Jack Gantos writes books that really grab you. They can be super funny, but also feel very honest. From the Joey Pigza books to his memoirs, there’s always a sense of real life coming through, even when things get wild.
If you enjoy that kind of writing, and want to find authors with a similar style, or stories with a similar feel, here are some writers you might want to check out.
Louis Sachar is an author known for finding humor and depth in quirky, unforgettable characters—readers who appreciate Jack Gantos will likely find that Sachar shares a similar knack.
His book “Holes” revolves around Stanley Yelnats, a boy mistakenly sent to a juvenile correctional camp called Camp Green Lake, a place that’s neither green nor has a lake. Stanley and the other boys at the camp spend their days digging holes, which seems pointless at first.
But soon Stanley figures out that there’s much more hidden beneath the dry lake bed. Sachar cleverly weaves together mystery, humor, friendship, and surprising connections between past and present, creating a story with layers that keep readers intrigued until the very end.
Carl Hiaasen writes funny and energetic stories packed with oddball characters and tricky situations, perfect for readers who love Jack Gantos’ quirky narratives.
One of his popular books, “Hoot,” is about Roy Eberhardt, a boy new to town who discovers a mysterious barefoot kid involved in strange antics around town.
Roy gets caught up in adventure and unexpected friendships when he finds out someone is sabotaging construction at a local pancake house to protect tiny burrowing owls. The story is humorous and lively, filled with hijinks that keep young readers turning pages.
Jerry Spinelli is an author known for stories that explore the challenges and adventures of childhood with humor and sincerity. Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos’s blend of quirky humor and heartfelt coming-of-age stories will appreciate Spinelli’s novel “Maniac Magee.”
The book follows Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee, a kid who becomes legendary for his amazing athletic feats, kindness, and bravery.
After running away from home, Maniac finds himself in a town divided by race, where he tries to bridge those divisions through unlikely friendships and bold actions.
Spinelli is great at creating memorable characters, funny and heartfelt moments, and tackling tough topics in a straightforward way.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos might find a similar charm in Andrew Clements’ thoughtful and funny approach to storytelling. Clements has a talent for stories that reveal how ordinary events in school life can lead to surprising adventures.
In “Frindle,” fifth-grader Nick Allen sparks a big controversy when he invents a new word for a common object—the pen.
This clever and humorous tale follows Nick as his simple experiment grows into a nationwide phenomenon, challenging his school’s rules and his teacher’s patience.
Those who love Jack Gantos’ stories about schoolyard mischief and creativity will surely appreciate the wit and warmth found in “Frindle.”
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos might appreciate the humor and quirky characters in Gordon Korman’s books. Korman writes engaging stories filled with adventure, laughter, and relatable moments that stay with readers.
In his novel “Ungifted,” Donovan Curtis is a troublemaker who accidentally ends up placed in an elite school for gifted students. Donovan, who doesn’t quite fit in academically, brings chaos to the tidy order of the gifted program.
The result is funny, heartfelt, and packed with unexpected moments as Donovan helps his classmates experience more than just academic excellence.
Books by Christopher Paul Curtis capture the honest and humorous voice of young characters, which readers of Jack Gantos would particularly enjoy.
In “Bud, Not Buddy,” Curtis introduces readers to Bud Caldwell, a ten-year-old boy with a suitcase full of clues about his father’s identity. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Bud’s hopeful and often humorous journey to find his family.
Curtis weaves history, adventure, and relatable everyday moments into a vivid portrait of resilience and determination in challenging times.
Bud’s optimistic yet authentic voice rings true on every page, blending wit and heart in a way that stays with readers long after finishing the book.
Books by Kate DiCamillo offer heartfelt stories, memorable characters, and lively adventures that fans of Jack Gantos would appreciate. DiCamillo has a knack for creating humorous yet thoughtful narratives about young characters facing big and small challenges.
A great place to start is “Because of Winn-Dixie.” The book is about ten-year-old India Opal Buloni, who moves to a small town in Florida and adopts a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie’s outgoing nature helps Opal befriend a variety of quirky neighbors.
Through these friendships, Opal begins reconnecting with her father and facing the lingering sadness from her mother’s abandonment. DiCamillo tells the story with warmth, humor, and honesty, making it a joy to read.
