If you enjoy reading novels by Beverly Cleary then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Beverly Cleary’s honest portrayal of childhood might also appreciate Judy Blume. Blume writes about kids and teens with warmth, humor, and real insight into their daily concerns.
Her book “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” introduces readers to Peter Hatcher and his little brother, Fudge. Peter constantly has his patience tested by Fudge, a mischievous toddler who seems to get away with everything.
When Fudge throws epic tantrums, swallows a turtle, and turns everyday life upside down, Peter finds himself stuck cleaning up the messes. Blume’s relatable characters and funny situations capture the ups and downs of family life from a kid’s point of view.
Lois Lowry is an author whose stories resonate deeply with young readers who appreciate Beverly Cleary’s realistic and heartfelt style. Lowry’s book “Number the Stars” offers a powerful and thoughtful tale set during World War II.
It follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, a girl living in Denmark. When her Jewish friend’s family is endangered by Nazi occupation, Annemarie bravely steps in to help.
This story captures the courage, friendship, and moral strength seen through the eyes of a relatable young character. Readers who like Cleary’s authentic portrayal of childhood experiences may also connect strongly to Lowry’s sensitive storytelling and rich characters.
Books by Andrew Clements capture the daily lives and relatable challenges kids face at school, connecting strongly with fans of Beverly Cleary. In “Frindle,” fifth grader Nick Allen invents a new word to challenge his strict language arts teacher, Mrs. Granger.
What starts as a simple act of rebellion quickly spreads through the entire school and beyond. Soon enough, the whole town is talking about it, and Nick finds himself at the center of a surprising controversy.
Andrew Clements’ books combine humor, warmth, and realistic childhood dilemmas, characteristics that fans of Beverly Cleary will appreciate.
Ann M. Martin is an author known for her relatable and realistic portrayals of childhood and friendship. If you’re fond of Beverly Cleary, Martin’s “The Babysitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea” may appeal to you.
The story follows Kristy Thomas, who starts a babysitting club with her friends Claudia, Mary Anne, and Stacey. As they launch their business, they experience funny mishaps, navigate friendship issues, and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and responsibility.
The story is warm and funny, full of moments that feel true to life, capturing what makes childhood memorable.
Readers who enjoy Beverly Cleary’s lively and humorous style will likely also appreciate Barbara Park. Park is known for capturing childhood imagination and wit through her lovable characters, especially in her popular “Junie B. Jones” series.
In the delightful book “Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus,” readers meet Junie B. on her first day of kindergarten. She’s funny, opinionated, and anxious about riding the unfamiliar, smelly school bus.
Her first-day adventures, misadventures, and bold problem-solving make for enjoyable reading, filled with humor and heartfelt moments relatable to readers of all ages.
If you enjoy Beverly Cleary’s warm-hearted stories about family, friendship, and everyday adventures, you might also appreciate the books of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Naylor captures childhood experiences with gentle humor and realistic detail, especially in her novel “Shiloh.”
This touching story follows Marty Preston, an eleven-year-old boy who discovers a mistreated beagle named Shiloh. Determined to protect the dog from his harsh owner, Marty faces tough choices about honesty and doing what’s right.
The story offers an honest look at the challenging decisions kids sometimes need to make, all told through Marty’s relatable voice. Fans of Cleary’s thoughtful, genuine characters will find “Shiloh” a rewarding and heartfelt read.
Paula Danziger was an American writer known for lively characters and realistic stories, often humorous yet heartfelt. If you enjoy Beverly Cleary’s relatable, down-to-earth style, you might appreciate Danziger’s book “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit.”
This story follows Marcy Lewis, a funny, slightly insecure teenager who struggles with typical middle-school dramas—self-consciousness, family conflict, and how hard gym class can truly be.
When an outspoken new English teacher risks losing her job, Marcy finds herself in a tough spot, deciding whether to speak up or stay quiet. Danziger combines warmth, humor, and genuine emotional truths, making her characters easy to like and understand.
Books by Kate DiCamillo are the kind of stories fans of Beverly Cleary often enjoy. DiCamillo has a knack for creating characters that readers can connect with. One great place to start is her book “Because of Winn-Dixie.”
It tells the story of Opal, a young girl who moves to a small Florida town. Opal is lonely at first, but everything changes when she adopts Winn-Dixie, a cheerful and mischievous dog she finds at the local supermarket.
