If you enjoy reading books by Jacqueline Woodson then you might also like the following authors:
Toni Morrison is an author whose stories often highlight the lives, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities in America.
One of her most powerful books, “The Bluest Eye,” tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who longs for blue eyes, believing they would make her beautiful and bring her the love and acceptance she craves.
Set in the 1940s, the book explores themes of identity, beauty standards, and the deep scars of racism. Morrison’s writing is vivid and full of emotion, offering readers a story that sticks with them long after they finish it.
Kwame Alexander writes stories that often celebrate family, friendship, and personal growth. His book “The Crossover” is about twin brothers who are talented basketball players.
The story is told through a mix of poetry and prose, with Josh, the main character, navigating the highs and lows of sports, school, and his relationship with his brother. It’s not all about basketball, though.
There are moments that explore their bond with their parents, especially their dad, who has his own connection to the game. The way the words come together creates a rhythm that pulls you into Josh’s world, making it hard to put down.
Sharon M. Draper writes stories that explore family, resilience, and the challenges young people face. Her book “Out of My Mind” tells the story of Melody, an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy.
Melody can’t walk or talk, but her mind is brilliant, filled with words she’s never been able to share. Her journey to communicate and prove her intelligence is both powerful and unforgettable.
Readers who enjoy Jacqueline Woodson’s heartfelt and thoughtful storytelling may find similar connections in Draper’s works.
Elizabeth Acevedo is a talented author who writes stories with emotion and depth, often focusing on the lives of young people navigating challenges and finding their voice.
One of her books, “The Poet X,” tells the story of Xiomara Batista, a Dominican-American teenager in Harlem who feels unheard and misunderstood.
She discovers slam poetry as an outlet to express herself, dealing with her strict mother, school, and her own questions about faith and identity. The book uses verse to capture her emotions and struggles, creating an intimate view of Xiomara’s world.
Fans of Jacqueline Woodson may appreciate Acevedo’s way of exploring personal growth and family relationships.
Angie Thomas writes stories that feel real and full of heart. Her book, “The Hate U Give,” tells the story of Starr, a teenager who witnesses her friend Khalil’s death at the hands of a police officer.
As media attention grows, Starr must decide whether to speak out or stay quiet, knowing either choice could impact her family and community. The book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but it’s also about love, family, and finding your voice.
If you enjoy how Jacqueline Woodson explores identity and social issues through her characters, you might find Angie Thomas’s work powerful too.
Renee Watson is a writer who often explores themes of identity, family, and growing up. Her book “Piecing Me Together” tells the story of Jade, a Black teenager navigating life in Portland.
Jade is an artist who creates stunning collages and is constantly trying to find her place in a world that feels divided.
The book follows her as she juggles a scholarship to a mostly white private school, a mentorship program she doesn’t want, and her own dreams of traveling and experiencing more of the world.
It’s a heartfelt story centered on friendships, self-discovery, and speaking up for yourself.
Jason Reynolds writes stories that feel honest and real, often focusing on the lives of young people trying to navigate tough situations.
One of his books, “Long Way Down,” tells the story of a boy named Will who rides an elevator with a gun, planning to avenge his brother’s death. During the ride, he meets people connected to his past who make him question his choices.
Reynolds has a way of drawing you in with raw emotion and characters who feel alive. If you love Jacqueline Woodson’s ability to capture both pain and hope, Reynolds is a great author to check out.
Walter Dean Myers was a brilliant storyteller who wrote books that connect deeply with young readers. One of his standout works is “Monster.” It’s about Steve Harmon, a sixteen-year-old on trial for his alleged role in a robbery that ended in murder.
The book is written as a mix of Steve’s personal journal entries and a film script he creates to process his experiences. It pulls you right into the courtroom and Steve’s mind, letting you wrestle with questions about identity and how others see him.
Myers had a knack for creating realistic characters and scenarios, making it hard to put his books down.
Nic Stone writes stories that explore real-life issues with honesty and heart. Her book “Dear Martin” follows a teenager named Justyce, who journals letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after a run-in with the police.
The story shows how he wrestles with identity, prejudice, and the way society views him. It’s a powerful look at the challenges young people face today, and it might resonate if you enjoy the emotional depth in Jacqueline Woodson’s work.
Rita Williams-Garcia is known for stories that capture the heart of family, identity, and resilience.
Her book “One Crazy Summer” tells the story of three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, who travel to California in 1968 to spend the summer with the mother who abandoned them.
When they arrive, they find their mother isn’t the loving caretaker they had hoped for but instead a poet deeply involved in the Black Panther movement.
The book paints a vivid picture of that time and shows the sisters discovering strength and independence as they navigate their complex family dynamics. It’s a heartfelt and honest story with a focus on sisterhood and self-discovery.
Jesmyn Ward is an author known for her emotional and vivid storytelling that captures the struggles and beauty of life in the American South. Her novel, “Salvage the Bones,” follows a poor Black family in Mississippi in the days before Hurricane Katrina.
The story focuses on Esch, a teenage girl who discovers she’s pregnant, while her family prepares for the storm. The love and tension between the siblings, as well as their fierce determination to survive, make the story unforgettable.
Ward’s writing brings their world to life in a way that feels deeply personal.
Christopher Paul Curtis writes stories that are warm, thoughtful, and full of heart. One of his most well-known books, “Bud, Not Buddy,” is about a ten-year-old boy named Bud Caldwell who lives in Michigan during the Great Depression.
Bud, who has grown up in foster homes, sets out to find the man he believes is his father, a musician named Herman E. Calloway. Armed with a suitcase of belongings and a flyer about a band, Bud goes on an adventure filled with humor, hope, and moments of unexpected kindness.
Curtis weaves historical details into the story, making it a rich and engaging read.
Nikki Grimes writes stories and poems that tackle real-life struggles and emotions, often through the eyes of young people. In her book “Bronx Masquerade,” she introduces a group of teenagers who open up about their lives during an open-mic poetry session at school.
Each character shares their feelings, dealing with issues like family pressure or self-identity. The poems show raw honesty and help them see each other in new ways. Grimes has a way of making each voice feel unique and personal.
Fans of Jacqueline Woodson might find her work a perfect fit.
Andrea Davis Pinkney is an author who writes stories that highlight family, history, and culture. One of her books, “The Red Pencil,” follows Amira, a young girl in Sudan whose life is changed by conflict. Through her journey, she discovers the power of education and creativity.
Written in verse, it gives a vivid glimpse into Amira’s world, her struggles, and her dreams. Fans of Jacqueline Woodson’s heartfelt and lyrical style may find Pinkney’s storytelling equally moving and meaningful.
Laurie Halse Anderson is an author known for writing stories that deal with tough subjects in a way that feels real and honest. One of her standout books, “Speak,” tells the story of Melinda, a teenager who becomes isolated after calling the police at a summer party.
As she starts high school, she struggles with the weight of a secret, trying to find a way to confront what happened and reclaim her voice. Anderson’s writing captures the emotions of being young and feeling unheard, which may resonate with fans of Jacqueline Woodson’s work.