Debbie Levy is an author who writes for kids and teens and her books often tell true stories. She has written about important figures from history and also explores topics about fairness and doing what is right.
If you are interested in finding other authors whose books feel similar, here are some you might like to discover.
Jacqueline Woodson is an author whose engaging and thoughtful books often focus on family, history, and social issues. If you enjoy Debbie Levy’s work, you might appreciate Woodson’s “Brown Girl Dreaming.”
This memoir, told in beautiful poetry, portrays Woodson’s childhood spent between the South and New York City during the Civil Rights movement. Each poem draws you into her world, reflecting the experiences that shaped her journey as a writer.
Woodson recalls family bonds, personal dreams, and the quiet moments amid turbulent times.
Her warm storytelling and heartfelt narrative invite readers to see life through her eyes, making “Brown Girl Dreaming” a captivating read for those interested in powerful stories about identity and belonging.
Patricia Polacco is an author known for touching stories filled with warmth, hope, and real-life challenges. Her books often draw from her own family history and experience, creating heartfelt narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
If you enjoy Debbie Levy’s meaningful and sensitive storytelling, you might also appreciate Polacco’s book “Thank You, Mr. Falker.” In this emotional narrative, a young girl named Trisha struggles to learn to read, dealing with loneliness and frustration.
When a kind and patient teacher named Mr. Falker finally recognizes her talents and supports her, Trisha finds a new path of courage and confidence. Polacco thoughtfully explores themes of perseverance, kindness, and the profound impact that teachers can have on a child’s life.
Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s thoughtful stories might also connect with Katherine Applegate. Applegate is known for heartfelt books that explore empathy, friendship, and understanding the world through new eyes.
In her novel “The One and Only Ivan,” we meet Ivan, a gentle gorilla trapped in a shopping mall exhibit. Ivan tells his own story in a voice that’s simple yet profound, sharing his dreams of freedom and the bond he forms with Ruby, a baby elephant held captive alongside him.
This book carefully unwraps themes of kindness, friendship, and hope in unexpected places, tugging at readers’ hearts through Ivan’s honest words.
Linda Sue Park is an author whose storytelling style blends well-researched history with rich characters, similar to Debbie Levy’s thoughtful narratives. Her book “A Long Walk to Water” tells two powerful stories occurring decades apart in Sudan.
One follows Salva Dut, a boy separated from his family by war as he embarks on a difficult journey to find safety. The other features Nya, a young Sudanese girl whose daily life revolves around fetching water from a distant pond.
Eventually, their two stories connect in a beautiful and heartwarming way. Park’s clear, sensitive narration brings readers close to these brave characters’ struggles and successes.
Pam Muñoz Ryan is an author known for heartfelt stories that blend history with genuine emotion. Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s thoughtful storytelling might appreciate Ryan’s book “Esperanza Rising.”
In this novel, Esperanza had a privileged life in Mexico until tragedy forced her family to move to California during the Great Depression. Suddenly poor and working as farm laborers, Esperanza learns hard lessons about resilience, friendship, and hope.
The story paints a vivid picture of migrant life in the 1930s, rich with authentic characters and emotional highs and lows. For anyone who likes stories that blend historical realities with relatable characters, “Esperanza Rising” is worth exploring.
Andrea Davis Pinkney is an author known for writing thoughtful stories that explore important historical moments and figures through engaging narratives.
Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s meaningful storytelling may appreciate Pinkney’s book “Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters.” This inspiring collection spotlights courageous black women who made significant contributions to civil rights and justice.
Pinkney highlights influential figures such as Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, and Fannie Lou Hamer, illustrating their bravery, perseverance, and groundbreaking activism in memorable stories.
This book celebrates powerful lives and gives readers valuable insights into American history.
Books by Maribeth Boelts often focus on real-life issues children can connect with deeply. If you enjoy Debbie Levy’s heartfelt storytelling, you’ll appreciate “Those Shoes” by Boelts.
The story follows a young boy named Jeremy who desperately wants the trendy shoes that all his classmates have. His grandma cannot afford them, and Jeremy has to navigate feelings of embarrassment and envy.
After finally finding a pair at a thrift store, he’s faced with a tough choice when they don’t quite fit. Boelts gently explores themes of generosity, friendship, and the difference between wanting something and truly needing it.
Readers who appreciate Debbie Levy’s thoughtful stories will likely connect with Lois Lowry, a versatile author known for exploring complex themes in accessible ways.
