Donna Barba Higuera is a talented author known for middle-grade and young adult fiction. Her novel The Last Cuentista won the 2022 Newbery Medal, and Lupe Wong Won't Dance showcases her lively storytelling and relatable characters.
If you enjoy reading books by Donna Barba Higuera then you might also like the following authors:
Tae Keller writes thoughtful stories where magic gently meets real life. Her writing is emotional and explores heartfelt themes like family connections, understanding your roots, and dealing with loneliness.
Her novel When You Trap a Tiger beautifully blends Korean folklore with reality to show how stories shape who we are.
Erin Entrada Kelly creates realistic fiction that captures the inner worlds of young people beautifully. Her books often focus on friendship, self-discovery, and coming-of-age stories that feel authentic and relatable.
In Hello, Universe, Kelly weaves together diverse and memorable characters, highlighting the strength of quiet courage and kindness.
Carlos Hernandez's stories sparkle with imagination and humor, mixing science fiction, fantasy, and issues young readers face in everyday life. He portrays diverse experiences and celebrates Cuban-American culture.
His book Sal and Gabi Break the Universe combines multidimensional adventures with genuinely warm-hearted storytelling.
Kwame Mbalia brings exciting adventures infused with powerful African American folklore and mythology. He creates dynamic characters and explores themes of heroism, friendship, grief, and resilience.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky delivers an upbeat, inspiring adventure filled with memorable characters and a rich sense of culture and legacy.
Tehlor Kay Mejia's stories often feature strong Latinx protagonists navigating worlds that blend fantasy and real-life struggles. Her narratives emphasize themes of identity, belonging, and empowerment, and they celebrate the importance of friendship and community.
Her novel Paola Santiago and the River of Tears skillfully weaves Mexican folklore into an exciting contemporary fantasy adventure.
Rebecca Roanhorse writes adventurous stories that explore indigenous mythology, future worlds, and courageous characters. Her middle-grade novel, Race to the Sun, centers on Nizhoni Begay, a young Navajo girl who bravely faces monsters from Navajo legends.
Fans of Higuera's imaginative tales and strong young protagonists will find much to enjoy in Roanhorse's storytelling.
Lois Lowry is a thoughtful storyteller who addresses complex subjects like identity, community, and the meaning of freedom in approachable, engaging ways.
Her classic novel The Giver introduces readers to Jonas, a young protagonist navigating the truths hidden within a seemingly perfect society. If you liked Donna Barba Higuera’s reflective themes that encourage deeper thinking, Lowry's work is a natural match.
Katherine Applegate creates heartfelt, warm stories that explore kindness, empathy, and finding your place in the world. Her beloved book, The One and Only Ivan, follows Ivan the gorilla as he seeks meaning beyond captivity, showing the power of compassion.
Readers who appreciate Higuera’s emotional depth and rich characters will connect strongly with Applegate's meaningful stories.
Meg Medina crafts books filled with warmth, authenticity, and vibrant cultural detail.
In her novel Merci Suárez Changes Gears, Medina introduces readers to Merci, a relatable and spirited character navigating family life, friendship, and growing up in a Cuban-American household.
Readers drawn to Donna Barba Higuera’s vivid portrayals of family dynamics and rich cultural perspectives will immediately feel at home with Medina's work.
J.C. Cervantes brings rich Mexican mythology alive through imaginative adventures and dynamic characters. In her exciting novel The Storm Runner, Cervantes introduces young Zane Obispo, a boy destined to confront Mayan gods and ancient prophecies.
Readers who love Donna Barba Higuera's fusion of folklore, culture, and thrilling fantasy adventures will find Cervantes equally fun and captivating.
Claribel A. Ortega mixes elements of fantasy, mystery, and friendship in stories rich with humor and emotion. Her books often explore belonging, courage, and Latinx identity.
In Ghost Squad, she introduces readers to a playful supernatural adventure that emphasizes family bonds and the strength of community.
Daniel José Older writes vivid and imaginative stories filled with diverse characters and energetic storytelling. His works blend fantasy, folklore, and magic, deeply grounded in multicultural identities.
The Last Cuentista fans may also enjoy Older's Shadowshaper, a vibrant, engaging tale centered around street art, ancestral magic, and finding one's voice.
Aida Salazar writes lyrical, heartfelt stories about cultural identity, family, and self-discovery. Writing often in verse, she sensitively captures Latinx experiences and history through a relatable human lens.
Readers who loved Higuera's nuanced storytelling should try Salazar's The Moon Within, a powerful coming-of-age novel about self-acceptance and honoring one's heritage.
Tracey Baptiste blends Caribbean folklore, atmospheric fantasy, and insightful exploration of identity and bravery. Her storytelling features vibrant cultures and relatable young heroes facing both magical and realistic challenges.
Fans of Donna Barba Higuera's thoughtful narratives will likely appreciate Baptiste's The Jumbies, a captivating tale infused with Caribbean myths and strong family ties.
Margarita Engle crafts lyrical, evocative stories that illuminate Latinx and Caribbean history, heritage, and culture. Her writing has a poetic quality and warmth that deeply resonate with young readers exploring their own identities.
Readers of Donna Barba Higuera's books will likely be drawn to Engle's Enchanted Air, a memoir-in-verse exploring themes of family, cultural division, and finding one's place in two worlds.