Grace Byers writes with a lot of heart, especially when she tells stories that speak to young readers about understanding their own value and celebrating exactly who they are. Her book “I Am Enough” really shows this, it is full of words that make you feel good about yourself.
For readers who want to discover authors with a similar approach in their books, here are some you might find interesting.
Jacqueline Woodson is an author who beautifully captures moments of growth, family, and identity in stories filled with heartfelt honesty. Her writing is clear and strong, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate Grace Byers’ thoughtful style.
In her book “Brown Girl Dreaming,” Woodson shares her own childhood in a poetic memoir that explores her journey through family ties, friendships, and a world changing all around her.
Each poem tells a story of her experiences between the American South and New York City, showing how the places she lived shaped who she became.
For readers moved by stories of finding yourself, Woodson’s thoughtful approach and powerful voice make “Brown Girl Dreaming” a memorable and meaningful read.
Matt de la Peña is an author known for heartfelt stories that thoughtfully explore life’s complexities through young eyes. His book “Last Stop on Market Street” follows a boy named CJ and his grandmother as they take a bus across town after church.
Throughout their trip, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car and why they have to ride a crowded bus every Sunday. Through his grandmother’s gentle wisdom and positivity, CJ learns lessons about appreciating the little things in life.
Fans of Grace Byers’ affirming books about self-value and kindness might appreciate Matt de la Peña’s genuine and compassionate approach.
If you enjoy Grace Byers’ thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt messages, you might also appreciate Peter H. Reynolds. He is an author and illustrator known for creating gentle and inspiring children’s stories centered around self-expression and creativity.
One of his popular books, “The Dot,” follows a young girl named Vashti who believes she lacks artistic talent. Her journey begins when a teacher gently encourages her to simply make a dot on paper.
From that tiny mark emerges confidence, courage, and a new way of seeing art and herself. Reynolds’ relatable characters and simple yet meaningful narratives often show readers that greatness can start from something small.
Readers who enjoy Grace Byers may also appreciate Susan Verde, an author known for her thoughtful and uplifting picture books for children. Her book “I Am Human” is a wonderful exploration of empathy, kindness, and self-awareness.
Beautiful illustrations accompany the simple yet profound text. Verde guides young readers through various emotions and experiences that celebrate individuality and connection.
Those who’ve found comfort and inspiration in Grace Byers’ stories will likely connect with the warmth and wisdom present throughout Verde’s narrative.
If you enjoy books by Grace Byers, you’ll appreciate Kobi Yamada’s simple yet thoughtful stories about creativity and life’s big ideas. Yamada’s “What Do You Do With an Idea?” follows a young child who discovers an idea represented as a small egg-like creature.
At first the child isn’t sure what to do—the idea feels strange and unfamiliar. Yet as the child becomes more confident, the idea grows and transforms, leading to something surprising and beautiful.
With warm, gentle prose and charming illustrations, this book encourages readers to trust themselves and embrace their unique thoughts and dreams.
Readers who enjoy Grace Byers might also appreciate the stories of Oge Mora, a talented children’s book author and illustrator with a joyful and inspiring approach.
In her picture book “Thank You, Omu!”, Mora introduces readers to Omu, a warm-hearted woman who cooks a delicious pot of stew that catches the attention of people throughout her neighborhood.
Omu eagerly shares her stew with neighbors who knock on her door, and soon her generosity leads to an unexpected surprise. This heartwarming story celebrates kindness, community, and the joy of sharing through vibrant illustrations and relatable characters that glow with warmth.
Patricia Hegarty is a children’s author who gently guides young readers toward thoughtful reflections about themselves and the world around them. Her book “We Are Family” celebrates the warmth, joy, and strength found within family bonds.
With simple yet heartfelt rhymes, Hegarty highlights comforting scenes of shared meals, laughter-filled moments, and quiet times together.
Readers familiar with Grace Byers’ empowering messages about self-worth and inclusiveness in books like “I Am Enough” will appreciate Hegarty’s similar theme of belonging.
