Elizabeth Acevedo came onto the scene with verse novels that just grabbed you, like *The Poet X*, and everyone took notice. Her books look at identity, culture, and what it means to be a young Afro-Latina woman with such a strong, poetic voice.
For readers who love books with themes that resonate and writing that hits you in the heart in a similar way, you should definitely check out these authors.
Readers who connect with Elizabeth Acevedo’s stories might also enjoy Angie Thomas, an author known for powerful storytelling and authentic voice.
In Thomas’ book “The Hate U Give,” the reader meets Starr Carter, a teen caught between two different worlds—her family’s close-knit, predominantly Black neighborhood, and the privileged, mostly White school she attends.
Starr’s life radically changes when she witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend by a police officer. Throughout the novel, Starr grapples with trauma, injustice, and her responsibility to speak the truth.
Angie Thomas captures emotional rawness, sharp dialogue, and genuine teenage characters who stay with the reader long after finishing the book.
Nic Stone is an author who shines a spotlight on real-life struggles and vibrant youth voices through powerful storytelling. Readers who appreciate Elizabeth Acevedo’s authentic narratives featuring diverse teenage experiences will likely connect with Stone’s work.
Her novel “Dear Martin” follows Justyce, a bright, ambitious teenager facing questions of race, identity, and justice after an unsettling confrontation with a police officer. To find guidance through his confusion, Justyce begins writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
These letters open a door for readers to explore the challenges teenagers encounter while trying to honor their true selves. Stone’s approachable writing and realistic characters echo the emotional honesty found in Acevedo’s books.
Jason Reynolds is an author who crafts relatable stories about young people facing powerful challenges and real-life situations. His book “Long Way Down” tells the story of Will, a fifteen-year-old boy whose brother has just been murdered.
Determined to find revenge, Will steps into an elevator descending floors toward a violent decision. However, the elevator stops at each floor, and people from his past step aboard to make him question his motives and emotions.
Reynolds brings poetry and honesty to complex topics, much in the way Elizabeth Acevedo does in “The Poet X.” If you connected with Xiomara’s powerful inner journey, there’s a good chance you’d also appreciate Will’s emotional elevator ride in “Long Way Down.”
Ibi Zoboi is a Haitian-American author whose writing speaks powerfully about race, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Her novel “American Street” offers readers an emotional journey through the eyes of Fabiola Toussaint, a Haitian teenager newly arrived in Detroit.
Fabiola must navigate complex issues of family obligation, unfamiliar friendships, and the tension between her Haitian roots and her new American reality.
Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo will appreciate how Zoboi authentically portrays young people caught between two worlds, with well-crafted characters and lyrical storytelling that draws you deeply into Fabiola’s compelling inner life.
Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Acevedo might also appreciate Jacqueline Woodson, an author celebrated for heartfelt and authentic stories. Woodson crafts characters that face real-life challenges with honesty and warmth.
In her book “Brown Girl Dreaming,” she writes in vivid verse to tell the story of her own childhood. The memoir follows her early years between South Carolina and New York, as she finds her voice and a deep love for storytelling.
With each poem, readers feel connected to her journey through changing friendships, family traditions, and dreams of becoming a writer. Woodson’s relatable style and poetic narrative resonate deeply, especially with readers who love Acevedo’s work.
If you enjoy Elizabeth Acevedo’s books, Renée Watson is another author worth exploring. Her novel “Piecing Me Together” follows Jade, a high school student from a poor Portland neighborhood who attends a prestigious private school across town.
Jade often feels like an outsider at her school, where her identity and worth are frequently questioned or overlooked. Through a mentorship program, she faces the struggles of being seen solely through stereotypes and prejudice.
Jade’s journey reveals how she learns to assert her voice, find support, and demand respect on her own terms. Watson explores complex issues of race, identity, and privilege with honesty, humor, and warmth that stay with you long after finishing.
Books by Benjamin Alire Sáenz often explore identity, family, and the struggles of growing up between different cultures—similar themes to Elizabeth Acevedo’s work.
In “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” Sáenz tells the story of two Mexican-American teenagers in El Paso in the 1980s. Aristotle—a quiet, introspective teen—meets Dante—a free-spirited, open-hearted boy—at the local pool.
They quickly become inseparable friends, trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and what it means to be honest with themselves and each other.
It’s a heartfelt coming-of-age story marked by beautiful prose, rich emotional depth, and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Tiffany D. Jackson is an author whose books blend powerful storytelling with realistic characters and intense emotional depth. If you’re a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo’s sharp narratives and authentic voices, Jackson’s novel “Monday’s Not Coming” could catch your interest.
