enjoy Ann M. Martin’s books about friendship and school experiences might find Dadey’s series “The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids” entertaining.
In the book “Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots,” a new teacher, Mrs. Jeepers, arrives at Bailey School and seems a bit odd. She wears a strange brooch, speaks with an unusual accent, and behaves mysteriously. Soon, the kids wonder if their teacher might actually be a vampire.
The entertaining plot, fun characters, and playful mystery make this a delightful read for children.
Megan McDonald is a popular children’s author, best known for capturing the humor and lively dynamics of childhood friendships. Her series “Judy Moody” perfectly fits readers who enjoy Ann M. Martin’s relatable characters and thoughtful storytelling.
In “Judy Moody Was in a Mood,” Judy faces her third-grade year with determination, humor, and a unique way of handling life’s ups and downs.
Judy and her friends run into plenty of memorable adventures at school and home, often centered around Judy’s vivid imagination and strong feelings. McDonald’s vivid characters make Judy’s everyday life feel hilarious, warm-hearted, and completely real.
Readers who enjoy Ann M. Martin may also appreciate Karen Hesse’s thoughtful storytelling and relatable characters. Hesse often writes emotionally rich stories that center around young people facing real challenges.
In her book “Out of the Dust,” she tells the story of Billie Jo, a young girl living through the hardships of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s.
Told through free verse poetry, the book brings readers deeply into Billie Jo’s life as she struggles with loss, family relationships, and the harsh environment of her Oklahoma farming town.
Hesse’s unique poetic style makes Billie Jo’s experiences all the more vivid and meaningful, offering readers an authentic glimpse into a fascinating historical period.
Cynthia Voigt writes beautifully crafted stories about family dynamics and young people’s resilience, similar in spirit to Ann M. Martin. Her novel “Homecoming” follows the Tillerman siblings—Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy—after their mother abandons them in a parking lot.
Dicey, the eldest at 13, takes charge to keep her family together, leading them on an unforgettable journey to find their estranged grandmother.
Voigt’s characters feel real and relatable, and she captures the bonds between siblings and their determination to overcome challenges. If you enjoyed Ann M. Martin’s heartfelt storytelling, Cynthia Voigt’s “Homecoming” offers an equally moving and memorable read.