Brent Hartinger is known for engaging young adult fiction. He is best recognized for his novel Geography Club, which explores teen identity and relationships, and its follow-up, The Order of the Poison Oak.
If you enjoy reading books by Brent Hartinger then you might also like the following authors:
David Levithan often explores teenage relationships and self-discovery with warmth and insight. His style is honest and thought-provoking, offering genuine portrayals of LGBTQ+ teens.
In his novel Boy Meets Boy, Levithan creates a joyful and accepting world that young readers will find both refreshing and inspiring.
Adam Silvera tells emotional and heartfelt stories centered around young people facing difficult realities and personal struggles. Readers can connect easily with his honest, direct writing style and realistic characters.
In They Both Die at the End, Silvera explores themes of friendship, love, and mortality in a meaningful way.
Becky Albertalli focuses on relatable situations, everyday friendships, and teenage self-discovery. Her tone is warm, humorous, and approachable.
Her book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda offers an authentic look into teenage life, friendship dynamics, and the experiences of coming out, making her work easily accessible to readers who enjoy Brent Hartinger.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz writes lyrical and insightful coming-of-age stories that explore identity, friendship, and emotional complexity. He captures the emotional struggles of young adulthood simply and powerfully.
In Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Sáenz vividly portrays two teens navigating identity, family relationships, and love in a deeply moving narrative.
Alex Sanchez addresses issues that LGBTQ+ teens often face, blending honest emotions and relatable situations. His style is conversational, accessible, and empathetic.
In the novel Rainbow Boys, Sanchez provides a thoughtful exploration of friendship, identity, and acceptance, resonating especially well with fans of Brent Hartinger.
Bill Konigsberg writes funny, heartfelt stories about teenagers figuring out love and identity. His novels feature authentic LGBTQ+ characters who navigate adolescence in relatable ways.
A great example is Openly Straight, which explores a teen's desire to reinvent himself apart from labels, blending humor and insight brilliantly.
John Green is known for his smart yet accessible writing style and emotionally rich YA stories. He creates realistic teenage characters who grapple with complex questions about life, friendship, and loss.
His novel, The Fault in Our Stars, sensitively depicts two teens dealing with illness, love, and the nature of existence in a moving and honest way.
Rainbow Rowell crafts warm, genuine characters who speak directly to teen readers. Her engaging narratives place young people in situations filled with humor, awkwardness, and affection.
In her book Eleanor & Park, she portrays a tender romance between two misfits that beautifully captures first love and its impact.
Julie Anne Peters offers sincere stories that tackle challenging issues teens face, particularly focused around LGBTQ+ themes. Her writing has compassion, honesty, and depth.
In her novel Keeping You a Secret, Peters vividly shows a high school student's experience of discovering sexuality, falling in love, and facing prejudice—with authenticity and care.
Malinda Lo tells unique, thoughtful stories combining coming-of-age journeys with elements of fantasy. She centers diverse LGBTQ+ characters in narratives that explore identity, adventure, and belonging.
Her novel Ash reimagines the classic Cinderella story, mixing magic, romance, and self-discovery with fresh, inclusive twists.
Kacen Callender creates heartfelt and honest stories about identity, acceptance, and belonging. Their stories often explore queer themes and the experiences of characters trying to find their voices in challenging situations.
Readers who enjoy Brent Hartinger’s openness and sincerity may appreciate Callender’s novel Felix Ever After, a powerful book about a transgender teen navigating love, friendships, and self-discovery in a vibrant yet complicated world.
Nina LaCour writes in a thoughtful, intimate style that gently guides readers through emotional landscapes of personal discovery, love, grief, and hope.
If you enjoyed Hartinger’s genuine portrayal of friendship and coming-of-age moments, you might connect deeply with LaCour’s We Are Okay, a touching story about facing loss, loneliness, and finding healing through honest connections with others.
Mason Deaver writes straightforward, relatable stories about identity, friendship, and first love from the perspective of LGBTQ+ teens.
Readers drawn to Brent Hartinger’s truthful, inclusive storytelling may enjoy Deaver’s writing style, especially in their book I Wish You All the Best, which follows a nonbinary character navigating new relationships, family challenges, and their own personal journey toward acceptance.
Phil Stamper’s books feature warm storytelling, humor, and heartfelt characters navigating complex emotional situations and lasting friendships.
If you like Brent Hartinger’s engaging characters and realistic stories about love and friendships, you’ll likely enjoy Stamper’s novel The Gravity of Us, a charming story about teenagers finding love and discovering their voices amidst family pressures and social expectations.
Aiden Thomas writes fresh and imaginative stories filled with authentic queer representation, magical realism, adventure, and warmth.
Readers who appreciate Hartinger's accessible style and sincere exploration of identity might enjoy Thomas’ unique approach in Cemetery Boys, a captivating mystery about a trans boy determined to prove himself within his traditional family, combining Latinx culture, humor, romance, and the supernatural.