If you enjoy reading books by Elizabeth Acevedo then you might also like the following authors:
Angie Thomas writes stories that feel real and heartfelt, often focusing on the lives of teens trying to find their voice in a world that doesn’t always listen. Her book “The Hate U Give” follows Starr, a girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend.
The story shows how she navigates the aftermath, balancing her two worlds—her poor neighborhood and her mostly white private school—while deciding how to stand up for what’s right.
Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo might connect with how Thomas writes authentic characters with powerful stories.
Nic Stone writes stories that resonate with readers of all ages. One of her standout books is “Dear Martin.” It follows Justyce McAllister, a bright teen who begins writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after experiencing racial profiling.
The story tackles challenges he faces at school and in his community, especially after an encounter with the police turns his life upside down. The book is heartfelt and personal, giving readers a close look at Justyce’s thoughts as he navigates these struggles.
Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo’s powerful themes and strong emotional depth may find Nic Stone’s work equally engaging.
Jason Reynolds writes stories with characters who feel real and emotions that hit hard. His book “Long Way Down” is about a teenager named Will who faces a life-changing decision after his brother is shot.
The story takes place over 60 seconds in an elevator, as Will grapples with choices shaped by grief and violence. The book is in verse, making it raw and fast-paced, pulling readers into Will’s world immediately.
Ibi Zoboi writes stories that mix raw emotion with memorable characters. Her book “Pride” is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
It’s set in Brooklyn and follows Zuri Benitez, a teen who takes pride in her Afro-Latinx roots and her family’s tight-knit community.
When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri clashes with Darius Darcy, but their interactions lead to unexpected changes in how they see each other and themselves.
Zoboi weaves themes of gentrification, cultural identity, and family into a fresh, urban twist on a timeless classic.
Jacqueline Woodson is a celebrated author known for writing stories that feel deeply personal and reflect real-life struggles. One of her standout books, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” is a memoir written in verse.
It paints a vivid picture of her childhood, growing up between South Carolina and New York during the Civil Rights Movement. Through her eyes, you see what it was like to grapple with family, identity, and dreams while the world around her was changing.
Renée Watson is an author who writes stories that explore identity, family, and finding your voice. One of her books, “Piecing Me Together,” follows Jade, a talented high schooler on a scholarship at a mostly white private school.
Jade dreams of traveling the world, but instead, she’s placed in a mentorship program she didn’t ask for. The story shows Jade navigating friendships, racial tensions, and her own frustrations.
Readers see her grow as she decides what kind of life she wants to create for herself.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author known for crafting tender and heartfelt stories about identity, love, and family.
His book, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” follows two boys, Ari and Dante, as they form an unexpected friendship that grows deeper over time. Set in 1980s Texas, the story explores their struggle to understand themselves and the world around them.
It’s an emotional journey, filled with moments of vulnerability and quiet strength.
Tiffany D. Jackson is an author who tends to write stories that mix real-life situations with emotional depth. One of her books, “Monday’s Not Coming,” tells the story of Claudia, a girl who realizes her best friend, Monday, is missing.
As she searches for answers, she starts uncovering unsettling truths about her friend’s life that no one else seems to notice or care about.
The book gets you caught up in Claudia’s determination and makes you think about the bonds of friendship and the way people sometimes fall through the cracks. Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo might enjoy Jackson’s knack for creating vivid characters who feel real and unforgettable.
Justin A. Reynolds writes heartfelt stories about love, friendship, and second chances. His book, “Opposite of Always,” tells the story of Jack, a teenager who meets Kate at a party and feels an instant connection.
But when Kate dies unexpectedly, Jack discovers he’s stuck in a time loop, repeatedly returning to the day they met. As he tries to save her, Jack faces tough choices that might change everything, including his own life.
Reynolds mixes humor and emotion to create characters you can’t help but root for.
Erika L. Sánchez is a writer whose stories are heartfelt and deeply personal. Her book, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” follows Julia, a teenager grappling with the death of her seemingly perfect older sister, Olga.
As her family mourns, Julia starts uncovering secrets about Olga that suggest she wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought. The story explores Julia’s struggle to balance her family’s expectations and her own dreams.
Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo’s work will probably enjoy how Sánchez combines family dynamics and self-discovery.
Kwame Alexander is an author known for writing stories that balance emotional depth with lively, poetic language. His book, “The Crossover,” tells the story of twin brothers who are basketball stars.
Through their games, their rivalry, and family struggles, the story unfolds in verse, blending the rhythm of the court with the rhythm of their lives. It paints a vivid picture of love, competition, and growing up.
If you enjoy the lyrical storytelling in Elizabeth Acevedo’s work, you might find Alexander’s style equally engaging.
Aida Salazar writes stories that explore identity, family, and growing up. Her book, “The Moon Within,” follows Celi Rivera, a young girl on the brink of adolescence.
Celi’s mother wants to celebrate her first period with a traditional Mexican ceremony, but Celi struggles with embarrassment and the changes she’s going through. The story also touches on Celi’s friendship with Marco, who is coming out as genderfluid.
It’s heartfelt and personal, showing how relationships shift as we grow. Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo’s poetic and emotional style might enjoy the lyrical way Salazar tells this story.
Elizabeth Lim weaves stories inspired by folklore and fantasy, creating vivid worlds and memorable characters. In her novel “Spin the Dawn,” a young tailor named Maia Tamarin disguises herself as a boy to compete for the title of imperial tailor.
The story takes her on a journey to sew three magical dresses, each tied to impossible tasks, while contending with danger and a growing connection to a mysterious enchanter. Fans of lyrical storytelling and personal journeys may find her work engrossing.
Melinda Lo is an author who writes stories that blend personal growth with rich, emotional layers. Her book “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” transports readers to 1950s Chinatown in San Francisco.
It follows Lily Hu, a Chinese-American teenager who stumbles upon a hidden lesbian nightclub. As she begins to explore her identity, she faces challenges tied to her family, cultural expectations, and the political climate of the era.
The story builds a vivid sense of the time and offers a heartfelt look at what it means to seek love and acceptance.
Sandhya Menon is known for writing heartfelt stories about family, identity, and love, often capturing the experiences of Indian-American teens with humor and heart.
Her novel “When Dimple Met Rishi” tells the story of Dimple, a driven young woman who dreams of being a tech innovator, and Rishi, a romantic who believes in tradition and wants to win her heart.
Their families set them up, but Dimple and Rishi meet at a coding camp, where things don’t go as smoothly as their parents hoped. The book explores the clash between personal ambition and family expectations, with moments that are funny and sweet.