Barbara O’Connor is a writer many readers adore for her middle grade books. Her stories often unfold in the American South and look at themes of family, friendship, and what it means to grow up.
If you are seeking authors with a similar style, here are some you might want to explore.
Deborah Wiles is an author who creates authentic and heartfelt stories set in the South, often featuring memorable small-town characters. Readers who connect with Barbara O’Connor’s realistic and touching tales may enjoy Deborah Wiles’ book “Each Little Bird That Sings.”
This story introduces readers to Comfort Snowberger, a young girl whose family operates the local funeral home. Comfort prides herself on handling loss maturely, but her own beliefs are tested when tragedy hits close to home.
Through humor, warmth, and relatable characters, the book explores life’s big questions with honesty and sincerity.
Patricia MacLachlan creates warm, heartfelt stories filled with everyday charm and honest portrayals of family life. If you enjoyed Barbara O’Connor’s books, you might connect with MacLachlan’s “Sarah, Plain and Tall.”
This short novel tells the story of Anna and Caleb, two siblings who hope a woman named Sarah will fill the emptiness in their home after their mother dies. Sarah arrives from Maine carrying only a cat, seashells, and a love for the sea.
Slowly she finds her own place within the quiet rhythms of prairie life. MacLachlan’s gentle storytelling brings grand images of the sea and simple farmstead days vividly to life.
Readers who enjoy the heartwarming storytelling of Barbara O’Connor may also appreciate the books of Kate DiCamillo. DiCamillo crafts memorable characters and stories filled with hope and resilience.
Her book “Because of Winn-Dixie” centers around a young girl named Opal who moves to a new town and finds friendship through an unexpected companion—a scruffy dog she names Winn-Dixie.
The story follows this lovable pair as they make new connections in their community and heal their own loneliness. Through humor and tenderness, DiCamillo explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the way animals can help people open their hearts.
Readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s heartfelt and authentic portrayal of characters might also appreciate Katherine Applegate. Applegate writes emotional, thoughtful stories with memorable characters facing real-life challenges.
Her book “The One and Only Ivan” tells the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has spent years inside a cage at a shopping mall, behind glass walls that separate him from the world. Ivan enjoys art and forms an unexpected bond with Ruby, a young elephant.
Their friendship inspires Ivan to change their future, highlighting themes of compassion, hope, and courage.
Wendy Mass is an author whose heartfelt novels often feature characters facing life’s unique challenges and adventures. In her book “The Candymakers,” four kids compete in a candy-making contest, each with their own secrets and reasons for entering.
As friendships form and mysteries unfold, readers encounter sweet treats, hidden motives, and unexpected twists. Those who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s realistic and thoughtful storytelling will find Wendy Mass’s books filled with the same warmth and genuine characters.
Ann M. Martin is an author who creates heartfelt stories filled with realistic characters and genuine moments. If you enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s sense of friendship, community, and relatable challenges, Ann M. Martin’s “Rain Reign” is a fantastic pick.
The book follows Rose, a young girl who loves homophones and rules, as she navigates life with her beloved dog, Rain. Rose faces unexpected trouble when Rain goes missing after a terrible storm.
Determined and courageous, she sets out to find him, and her journey teaches her about family, love, and courage. Martin’s sensitive storytelling and authentic characters make Rose’s story memorable and emotionally rich.
Rebecca Stead writes realistic stories about friendship, family, and life’s mysteries. Readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s heartfelt narratives will appreciate Stead’s thoughtful style and relatable characters.
Her novel “When You Reach Me” follows 12-year-old Miranda after she receives strange anonymous notes that seem impossible, even predicting the future.
Set in New York during the late 1970s, the story combines everyday life, school friendships, and a puzzle that readers help Miranda solve piece by piece. It’s a sincere and intriguing tale, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and the wonder of unexpected connections.
If you enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s heartfelt stories and quirky, memorable characters, Sheila Turnage is another author worth checking out. Her book, “Three Times Lucky,” introduces us to Mo LoBeau, a spirited sixth-grader with a mysterious past.
