If you enjoy reading books by Jack Gantos then you might also like the following authors:
Louis Sachar is an author known for creating stories that are quirky and full of humor. One of his most popular books is “Holes.” It tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, a kid sent to a camp where boys dig holes all day in the scorching heat.
The camp isn’t what it seems, and Stanley discovers there’s a strange connection between his family’s past and the reason for all the digging. The book is packed with clever twists and memorable characters, making it stand out as a unique mix of mystery and adventure.
Carl Hiaasen writes quirky, fast-paced stories with a lot of humor and oddball characters. His books are set in Florida, and they often highlight strange situations and environmental themes.
In “Hoot,” the story follows a boy named Roy who moves to Florida and stumbles across a wild mystery involving tiny burrowing owls, a pancake house construction site, and some very peculiar locals.
The book has moments of suspense, wit, and unexpected twists that keep the story fun and lively. If you like books where kids tackle big problems with guts and creativity, this one is worth checking out.
Jerry Spinelli is an author known for writing stories that capture the struggles and joys of childhood and adolescence. One of his most memorable books is “Stargirl,” which tells the story of a unique and free-spirited girl named Stargirl Caraway.
She turns heads at her high school with her eccentric personality and kind gestures, like cheering for the opposing team or leaving small gifts for strangers. The story, told through the eyes of a boy named Leo, explores themes of individualism and the pressures to fit in.
Spinelli’s writing brings school life and young emotions to life in a way that feels real and heartfelt.
Andrew Clements is known for writing stories about school life and how small events can create big changes. One of his popular books, “Frindle,” tells the story of Nick, a clever fifth-grader who invents a new word for a pen—frindle.
This innocent idea catches on and spreads beyond his classroom, leading to unexpected challenges and moments of fun. The story focuses on the impact of creativity and how a simple idea can take on a life of its own.
Readers who enjoy smart, relatable characters might enjoy exploring his books.
Gordon Korman writes lighthearted stories with memorable characters and lots of humor. His book “No More Dead Dogs” is about a boy named Wallace Wallace, who refuses to write a glowing book report about a classic novel because he’s tired of books where the dog always dies.
His honesty lands him in trouble, forcing him to sit through rehearsals for the school play, based on the same book. Wallace’s no-nonsense attitude ends up transforming the play in unexpected ways. It’s a quick, funny read with a unique take on school life and storytelling.
Christopher Paul Curtis writes stories that often center around young characters facing challenges, growing up, and discovering their place in the world. One of his well-known books, “Bud, Not Buddy,” follows Bud Caldwell, a ten-year-old boy in Depression-era Michigan.
After leaving the orphanage where he lives, Bud sets out to find his father, guided by a few clues that his late mother left behind. Along the way, Bud meets unforgettable characters and learns about family, resilience, and his own strength.
Curtis uses humor and warmth throughout the story to bring Bud’s journey to life.
Kate DiCamillo is an author who creates heartfelt stories with memorable characters. One of her books, “Because of Winn-Dixie,” tells the story of a lonely girl named Opal who moves to a small town in Florida.
After finding a stray dog in a grocery store, she begins to form unexpected friendships and learns more about her own family. The book blends warmth with honest emotional moments, drawing readers into Opal’s journey to find connection and belonging.
Jeff Kinney is the author of the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. His books follow Greg Heffley, a middle schooler trying to navigate the ups and downs of growing up.
In “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Greg documents his daily life in a journal, sharing funny and sometimes awkward moments with his best friend, Rowley, and his family. From surviving school bullies to coming up with wild schemes, Greg’s story is honest and full of humor.
Readers who enjoy Jack Gantos’ ability to mix humor with relatable struggles might enjoy Kinney’s approach to storytelling.
Roald Dahl is a master of creating stories that mix charm with a twist of the unexpected, often focusing on quirky, mischievous characters. His book “Matilda” is about a gifted young girl growing up in a neglectful family.
She discovers she has a special power and starts to stand up to the cruel adults in her life, like her terrifying school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
There’s a scene where a boy is forced to eat an enormous chocolate cake as punishment, which is both funny and a little horrifying. Dahl’s way of making ordinary kids face extraordinary scenarios is unforgettable.
Lemony Snicket is the narrator and author behind “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” a darkly humorous series about the Baudelaire orphans.
The first book, “The Bad Beginning,” introduces Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, who lose their parents in a fire and are sent to live with the cruel Count Olaf. He schemes to steal their fortune, hiding his sinister plans behind a thin veil of kindness.
The story blends absurd humor, quirky narration, and a sense of mystery, drawing readers into the orphans’ strange and often dangerous world. If you enjoy Jack Gantos and appreciate books that mix wit with shadows, Snicket might be a good fit.
Betsy Byars writes books that focus on kids facing challenges, often with a mix of humor and heart. One of her well-loved stories is “The Summer of the Swans.”
It follows a girl named Sara, who feels awkward and unsure of herself, as she searches for her missing brother, Charlie. Along the way, Sara begins to see herself and her family in a new light.
The story captures the ups and downs of growing up, with characters who feel real and relatable.
E.L. Konigsburg wrote stories where ordinary kids found themselves in unusual situations. One of her best-known books, “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” follows Claudia and her brother Jamie as they run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
They hide in the museum, explore its secrets, and stumble across a mystery involving a statue. Konigsburg’s characters are sharp and resourceful, and the story pulls readers into their adventure with every chapter.
Judy Blume is an author known for writing stories that focus on growing up and dealing with the ups and downs of life. One of her most well-loved books, “Are You There God?
It’s Me, Margaret,” follows a sixth-grade girl named Margaret who is navigating friendships, school life, and questions about faith and identity. The book captures the awkwardness and curiosity of being young, with moments that feel personal and real.
If you like Jack Gantos’s way of pulling readers into the lives of relatable characters, you might enjoy Judy Blume’s approach to storytelling.
Mac Barnett is an author known for books that mix humor, heart, and a touch of mischief.
His book “The Terrible Two,” co-written with Jory John, tells the story of Miles, a kid who prides himself on being an expert prankster, moving to a new town where he meets a rival prankster named Niles.
The two start out as enemies but eventually team up to pull off the ultimate prank. It’s packed with clever tricks, funny situations, and characters that feel fun to follow.
Daniel Pinkwater writes quirky, offbeat stories with a touch of absurd humor, creating worlds that feel strange in the best way. His book “The Neddiad” follows a boy named Neddie Wentworthstein, who embarks on an odd adventure after his family moves to Los Angeles.
Along the way, he encounters eccentric characters, mysterious artifacts, and a plot involving ancient forces. The story has a mix of oddball humor and unexpected twists that make it hard to put down.