Through Winn-Dixie, Opal meets new friends, learns about courage and forgiveness, and discovers warmth and belonging in unexpected places. It’s a heartfelt story with gentle humor, memorable characters, and everyday adventures similar to those readers enjoy from Beverly Cleary.
Readers who enjoy Beverly Cleary’s warm and relatable stories will find E.L. Konigsburg’s novels equally engaging. Konigsburg’s characters come across as real kids who face everyday challenges with humor, creativity, and depth.
Her book “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” follows Claudia and Jamie, a brother and sister who secretly run away to stay at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While there, they find themselves caught up in a mysterious puzzle about a statue’s origins, which leads them to the eccentric Mrs. Frankweiler.
Konigsburg’s thoughtful storytelling combines adventure with relatable family dynamics, capturing the imagination of young readers who love books about independence and friendship.
Books by Peg Kehret often capture the humor, warmth, and relatable struggles that Beverly Cleary fans love. Kehret understands children’s emotions and crafts characters that feel real, funny, and believable.
In her book “Escaping the Giant Wave,” readers meet Kyle, an eleven-year-old traveling with his family to the Oregon coast. Kyle dreams of having adventures away from the watchful eye of his parents.
That all changes when an earthquake strikes, causing massive waves to loom toward shore. Kyle faces danger, must protect his younger sister BeeBee, and discovers courage he didn’t even know he had.
For readers who appreciate Beverly Cleary’s honest portrayal of childhood challenges, Peg Kehret offers similar comfort, laughter, and storytelling charm.
Joanna Cole was an American author best known for creating delightful children’s books filled with humor, warmth, and imaginative adventures.
Readers who enjoy Beverly Cleary’s relatable characters and playful storytelling might appreciate Cole’s “The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks.”
This entertaining children’s story follows the lively Ms. Frizzle, a teacher who takes her class on exciting field trips using a magic school bus.
In this particular adventure, the bus shrinks down to travel through the water system, giving young readers a fun and clear picture of how water reaches their homes.
Cole’s approach combines gentle educational lessons with engaging storytelling, making it a charming read for anyone seeking similar qualities found in Beverly Cleary’s classics.
Megan McDonald is an author known for creating funny and relatable children’s stories that capture childhood emotions in a similar way to Beverly Cleary.
In her book “Judy Moody,” third-grader Judy faces both excitement and challenges as she navigates school, family, and adventures with her best friend Rocky.
Judy is spirited and full of imagination; when her teacher assigns a “Me Collage” project, Judy eagerly collects items to show who she is, but soon finds the task more complicated than she thought.
The story highlights Judy’s ups and downs, perfectly capturing what it’s really like to be a kid figuring things out.
Readers who enjoy Beverly Cleary’s imaginative and charming tales may also appreciate Mary Norton’s delightful storytelling in “The Borrowers.” Norton creates a whimsical world where tiny, resourceful families secretly live beneath the floorboards of human homes.
The Clock family—Pod, Homily, and their curious daughter Arietty—carefully “borrow” household items from the giant humans above to create a comfortable life hidden out of sight.
But their peaceful existence is threatened when Arietty is spotted by a young human boy, sparking an adventure full of secrets, friendship, and courage. Norton’s book warmly portrays family dynamics and childhood curiosity through witty, vivid characters and gentle humor.
If you enjoy Beverly Cleary’s lively stories and relatable characters, you should try Elizabeth Enright. Her book “The Saturdays” is the first in the Melendy Quartet and follows four energetic siblings—Mona, Rush, Miranda, and Oliver.
To break the routine, the kids decide to pool their allowances. Each Saturday one child gets to use the whole amount and spend a special day in New York City. Their adventures are fun and charming, from visiting art exhibitions and operas to unexpected encounters.
Enright writes warmly about family life and captures childhood imagination perfectly.
If you enjoy Beverly Cleary’s charming and humorous stories about everyday adventures, Carolyn Haywood’s books might be a perfect next step. Haywood writes warm and delightful stories about children and their neighborhood friendships and mishaps.
One enjoyable example is “B Is for Betsy,” which follows young Betsy on her first days at school. Betsy has all the usual worries—will she like her teacher? will she make friends?—but soon finds out that school is fun, welcoming, and full of small surprises.
It’s the type of gentle storytelling that leaves you smiling at the simple joys of childhood.