If you enjoy reading books by Brandy Colbert then you might also like the following authors:
Nicola Yoon writes heartfelt and relatable stories about young people facing life's challenges and transformative moments. She captures characters authentically and explores themes of identity, love, and family with warmth and emotional depth.
Her novel Everything, Everything follows Maddy, a teen confined to her home due to illness, who discovers love, adventure, and risk-taking for the first time.
Angie Thomas creates powerful and thought-provoking stories about youth who navigate social justice issues, family dynamics, and personal growth.
Her storytelling is bold, honest, and emotionally resonant, tackling important topics like racism, class, community, and activism through relatable voices.
Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, tells the story of Starr Carter, a teen whose life changes dramatically after witnessing a police officer fatally shoot her friend.
Jason Reynolds' novels speak directly to teen readers with accessible, impactful stories about complicated realities. He offers depth, sincerity, and empathy, often addressing important subjects like family struggles, friendship, race, and community.
In his book, Long Way Down, Reynolds captures the voice of a teenage boy deciding whether to seek revenge for his brother's murder, using a powerful, poetic style that resonates deeply with readers.
Elizabeth Acevedo blends poetry and prose to vividly tell emotionally rich stories about identity, culture, family, and the power of creativity. Her writing is lyrical but deeply relatable, reflecting authentic teen voices as they find their place in the world.
Her novel-in-verse, The Poet X, centers around Xiomara Batista, a Dominican-American teenager discovering her voice through poetry while navigating cultural expectations, religion, and first love.
Nic Stone writes thoughtful and timely books about young adults navigating personal identity, relationships, and significant social issues.
Her characters are realistic and engaging, allowing readers to think deeply about complex topics like race, friendship, and social injustice.
In her novel, Dear Martin, Stone explores racism and privilege through the story of Justyce, a high-achieving high-school student who turns to the writings of Martin Luther King Jr. for guidance after facing racial profiling and violence.
Tiffany D. Jackson writes stories that feel deeply authentic, weaving real-life issues with thoughtful explorations of identity. Her books often shed a sharp yet sensitive light on injustice, race, and growing up, engaging readers with raw honesty and emotional depth.
In Monday's Not Coming, Jackson delivers a punchy, unforgettable mystery about friendship, neglect, and the struggles faced by marginalized teens.
Ibi Zoboi creates vivid narratives rich in cultural detail and real-life experiences, often positioning her young characters at the intersection of identity, immigration, and community.
Her stories showcase teens navigating their realities and discovering themselves with genuine voice and sensitivity.
Her novel American Street offers a heartfelt glimpse into the immigrant experience, told through the compelling voice of a Haitian girl adjusting to life in Detroit, making difficult choices along the way.
Maurene Goo crafts engaging YA novels full of warmth, humor, and relatable characters who tackle family, self-discovery, and cultural expectations. She blends witty dialogue effortlessly with playful romance, showing the joys and awkwardness of adolescence.
Her novel I Believe in a Thing Called Love captures the sweetness and humor of teen life, centering around a high-achieving girl who turns to K-dramas for guidance in navigating romance with hilarious results.
Leah Johnson writes affirming and joyful young adult fiction, portraying vibrant characters who are relatable, funny, and flawed. Her stories thoughtfully explore queer identity, first love, and self-confidence, wrapped in a hopeful and upbeat tone.
In her novel You Should See Me in a Crown, Johnson offers an empowering, lively story about Liz Lighty, who decides to run for prom queen to achieve her dreams, pushing past anxiety while navigating crushes and friendships in an endearing way.
Adib Khorram captures teenage voices with sincerity and humor, exploring themes of family, identity, and the pressure teens face in their daily lives. His writing blends warmth and authenticity, helping readers empathize deeply with his complex and relatable characters.
His novel Darius the Great Is Not Okay thoughtfully portrays the struggles of a boy named Darius grappling with depression, cultural identity, and family relationships during a trip to Iran, filled with gentle humor and emotional depth.
Julian Winters writes engaging, heartfelt stories that explore friendship, identity, and LGBT+ themes with humor and warmth. His characters are authentic teenagers facing relatable challenges, making his novels both fun and meaningful.
Readers might especially enjoy Running with Lions, a joyful and uplifting story about a high school soccer team's summer camp filled with friendships, rivalries, and romance.
Kacen Callender creates honest, emotionally rich novels featuring complex characters navigating themes like identity, race, and sexuality. Their straightforward, thoughtful writing style makes difficult topics approachable.
Fans of Brandy Colbert may connect deeply with Callender's book, Felix Ever After, about a transgender teen's journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance.
Lamar Giles crafts exciting, suspenseful novels with realistic portrayals of Black teenagers. His stories often combine mystery, humor, and social issues, making them highly readable and thought-provoking.
Check out his novel Spin, a fast-paced thriller about teen DJ Paris Secord's murder and the friends who set out to uncover the truth.
Renée Watson writes thoughtful young adult novels centered on Black women's experiences, family, and identity. Her style is honest and poetic, and her characters and stories deal with real-life issues in a sensitive, relatable way.
Readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven novels could appreciate Piecing Me Together, a powerful exploration of race, privilege, and finding one's voice.
Elise Bryant tells delightful, romantic stories full of lighthearted humor, diverse characters, and relatable teen experiences. Her writing captures both teenage dreams and growing pains in a charming, enjoyable manner.
For a fun and heartwarming read, try Happily Ever Afters, about a teen writer trying to find inspiration—and romance—in her own life.