If you enjoy reading books by Debbie Levy then you might also like the following authors:
Jacqueline Woodson is a talented author known for her heartfelt and poetic storytelling. One of her standout books is “Brown Girl Dreaming,” a deeply personal account of her childhood in both the South and the North during the 1960s and 70s.
The book is written in verse and captures moments from her life, like the struggles her family faced and her early love for words. Through her memories, readers get a glimpse of her world, from the challenges of segregation to the joys of discovering her own voice.
Patricia Polacco writes stories that are heartfelt and often inspired by her own life. Her book, “Thank You, Mr. Falker,” tells the story of a young girl named Trisha who struggles to read but loves books.
She feels lost and frustrated at school until a kind teacher, Mr. Falker, helps her see her potential and teaches her to read. The story is personal for Polacco, as it reflects her own childhood experiences with dyslexia.
It’s a story about patience, kindness, and how one person’s belief in you can change everything.
Katherine Applegate writes stories that often explore heartfelt connections and themes of empathy. One of her most well-known books is “The One and Only Ivan”, which tells the story of Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall.
Ivan spends his days in a glass enclosure, reflecting on his life and the world he sees. When a young elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan begins to feel protective and finds a new sense of purpose.
The story is inspired by a real-life gorilla and offers a touching perspective on friendship and kindness.
Linda Sue Park is an author who writes stories that often offer insight into different cultures and histories, especially through the eyes of young characters. Her book, “A Long Walk to Water,” is inspired by true events and follows two characters from Sudan.
Salva, a boy fleeing war in the 1980s, and Nya, a girl in 2008 who spends her days collecting water for her family. Their lives eventually cross in a powerful and unexpected way. The book shows how resilience and hope can change lives.
It’s a short, meaningful story that leaves an impact.
Pam Muñoz Ryan is an author known for creating heartfelt stories that explore identity, family, and resilience.
Her book “Esperanza Rising” follows the journey of a young girl named Esperanza, who goes from a life of privilege in Mexico to working in fields in California during the Great Depression.
The story shows her struggle to adapt and her determination to rebuild a life for herself and her mother. It’s a rich and emotional story with themes of hope and perseverance.
Andrea Davis Pinkney writes stories that are rich with history and heart. In her book “Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down,” she tells the story of four young men who peacefully protested segregation at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The book captures their courage and determination in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. Pinkney brings the events to life with vivid moments, like when the men remained calm and steadfast despite hateful words and actions from others around them.
Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s focus on social justice will appreciate Pinkney’s ability to bring historical events to younger audiences in such a meaningful way.
Maribeth Boelts is an author who writes heartfelt stories that connect with readers of all ages. One of her books, “Those Shoes,” tells the story of a boy named Jeremy who desperately wants a pair of trendy shoes that his family can’t afford.
When he finds a secondhand pair, they’re too small, but he still keeps them for a while before making a choice that shows kindness and selflessness. The book explores themes like empathy and figuring out what really matters in life.
Lois Lowry is an author known for creating stories that explore deep themes through relatable characters. One of her well-known books, “Number the Stars,” is set during World War II and follows a young girl named Annemarie Johansen.
Annemarie’s family helps her best friend Ellen, who is Jewish, escape from the Nazis. The story captures the courage and risks ordinary people faced to protect others. It shows the strength of friendship and the bravery of those who fought back in small yet meaningful ways.
Nikki Grimes is an award-winning author and poet who often writes stories that focus on resilience, identity, and family. One of her books, “Garvey’s Choice,” tells the story of a boy who feels out of place.
Garvey struggles with his father’s expectations but finds his voice in a choir. Told in verse, the book captures Garvey’s journey to self-acceptance and his growing confidence as he connects with his true self.
Her writing resonates with readers who enjoy heartfelt, meaningful stories.
E.B. Lewis is an illustrator whose artwork brings stories to life in a heartfelt way. One of the books he illustrated is “The Freedom Box” by Angela Farris Watkins. The story is about Henry “Box” Brown, a man who escaped slavery by mailing himself to freedom in a wooden crate.
The book focuses on his courage and determination, showing how he risked everything for a chance to be free. Lewis’s illustrations add depth to Henry’s journey, making the emotions in the story stand out.
If you enjoy how Debbie Levy’s books tackle important topics, Lewis’s work is worth exploring.
Sharon Creech writes heartfelt stories that stick with you. One of her best-known books, “Walk Two Moons,” follows a girl named Sal as she journeys across the country with her grandparents, retracing her mother’s steps.
Along the way, Sal shares another story about her friend Phoebe, who is caught in a mystery involving her missing mother. The layers of the story unfold in a way that makes you care deeply about the characters.
Creech captures emotions and relationships in a simple but powerful way, making her books unforgettable.
Matt de la Peña writes stories that feel heartfelt and real, often exploring themes of identity and connection. In his picture book, “Last Stop on Market Street,” a young boy named CJ takes a bus ride with his grandmother through the city.
Along the way, he starts to notice the little joys and lessons in the world around him. Through their journey, CJ learns to see beauty in places he didn’t expect. It’s a story that encourages readers to slow down and appreciate moments that might otherwise be overlooked.
Kate DiCamillo is a storyteller who has a knack for creating heartfelt and memorable tales. One of her books, “Because of Winn-Dixie,” tells the story of a lonely girl named Opal who moves to a new town and finds an unlikely companion in a stray dog.
Through this friendship, Opal starts connecting with her neighbors and uncovering their personal stories, which brings warmth and change to her life. There’s something quietly powerful about how this book explores friendship and belonging in such an honest way.
Torrey Maldonado writes stories that feel real and speak to the challenges kids face. One of his books, “Tight,” tells the story of Bryan, a boy caught between wanting to please a new friend and staying true to what feels right.
The book shows the pressures of friendship and the tough choices that come with it. Bryan’s world feels alive, from his comic-book love to the streets he walks where danger and loyalty clash. It’s a story about figuring out who you are, even when it’s hard.
R.J. Palacio is the author of books that focus on themes of kindness and understanding. Her most well-known book, “Wonder,” tells the story of Auggie, a boy with a facial difference who starts attending school after being homeschooled.
The book explores how he navigates friendships, bullying, and acceptance while showing the impact that small acts of kindness can have on others. Fans of Debbie Levy might appreciate the heartfelt and thoughtful storytelling in Palacio’s work.