In her book “Number the Stars,” Lowry introduces readers to Annemarie Johansen, a brave young girl living in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II. Annemarie faces difficult decisions when her family helps their Jewish friends escape persecution.
Lowry crafts a story of courage, friendship, and moral strength. The realistic portrayal of historical events through the eyes of a child offers insight and emotional depth, making this book memorable and meaningful.
Nikki Grimes is an award-winning author known for stories that explore life’s challenges through hopeful and poetic storytelling.
Her engaging book, “Words with Wings,” tells the story of Gabby, a young girl who learns to navigate life’s difficulties through her vivid imagination and love for words.
As Gabby struggles with family changes and fitting in at school, poetry becomes a way for her to find comfort and strength.
Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s thoughtful portrayal of historical or personal themes may appreciate Grimes’ sensitive style and her talent for crafting relatable, heartfelt characters.
Books by E.B. Lewis often explore meaningful themes through beautiful illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, a style readers of Debbie Levy may appreciate. In the book “Coming On Home Soon,” Lewis illustrates a touching story by Jacqueline Woodson set in wartime.
Ada Ruth, a young girl, watches her mother leave home to find work far away. As Ada Ruth waits out a cold winter at home with her grandmother, readers see how hope and family ties sustain them during difficult times.
Lewis’s artwork adds warmth and depth to each page, revealing emotions that words alone can’t show and highlighting the quiet strength of family love.
Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s storytelling will likely appreciate Sharon Creech’s warm and heartfelt style. Creech, an American author known for her relatable characters and thoughtful themes, often explores family dynamics, friendship, and self-discovery.
In her novel “Walk Two Moons,” readers meet 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, known as Sal. She embarks on a road trip with her grandparents to find her missing mother.
Sal shares an engaging tale about her friend Phoebe Winterbottom, whose own family mysteries echo some of Sal’s experiences.
The journey unfolds beautifully, with humor and tenderness, as Sal copes with loss, learns about love, and finds important truths about herself and those around her.
Fans of Debbie Levy’s approachable narratives and meaningful relationships will find plenty to enjoy in “Walk Two Moons.”
If you enjoy Debbie Levy’s thoughtful storytelling, you might also appreciate the books of Matt de la Peña. He writes stories centered around relatable characters and meaningful themes, told with clarity and warmth.
His book “Last Stop on Market Street” follows young CJ and his grandmother on their Sunday bus ride after church. During their ride, CJ’s questions about life lead to conversations that gently reveal the beauty in everyday moments and the value of kindness.
The heartwarming journey captures children’s curiosity and highlights community and gratitude, themes that fans of Debbie Levy will likely find familiar and enjoyable.
Kate DiCamillo is an American author known for heartwarming stories about friendship, courage, and compassion. If you appreciate Debbie Levy’s ability to explore meaningful themes through engaging tales, you might enjoy DiCamillo’s book “Because of Winn-Dixie.”
This book tells the story of a ten-year-old girl named Opal, who adopts a mischievous stray dog from a grocery store.
Set in a small Florida town, the lovable Winn-Dixie helps Opal confront loneliness, reconnect with her father, and discover lasting friendships in unexpected places.
The story offers gentle humor, kindness, and insightful looks into human nature, offering readers memorable characters they won’t forget.
Torrey Maldonado is an author who writes authentic, heartfelt stories for young readers. His novel “Tight” follows Bryan, a thoughtful kid from Brooklyn who faces tough choices about friendship, loyalty, and family expectations.
Bryan navigates his neighborhood pressures and deals honestly with difficult situations at school and at home.
Maldonado builds a story around real-world dilemmas kids actually face, exploring friendship and personal growth through relatable characters and believable conversations.
Readers who enjoy Debbie Levy’s thoughtful approach to real-life issues will find Maldonado’s mix of depth, honesty, and engaging storytelling familiar and satisfying.
R.J. Palacio is an author whose stories focus on empathy, kindness, and how people’s lives connect. In her book “Wonder,” Palacio tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference who starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep.
Auggie had been homeschooled, and now he enters public school for the first time. He struggles to show classmates he is just an ordinary kid despite looking different.
The story shifts points of view between Auggie, his sister, and friends, showing how everyone’s perspective matters. This book thoughtfully explores acceptance, friendship, and courage, themes that readers of Debbie Levy might enjoy.