Jeff Kinney is an author known for his hilarious and relatable take on everyday life seen through the eyes of middle schoolers. Readers who appreciate Jack Gantos’s humor and realistic storytelling will find much to enjoy in Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
The book follows Greg Heffley, a regular kid who navigates the awkwardness and frustration of middle school. Greg deals with friendships, family troubles, and embarrassing moments, all described with humor and honesty.
Kinney pairs these stories with humorous hand-drawn cartoons, creating an experience that makes you laugh, cringe, and nod in recognition at Greg’s adventures and misadventures.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos might also appreciate Roald Dahl. Dahl has a special talent for combining humor, whimsy, and quirky characters in clever adventures. In his book “Matilda,” Dahl tells the story of an exceptionally bright little girl named Matilda Wormwood.
Matilda loves books and can move things with her mind. However, she is forced to deal with mean parents and a cruel principal named Miss Trunchbull. With her clever mind, Matilda creates funny and satisfying ways to deal with the adults who mistreat children.
It’s a playful and inventive tale that celebrates bravery, intelligence, and kindness.
Books by Lemony Snicket offer quirky humor and sharp storytelling similar to Jack Gantos, but they come with a darker twist. A prime example is “The Bad Beginning,” the first installment of “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”
The book follows three clever siblings—the Baudelaire orphans—who face an incredible string of bad luck after losing their parents. Their new guardian, Count Olaf, is a sinister fellow intent on stealing their inheritance.
Snicket narrates with dry wit and often hilarious insight, directly addressing the reader and warning of dreadful events ahead. His stark yet amusing way of storytelling makes unfortunate circumstances entertaining.
If you enjoy witty characters and adventurous misfortune in Jack Gantos’ work, Lemony Snicket clearly belongs on your bookshelf.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos might also appreciate Betsy Byars, an author known for stories filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and believable characters.
Her book “The Summer of the Swans” follows fourteen-year-old Sara, a girl frustrated with the struggles of adolescence and family life.
When her younger brother Charlie, who has special needs, disappears one summer night, Sara sets out to find him, discovering new strengths and self-awareness along the way.
Betsy Byars captures both family tensions and personal growth in a story that’s thoughtful, touching, and full of heart.
E.L. Konigsburg is an author known for capturing childhood adventures and smart, relatable characters. Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos’s keen insight into young, imaginative minds may appreciate Konigsburg’s novel, “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.”
In this story, young Claudia and her brother Jamie secretly run away to live in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The siblings quickly find themselves caught up in an intriguing museum mystery involving a captivating statue that just might be a masterpiece by Michelangelo.
Claudia and Jamie’s cleverness, humor, and resourcefulness drive the plot, making their museum stay imaginative and delightful. Fans of quirky, adventurous tales found in Gantos’s books may find a similar charm in Konigsburg’s storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos might also appreciate Judy Blume, an author known for her honest and humorous storytelling about growing up.
Her book, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” follows Peter Hatcher, a boy whose life turns upside down because of his mischievous younger brother, Fudge. Through family dramas and sibling misadventures, Peter shares funny and relatable moments that readers of all ages can enjoy.
Judy Blume captures childhood with warmth and wit, making this a fun read about family life’s ups and downs.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos’s humorous and imaginative storytelling should take a look at Mac Barnett. Barnett writes playful, creative stories that kids and adults can both enjoy. One good title to start with is “The Terrible Two,” co-written with Jory John.
The book tells the story of Miles Murphy, a notorious prankster who moves to a town already occupied by another skilled practical joker named Niles Sparks. What follows is a funny competition between two clever troublemakers, filled with smart pranks and absurd humor.
Barnett sets the story in a typical school environment, but twists things with witty dialogue and surprise turns that readers of Jack Gantos will appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos’ humorous and quirky stories should explore Daniel Pinkwater’s imaginative world. Pinkwater’s novels often blend the absurd with everyday experiences, creating delightful and funny adventures for young readers.
In “Lizard Music,” readers will meet Victor, a boy left home alone whose late-night TV watching leads him to strange and wonderful discoveries. His ordinary town gradually reveals some surprising secrets—think chickens, lizards, and mysterious musicians.
The book offers humor, weirdness, and a sense of adventure readers will love.