Mo washed ashore as a baby in a hurricane and has been raised by colorful characters in Tupelo Landing, a charming small town filled with secrets. Things get chaotic when a murder happens nearby, and Mo and her best friend Dale step in as detectives.
The story combines humor, adventure, and friendship, told through Mo’s sharp wit and lively voice. If you’re drawn to small-town adventures, humorous mysteries, and lovable protagonists, Sheila Turnage’s storytelling might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s heartfelt storytelling may find Nikki Grimes’ books equally appealing. Nikki Grimes is known for creating authentic, relatable characters, often touching on themes of family, friendship, and growing up.
Her novel “Garvey’s Choice” introduces readers to Garvey, a boy whose interests don’t match his father’s expectations. Garvey discovers confidence and self-expression through music and poetry, a journey told through vivid, accessible verse.
The story explores the challenges Garvey faces to connect with his father and find his own voice, providing a touching portrayal of identity and acceptance.
Lynne Rae Perkins creates realistic stories filled with humor and warmth, centered around everyday kids facing life’s small yet meaningful challenges. If you enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s books, you might like “Criss Cross.”
This thoughtful story follows a group of teens in a small town as their paths intersect and their lives quietly change over a single summer. Through various perspectives, Perkins captures their hopes, friendships, and moments when they begin to understand themselves better.
Her writing has a gentle honesty that feels both familiar and refreshing.
Lisa Graff writes heartfelt and approachable stories about kids navigating life’s challenges and adventures. Readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s relatable characters and warm storytelling might find a connection with Graff’s books.
In “Absolutely Almost,” Graff introduces readers to Albie, a boy who struggles academically and doesn’t seem especially good at much. Yet Albie’s thoughtful, genuine perspective draws you close as he discovers what truly makes him special and worthy.
The story explores friendship, self-acceptance, and family, gently layered with humor and warmth. Graff captures both the confusion and triumph of childhood, making her characters memorable and her books easy to love.
Andrea Davis Pinkney writes thoughtful and heartwarming children’s stories that often explore friendship, family, and the journeys young people face. Her book “The Red Pencil” is a powerful story told in free verse.
It follows 12-year-old Amira from Sudan, who dreams of education and a brighter future despite the hardships she endures in her village. When conflict reaches her home, Amira must leave behind everything familiar, but a simple red pencil opens up hope and creativity for her.
Readers who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s gentle yet profound storytelling in books like “Wish” and “How to Steal a Dog” will find much to appreciate in Pinkney’s emotional and inspiring narratives.
Teresa E. Harris writes thoughtful and warm-hearted stories that capture the challenges and adventures of growing up. Her novel, “The Perfect Place,” follows 12-year-old Treasure, who suddenly must move to a small Virginia town with her spirited younger sister, Tiffany.
Staying with their eccentric great-aunt is meant to be temporary, but when plans change unexpectedly, the girls face a summer full of discovery, family secrets, and finding where they truly belong.
Harris creates vivid, sincere characters and brings readers along on a quietly powerful journey about home, family, and resilience. Fans who enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s honest voice and heartfelt storytelling may find Harris’s stories resonate similarly.
If you enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s heartwarming stories filled with humor and meaningful relationships, Sharon Creech is another author to consider. Creech writes family-focused novels that gently explore life’s joys and challenges through the eyes of relatable young characters.
Her book “Walk Two Moons” introduces readers to Salamanca Tree Hiddle, a young girl on a road trip with her grandparents to Idaho, searching for answers about her mother’s absence.
Along the way, Salamanca shares a captivating story about her friend Phoebe’s adventures, revealing surprising connections between their lives. This thoughtful story combines touching moments with lively, believable characters and themes of friendship, family, and growing up.
If you enjoy Barbara O’Connor’s warmhearted and authentic storytelling, Linda Urban might be an author to explore next.
Her book “A Crooked Kind of Perfect” centers on Zoe Elias, a girl who dreams of becoming a piano prodigy but instead ends up with an organ, specifically the “Perfectone D-60” electronic keyboard.
Zoe navigates family quirks, unexpected friendships, and humorous challenges while preparing for an unconventional music competition. Full of genuine humor and gentle truth, the story portrays Zoe’s journey toward embracing imperfections and discovering what truly matters.