If you enjoy reading books by Barbara O'Connor then you might also like the following authors:
Deborah Wiles writes books that capture heartfelt stories about friendship, family, and growing up. One of her books, “Each Little Bird That Sings”, follows Comfort Snowberger, a girl growing up in a funeral home.
Her life is filled with odd relatives and sometimes funny, sometimes sad moments dealing with love and loss. It’s touching, with quirky characters and a close-knit community that pulls you in.
Fans of Barbara O’Connor will likely enjoy Wiles’ ability to create strong, memorable small-town settings and relatable, warmhearted tales.
Patricia MacLachlan is known for writing heartfelt stories about family and connection. Her book “Sarah, Plain and Tall” is a simple yet moving tale set in the late 19th century.
It tells the story of Sarah, a woman from Maine, who answers an ad to become the wife of a widowed farmer in the Midwest. When she arrives, Anna and Caleb, the farmer’s children, are eager to see if Sarah will stay and become part of their family.
The story beautifully captures the hope and uncertainty that come with new beginnings. Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s touching narratives about family will likely appreciate MacLachlan’s warmth and timeless style.
Kate DiCamillo is a storyteller who creates heartfelt tales that stick with you. One of her books, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” follows a porcelain rabbit named Edward who starts off self-absorbed but is changed by the hands of those who care for him.
His adventures take him through loss, love, and hope, as he learns what it means to truly connect with others. Her stories often have a touch of bittersweet warmth, making them satisfying for readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s heartfelt and meaningful books.
Katherine Applegate is known for her heartfelt stories that often feature animals and friendships in unique ways. One of her most loved books, “The One and Only Ivan,” follows a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall circus.
He spends his days painting and observing the world around him. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan starts to question his life in captivity and decides to find a better future for her. The book is warm and hopeful, with moments that stick with you long after reading.
Readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s emotional storytelling may feel right at home with Applegate’s work.
Wendy Mass writes heartfelt stories that often focus on friendships and personal growth, making her books relatable for readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor.
One of her popular books, “11 Birthdays,” follows Amanda and Leo, two friends who stop speaking after a falling-out on their tenth birthday. A year later, on their eleventh birthday, they find themselves stuck reliving the same day over and over.
As they try to figure out what’s happening, they are forced to confront their past and rediscover their bond. The story has a mix of humor and emotion that keeps it engaging while exploring themes of forgiveness and friendship.
Ann M. Martin is the author behind the beloved “The Babysitters Club” series, but she’s also written heartfelt standalone stories. One of these is “Rain Reign,” which focuses on a young girl named Rose who has autism.
Rose loves homonyms and her dog, Rain, who she considers her closest friend. When a storm hits and Rain goes missing, Rose embarks on a journey to find her. The story highlights Rose’s determination and her unique perspective on the world.
Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s emotional tales of kids navigating challenges might enjoy how Martin brings Rose’s voice to life.
Rebecca Stead writes books that capture the hearts of young readers with their relatable characters and heartfelt stories. One of her well-known novels, “When You Reach Me,” blends everyday life with a touch of mystery.
It follows Miranda, a sixth-grader in 1970s New York City, as she starts receiving strange notes that seem to predict the future. These notes connect to her favorite book, “A Wrinkle in Time,” and to events happening all around her, pulling her into an intricate puzzle.
Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s rich storytelling and strong emotional connection to characters may find Rebecca Stead’s work a perfect fit.
Sheila Turnage is an author known for creating small-town stories with quirky characters and heartfelt moments.
In her book “Three Times Lucky,” she takes readers to the tiny town of Tupelo Landing, where sixth-grader Mo LoBeau lives with her adoptive parents, Miss Lana and the Colonel.
When a detective shows up asking questions about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale, take it upon themselves to solve the mystery. The humor and charm come through in their friendship, Mo’s clever determination, and the vibrant community surrounding them.
Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s warm storytelling might really connect with Turnage’s world.
Nikki Grimes is a talented author who writes heartfelt books that connect deeply with readers, much like Barbara O’Connor does. One of her most notable works is “Garvey’s Choice.”
The story follows Garvey, a boy who struggles with his father’s expectations and his own love for music and science fiction. When he joins the school chorus, his world begins to change in unexpected ways, as he starts to find his voice—both literally and figuratively.
The book, written in verse, captures Garvey’s emotions beautifully without wasting a word.
Lynne Rae Perkins writes stories that feel warm and thoughtful, often focusing on the small, meaningful moments in life. Her book “Criss Cross” follows a group of teenagers in a quiet town as they navigate friendships, their dreams, and the uncertainty of growing up.
The story bounces between characters like Debbie, who wishes for something big to happen in her life, and Hector, who is learning how to play the guitar and finding his way. It captures those in-between years when every little thing seems full of possibility.
Perkins’ writing has a way of making you notice beauty in the everyday.
Lisa Graff writes heartfelt stories about kids facing challenges, often with a touch of whimsy. In her book “A Tangle of Knots,” she crafts a world where nearly everyone has a special talent, from cake baking to tying knots.
The story follows Cady, a girl who can perfectly match people with their ideal cake. As her path crosses with others at a boarding house, their interconnected lives begin to unravel secrets.
Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s warmth and depth in storytelling might find Graff’s work a great fit.
Andrea Davis Pinkney is a talented author who writes stories filled with heart and meaning. Her book “The Red Pencil” tells the journey of a young Sudanese girl named Amira.
Amira dreams of going to school and learning to read and write, but her life takes a harsh turn when her village is attacked, forcing her and her family to flee.
Amid the hardships of living in a refugee camp, Amira discovers hope through a simple red pencil that sparks her creativity and resilience. It’s a story about holding on to dreams even when the world feels impossible.
Teresa E. Harris writes heartfelt stories that focus on family, friendships, and the challenges of growing up.
Her book “The Perfect Place” follows a girl named Treasure, whose summer takes an unexpected turn when she’s sent to stay with her tough-as-nails great-aunt while her parents sort out a messy situation.
Treasure struggles with the rules her aunt sets, but she begins to uncover family secrets and finds strength in unexpected places. Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s warm, character-driven stories might connect with Teresa E. Harris’s thoughtful and relatable storytelling.
Sharon Creech is an author known for writing heartfelt and relatable stories about family, friendship, and personal growth. One of her most loved books is “Walk Two Moons.”
It follows a girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle as she embarks on a road trip with her grandparents to find her missing mother. Along the way, Sal unravels stories about her friend Phoebe and learns truths about her own life.
The book blends humor and emotion, offering surprising moments that stay with readers long after they finish it.
Linda Urban writes stories with heart and humor that focus on friendship and family. In her book “A Crooked Kind of Perfect,” she tells the story of Zoe, a girl who dreams of becoming a famous pianist.
Instead of the grand piano she imagined, she ends up with an old organ and must face a hilarious yet touching journey of making the best of what she has. It’s a warm story about unexpected detours and finding joy in unlikely places.
If you enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s emotionally rich tales, you might like Urban’s way of connecting readers to her characters.