Ashley Hope Perez is known for young adult literature exploring diverse experiences. Her acclaimed novel, Out of Darkness, thoughtfully portrays historical events and complex themes, earning recognition for illuminating tough topics with sensitivity.
If you enjoy reading books by Ashley Hope Perez then you might also like the following authors:
Elizabeth Acevedo speaks openly about identity, culture, and the challenges young people face. Her novel The Poet X tells the story of Xiomara Batista, a teenager navigating family expectations, her Dominican heritage, and self-expression through poetry.
Acevedo typically writes strong, vibrant characters, and her lyrical prose has a poetic rhythm readers will appreciate.
Jason Reynolds writes stories that tackle tough emotions and honestly portray the experiences of young Black characters. In Long Way Down, Reynolds tells a powerful story about grief, street violence, and difficult choices, all within a single elevator ride.
If you appreciate realistic stories that confront serious issues head-on—like bullying, loss, and loneliness—Reynolds' direct, accessible style will resonate with you.
Angie Thomas explores race, inequality, and activism in a raw and relatable way. Her novel The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend by the police.
Thomas portrays the grief, anger, and confusion that follow, challenging readers to reflect on race and social justice. Her clear, vivid storytelling style invites readers into hard conversations.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz writes emotionally rich fiction about identity, belonging, and personal struggle. His novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe revolves around two Mexican-American teenagers finding friendship, love, and themselves.
Sáenz's storytelling blends poetic language with genuine portrayals of teen experiences, making him ideal for readers drawn to heartfelt characters and thoughtful narratives.
Matt de la Peña crafts sensitive, realistic stories focused on identity, family, and difficult social issues. In his novel Mexican WhiteBoy, readers meet Danny, a mixed-race teen torn between cultures and struggling to find his place.
De la Peña's writing is honest and engaging, offering true-to-life situations that young audiences can relate to and appreciate.
Erika L. Sánchez writes authentic, direct stories that explore teenage life, identity, and the struggle between cultural expectations and personal aspirations.
Her novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is about Julia, a teenager determined to chart her own path, even as her family grieves the loss of her older sister.
Sánchez captures complicated family ties, emotional discoveries, and the difficulties young women face in navigating their independence.
Ibi Zoboi tells honest, engaging stories about teenagers caught between cultures, identities, and communities. Her work balances warmth and humor with realistic examinations of race and immigration.
In her novel American Street, Zoboi shares the perspective of a young Haitian immigrant, Fabiola, who finds her dreams challenged by the realities she confronts in Detroit.
Fans of Ashley Hope Perez will appreciate Zoboi's fresh take, vivid storytelling, and exploration of belonging.
Laurie Halse Anderson creates unforgettable teen characters living through challenging but very real situations. Her books touch on tough topics like sexual assault, mental health struggles, and self-expression.
In Speak, Anderson introduces us to Melinda, a girl coping with the trauma of sexual assault while feeling isolated in her freshman year of high school. Anderson does not shy away from difficult themes, painting realistic and hopeful stories that resonate deeply.
Kekla Magoon explores complex social issues, injustice, and activism through her well-drawn, relatable characters. Her thoughtful storytelling helps readers understand how teenagers engage with history and current events.
In How It Went Down, Magoon examines a community shaken by the shooting of an unarmed Black teen, told through multiple points of view. She invites her readers to question their own beliefs and assumptions through powerful and emotionally compelling narratives.
Ruta Sepetys writes vivid historical fiction that places readers in lesser-known but important historical moments. Her stories focus on teens navigating difficulties, friendships, hope, and survival in hard times.
In Between Shades of Gray, Sepetys introduces us to Lina, who is forced into a Soviet labor camp in Siberia during World War II. With emotionally rich narratives, Sepetys focuses on the courage and humanity of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times.
Nic Stone writes insightful young adult fiction exploring timely issues of identity, race, and social justice. Her clear, conversational style portrays authentic characters facing relatable challenges.
In her notable novel, Dear Martin, she examines racism and police brutality through the experiences of a thoughtful teen named Justyce, providing an engaging read that resonates deeply with readers who appreciate Ashley Hope Perez.
Tiffany D. Jackson crafts emotionally powerful stories that examine difficult, real-world experiences surrounding race, family dynamics, and injustice. Her novels often blend suspenseful storytelling with strong social commentary.
For example, in Monday's Not Coming, Jackson delivers a tense and emotional story about friendship, neglect, and the troubling ways society overlooks vulnerable youth. Fans of Ashley Hope Perez will value Jackson's honest characters and impactful storytelling.
Readers drawn to Ashley Hope Perez's thoughtful approach to storytelling might enjoy Brandy Colbert's realistic novels. Colbert addresses complex themes such as race, family, identity, and the search for belonging with sensitivity and emotional depth.
In Little & Lion, she tells a moving story about family bonds, mental illness, and a teen navigating her identity. Colbert's subtle, genuine voice and memorable characters offer meaningful experiences for young adult readers.
Malinda Lo writes engaging young adult stories that explore identity, culture, and belonging, especially emphasizing LGBTQ+ themes. Her clear prose and memorable characters immerse readers deeply in her narratives.
Her award-winning novel Last Night at the Telegraph Club is set in 1950s San Francisco and powerfully portrays love, identity, and the impact of the era's prejudice on young lives.
Fans of Perez's thoughtful narratives will appreciate Lo's careful attention to social issues and rich historical settings.
Guadalupe Garcia McCall creates vivid stories highlighting Mexican-American experiences, tradition, family dynamics, and cultural identity. Her storytelling feels warm, authentic, and deeply relatable, presenting characters who navigate difficulties with strength and resilience.
Her novel Under the Mesquite addresses grief, family responsibility, and pursuing dreams between two cultures—topics that readers who value Ashley Hope Perez's emotional narratives will also appreciate.