“We Are Family” reassures children that families, no matter their shape or size, offer unconditional love and support in everyday moments.
If you enjoy Grace Byers’ heartfelt stories about kindness, friendship, and self-acceptance, you’ll definitely appreciate R.J. Palacio’s touching novel “Wonder.” Palacio tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with a facial difference.
Always homeschooled, Auggie is about to enter fifth grade at a public school for the first time. Readers follow his journey through the school year, experiencing the challenges, friendships, and growing self-confidence that change his life.
Like Byers, Palacio explores acceptance and courage through vibrant characters and genuine dialogue. “Wonder” shows readers the power of empathy through the eyes of a child who just wants to be seen as ordinary, despite being extraordinary.
Andrea Beaty creates stories that celebrate individuality, curiosity, and creativity, themes readers of Grace Byers may appreciate. In “Ada Twist, Scientist,” Beaty introduces a young girl named Ada who constantly wonders about the world around her.
Ada’s endless questions and unique experiments often surprise her family and classmates, but her determination stays strong as she explores science and discovery.
The story emphasizes self-confidence, perseverance, and imaginative thinking, values that resonate clearly with Grace Byers’ themes of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Books by Matthew Cherry offer heartfelt stories full of warmth and affirming messages, similar in feeling to those by Grace Byers. His picture book “Hair Love” tells a sweet and touching tale about a father who learns to style his daughter’s beautiful hair.
The book captures the warmth of family relationships and celebrates the pride in one’s natural hair and identity.
If you’ve enjoyed Grace Byers’s empowering themes about self-acceptance and embracing what makes you unique, Matthew Cherry creates uplifting and charming stories with equally vibrant illustrations.
Readers who enjoy Grace Byers may also appreciate Vashti Harrison. Harrison is an author and illustrator known for celebrating inspiring lives through beautifully illustrated stories.
Her book “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” spotlights 40 impressive black women who made history. Each page offers short bios accompanied by charming pictures.
With figures like astronaut Mae Jemison to poet Maya Angelou, Harrison draws readers into stories of determination, passion, and courage.
Christian Robinson is an illustrator and author known for colorful children’s books full of hope, imagination, and care. His book “You Matter” captures moments big and small, from microscopic animals to vast starry skies. Every illustration is cheerful, thoughtful, and gentle.
The simple words and images show children that everyone deserves love, respect, and kindness. If you enjoyed Grace Byers’s “I Am Enough,” Christian Robinson’s “You Matter” offers another heartwarming story about self-worth and belonging.
Meena Harris is an author whose stories build confidence and encourage young readers to embrace their identities with pride, similar to the empowering themes in Grace Byers’ books.
In her book “Ambitious Girl,” Harris presents a young protagonist who learns to reclaim the word “ambitious” after seeing women criticized unfairly for chasing big dreams.
Through vibrant illustrations and clear, engaging language, the story shows ambition as a positive force to celebrate rather than something to avoid.
Readers who enjoyed Byers’ inspiring messages about self-worth in “I Am Enough” will connect easily with Harris’ positive storytelling and motivating characters.
Books by actor and author Taye Diggs offer thoughtful messages on identity, self-worth, and the bonds of family. His picture book “Chocolate Me!” tells the story of a young boy who feels different and struggles with embracing his appearance and culture.
Through his experiences, readers see how supportive friendships and family steadily build his self-confidence. The book’s uplifting narrative and vibrant illustrations celebrate diversity and the value of loving oneself.
If you’re drawn to Grace Byers’ affirming children’s books like “I Am Enough,” Taye Diggs’ honest and joyful storytelling may resonate with you as well.
Derrick Barnes creates thoughtful children’s stories that celebrate identity and self-worth. If you enjoy Grace Byers and her affirming messages, you’ll probably connect with Barnes’s book, “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.”
This upbeat story highlights the joy and pride a young boy feels after getting a great haircut. It’s a simple, joyful look at how a small moment can make you feel special and unstoppable.
Vibrant artwork complements the confident storytelling, making it easy to see why readers who appreciate Byers’s empowering style might also enjoy Derrick Barnes.