George M. Johnson is a respected author known for insightful young adult nonfiction that explores race, identity, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Johnson's memoir, All Boys Aren't Blue, notably provides authentic reflections on gender and sexuality.
If you enjoy reading books by George M. Johnson then you might also like the following authors:
Jason Reynolds speaks directly to young readers, exploring identity, race, and coming-of-age challenges with honesty and empathy. His voice is conversational and genuine, connecting deeply to teenage experiences.
In Long Way Down, Reynolds uses poetry to capture the intense emotions and tough choices faced by a teen caught in cycles of violence.
Angie Thomas writes authentic and powerful stories grounded in contemporary issues like racial injustice, family dynamics, and activism. Her storytelling style is clear and approachable, resonating especially with teens facing similar realities.
In The Hate U Give, she explores the impact of police violence through sixteen-year-old Starr Carter's journey, delivering a timely and emotionally charged narrative.
Ibi Zoboi crafts relatable narratives centering around immigrant identities, racial dynamics, and teen experiences with honesty and heart. Her style combines cultural authenticity with contemporary storytelling, highlighting both struggles and triumphs.
In American Street, Zoboi skillfully portrays the resilience and courage of a Haitian immigrant teen navigating life in Detroit.
Kacen Callender constructs thoughtful and heartfelt novels that explore identity, race, sexuality, and self-discovery. Through authentic dialogue and relatable characters, their stories speak especially to young readers finding their place in the world. Felix
Ever After offers an insightful portrayal of a Black transgender teen navigating love, acceptance, and personal identity.
Elizabeth Acevedo tells vibrant and emotional stories, often using poetic verse or lyrical narrative to highlight Afro-Latinx identity, family bonds, and personal growth. Her style perfectly blends rhythm, sincerity, and accessibility.
In The Poet X, Acevedo shares the journey of Xiomara, an Afro-Latina teen who discovers her voice through poetry, family conflict, and first love.
Nic Stone writes openly and thoughtfully about race, identity, and social issues, especially highlighting the experiences of young people.
Her novel, Dear Martin, explores themes of racial injustice and police brutality through the story of Justyce McAllister, a teenager grappling with these realities.
Stone's writing is straightforward, emotionally honest, and relatable, making it perfect for those who appreciate George M. Johnson's style and subject matter.
Ibram X. Kendi is known for his insightful nonfiction addressing race, racism, and systemic inequality in clear and engaging language. His book, How to Be an Antiracist, blends memoir with thoughtful analysis and practical advice.
Kendi's approach is accessible, direct, and provocative, ideal for readers who value George M. Johnson's honest and personal treatment of difficult topics.
Ta-Nehisi Coates combines powerful narrative with deep analysis to confront race, history, and social injustice in America.
In his book Between the World and Me, Coates shares a deeply personal letter to his teenage son, addressing what it means to grow up Black in America today.
Readers who admire George M. Johnson's openness and vulnerability will appreciate Coates' thoughtful clarity and emotional intensity.
Roxane Gay is a writer known for her sharp wit, candid style, and thoughtful commentary on social issues like feminism, race, and body image. In her essay collection Bad Feminist, she explores these themes with frankness, humor, and insight.
Like George M. Johnson, Gay writes openly and personally about difficult and complex subjects, inviting readers to think critically about society and identity.
Akwaeke Emezi's writing explores identity, gender, and the experiences of marginalized individuals with authenticity and imagination.
Their novel, The Death of Vivek Oji, follows the life of Vivek, a young adult whose mysterious death leads family and friends to uncover hidden truths about sexuality, gender, and social expectations.
Those drawn to George M. Johnson's emotionally true storytelling and exploration of queer identity will find much to appreciate in Emezi's heartfelt and deeply moving work.
Leah Johnson writes heartfelt stories that highlight marginalized identities with warmth, humor, and authenticity. Her book You Should See Me in a Crown follows Liz Lighty, a queer Black teenager determined to win prom queen and get a college scholarship.
Johnson beautifully explores friendship, identity, race, and community, crafting meaningful characters readers easily root for.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is known for his honest and poetic storytelling that explores identity, love, family, and self-discovery.
In his novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, he introduces Ari and Dante, two Mexican-American teenagers figuring out friendship, sexuality, and their place in the world.
Sáenz speaks straight to the heart and writes gentle stories full of emotional resonance.
Lamar Giles creates exciting, thought-provoking stories with memorable characters and sharp social commentary. His thriller Spin is about two teens determined to unravel the murder of their mutual friend, a popular DJ.
Giles tackles complex issues facing young people, particularly Black teens, weaving suspense with powerful themes about racial identity, truth, and justice.
Dean Atta shines by blending poetry and prose to explore race, sexuality, art, and identity in his writing. His novel-in-verse The Black Flamingo follows Michael, a mixed-race teenager in London navigating his identity and discovering drag performance.
Atta's lyrical style beautifully captures the journey toward self-acceptance with honesty and compassion.
Maia Kobabe writes openly and clearly about gender, sexuality, and self-expression, inviting readers to understand complex topics through deeply personal storytelling.
Kobabe's graphic memoir, Gender Queer, chronicles eir own experiences exploring nonbinary gender and sexual identity.
Through the intimacy of visual art and straightforward narration, Kobabe's work offers readers space to think, feel, and better appreciate lives outside traditional gender norms.