This story follows Claudia, who becomes deeply worried when her best friend, Monday, doesn’t show up at school. When Claudia asks about Monday, no one seems concerned or even notices something has gone terribly wrong.
Claudia sets out on a persistent search for answers, determined to uncover the truth behind her friend’s disappearance.
Jackson immerses readers in a tale that explores friendship, neglect, and the hidden realities kids sometimes face, all wrapped in a suspenseful storyline you won’t easily forget.
Justin A. Reynolds is an author who blends real-world struggles with warmth and sincerity, creating characters that jump off the page. In his novel “Opposite of Always,” readers meet Jack, a teenager who falls for Kate at a college party.
Their story takes a twist when Kate unexpectedly dies, and Jack finds himself back at the moment they first met. Jack relives their relationship repeatedly, trying desperately to save Kate without losing those closest to him.
Reynolds writes in a fresh voice, mixing heartache, humor, and hope. Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo’s authentic storytelling and relatable characters may enjoy this emotional yet uplifting story.
Erika L. Sánchez is a Mexican-American author and poet whose work often explores identity, family dynamics, and the experiences of young Latinx women.
If you’re a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo’s insightful portrayals of teen life, Sánchez’s novel “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” offers a fresh and honest voice.
Julia, a bright teen from Chicago, faces the heavy expectations her family places on her after her sister Olga’s sudden death.
Everyone saw Olga as the ideal daughter, but as Julia begins to uncover hidden aspects of her sister’s life, she realizes perfection isn’t always what it seems.
The book captures the emotional struggles of cultural expectations, sibling relationships, and self-discovery in an authentic, moving way.
Kwame Alexander is an author known for bringing poetry and narrative together in powerful young adult novels. If you’re a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo’s style, his book “The Crossover” may resonate with you.
The story follows twin brothers Josh and Jordan, talented basketball players whose close relationship gets tested by rivalry, family struggles, and the ups and downs of adolescence.
Alexander tells their story through dynamic verses, rhythmic language, and emotional depth that keeps each page lively and authentic.
This novel not only explores family and brotherhood but also deals naturally with bigger themes like identity, loss, and growth, all wrapped tightly in the exciting pace of basketball.
Aida Salazar is an author known for stories that explore identity, culture, and family through vivid, heartfelt narratives.
Her book, “The Moon Within,” follows Celi Rivera, a young girl navigating her first period and her mother’s desire to celebrate it with an ancestral ceremony.
Set against a richly woven backdrop of Mexican and Puerto Rican traditions, the novel examines themes of growing up, self-acceptance, and cultural heritage.
Readers who have enjoyed Elizabeth Acevedo’s novels, particularly those that celebrate personal identity and Latinx culture, may find a strong connection to Salazar’s thoughtful storytelling.
If you enjoy Elizabeth Acevedo’s heartfelt storytelling and characters that feel authentic, you might find a new favorite in Elizabeth Lim. Lim beautifully blends mythology, fairy tale, and strong character journeys in her books.
In “Spin the Dawn,” readers follow Maia, a talented seamstress who disguises herself as a boy to compete as the imperial tailor. Maia faces impossible design tasks, magical creatures, and court intrigue along her path.
Her courage, determination and hidden identity create a story of adventure and self-discovery that keeps readers flipping pages to see what she’ll do next.
Melinda Lo is an author known for writing powerful and authentic coming-of-age stories that explore identity, culture, and self-discovery.
If you enjoy Elizabeth Acevedo’s honest portrayals of young women’s lives, you might appreciate Lo’s novel “Last Night at the Telegraph Club.”
Set in 1950s San Francisco, the book follows seventeen-year-old Lily Hu, a Chinese American teenager who begins questioning her own feelings after meeting Kathleen Miller.
Their deepening friendship leads Lily to discover the Telegraph Club, a secret lesbian nightclub that opens up a new world of identity and acceptance. But accepting herself in her conservative family and hostile society proves challenging.
Through Lily’s eyes, readers explore themes of race, sexuality, first love, and the courage to live truthfully.
Sandhya Menon is an author whose stories explore identity, culture, and young love in fresh and engaging ways. If you’ve enjoyed Elizabeth Acevedo’s books, Menon’s heartfelt narrative and strong characters might resonate with you.
In her book “When Dimple Met Rishi,” Menon introduces two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged their marriage without their knowledge. Dimple can’t wait to start university, free from her mother’s constant pressure to find the “ideal Indian husband.”
Rishi values tradition and family expectations. When they unexpectedly meet at a summer coding program, things don’t exactly go according to their parents’ carefully laid plans. The novel beautifully mixes humor, romance, and thoughtful reflections on culture and ambition.