Jacqueline Woodson is renowned for her works in children's and young adult literature including Brown Girl Dreaming and Another Brooklyn. Her books sensitively explore themes of identity, history, and culture.
If you enjoy reading books by Jacqueline Woodson then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate Jacqueline Woodson's thoughtful exploration of young lives and authentic voices, Jason Reynolds might be just right for you. Reynolds writes stories about real, relatable characters navigating life, identity, and tough issues like race and community.
His novel Long Way Down, for instance, is told in powerful, moving verse and follows a teenager struggling with grief and the pressure for revenge.
Angie Thomas's novels are perfect for readers drawn to Jacqueline Woodson's layered portrayal of young people facing social challenges. Thomas writes engaging and honest stories, often exploring race, identity, and activism.
Her novel The Hate U Give is a standout, tackling police brutality and racial justice through the perspective of a teenage girl dealing with trauma, bravery, and the strength of speaking up.
If Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical narratives appeal to you, you'll enjoy Elizabeth Acevedo. Acevedo skillfully blends poetry and storytelling, focusing on young characters wrestling with family expectations, cultural identity, and personal dreams.
Her novel The Poet X, told entirely in verse, vividly captures the experience of a Dominican-American teenager finding her own voice in poetry.
Nic Stone crafts realistic and emotionally honest stories about teenagers confronting tough issues and figuring out who they are, similar to Jacqueline Woodson's thoughtful approach.
Through clear storytelling and relatable characters, Stone addresses themes like identity, friendship, and racial injustice.
Her novel Dear Martin follows a high-achieving Black student named Justyce McAllister as he grapples with racism and questions about empathy, privilege, and justice.
Renée Watson writes warm, relatable stories that capture the complexities of growing up, especially for young women of color. Like Jacqueline Woodson, her books explore family, friendship, community, and personal identity—often with vibrant, authentic voices.
Her novel Piecing Me Together is a thoughtful read about a smart teenager named Jade navigating class and racial identity, learning how to speak up for herself, and defining success on her own terms.
Jewell Parker Rhodes writes heartfelt stories that explore identity, history, and social justice. She often uses historical and contemporary settings to show how events shape young people's lives.
Her novel Ghost Boys is an emotional story about a boy named Jerome who is wrongly shot by a police officer, and whose spirit connects with historical figures, helping readers see how past and present intersect.
Sharon M. Draper's writing draws readers into deeply personal journeys, often focusing on resilience, empathy, and overcoming hardships. Her characters are authentic and relatable, connecting easily with readers.
In her novel Out of My Mind, Draper tells the empowering story of Melody, a young girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy who, despite limitations others place on her, finds her voice and shows her incredible intelligence.
In her novels, Rita Williams-Garcia captures vivid, authentic voices while exploring close family bonds, cultural identity, and black history. Her writing is warm, thoughtful, and often humorous.
One Crazy Summer tells the story of three sisters who travel cross-country in the late 1960s to spend a summer with their mother, who is immersed in the Black Panther movement—an insightful lens on history through the eyes of young characters.
Nikki Grimes uses powerful, lyrical poetry and prose to address complex emotions, family dynamics, and identity, especially in African American communities. Her characters’ voices are memorable, honest, and hopeful.
In her novel-in-verse, Garvey's Choice, Grimes tells about Garvey, a sensitive, talented boy who struggles with expectations about sports, friendships, and body image, ultimately learning to celebrate who he is.
Kekla Magoon creates thoughtful, honest stories shaped around social issues, activism, and identity. Her young characters often confront difficult decisions and injustices, revealing hope, strength, and personal growth.
In her book The Rock and the River, Magoon presents a compelling perspective on the civil rights movement through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Sam, who is caught between his father's peaceful protest philosophy and his brother's involvement in the Black Panther Party.
Ibi Zoboi creates heartfelt stories about identity, culture, and belonging. She uses relatable characters and thoughtful storytelling to explore themes like immigration, race, and family.
In her book American Street, Zoboi tells the story of a Haitian immigrant teenager named Fabiola. It captures her struggles with adapting to a new life in Detroit while holding onto her Haitian roots, all told with emotional depth and honesty.
Kwame Alexander writes novels and poetry that explore family dynamics, friendship, and identity. His strong and rhythmic verse draws in readers quickly, making his books approachable and powerful.
In The Crossover, Alexander tells the story of twin brothers navigating basketball, school, family drama, and their close relationship. The novel’s style and emotional honesty resonate with anyone who enjoys Jacqueline Woodson’s thoughtful storytelling.
Christopher Myers offers readers vivid storytelling, combining striking illustrations with powerful themes of identity, race, and cultural expression. Myers explores complex topics and social issues through creativity and imagination.
In his picture book Harlem, based on a poem by his father, Walter Dean Myers, he provides a poetic and visually rich tribute to Harlem's vibrant culture, history, and people.
Kadir Nelson creates beautifully illustrated books that celebrate African American history, resilience, and strength. His realistic and warm art invites readers into important historical moments and engaging personal stories.
In his picture book We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Nelson combines detailed illustrations with engaging storytelling, capturing the spirit and challenges of Negro League baseball players.
Readers of Jacqueline Woodson’s stories about Black history and culture will feel a similar connection and inspiration.
Tonya Bolden writes engaging non-fiction and historical fiction that brings Black history alive through clear storytelling and strong characters. She conveys rich details of the past in ways that feel vivid and immediate, often focusing on lesser-known individuals and events.
In Crossing Ebenezer Creek, Bolden shares a powerful historical novel about freed slaves journeying during the Civil War.
Her ability to blend historical authenticity with emotional resonance will appeal to readers who value Jacqueline Woodson’s thoughtful exploration of history and identity.