If you enjoy reading books by Jason Reynolds then you might also like the following authors:
Kwame Alexander is an author known for writing stories that feel alive, with characters and voices that stick with you. One of his standout books, “The Crossover,” tells the story of twin brothers, Josh and JB, who are basketball stars.
Through fast-paced poems, it explores their bond, their passion for the game, and the challenges that come with growing up. The mix of rhythm and emotion makes it hard to put down.
If you’ve read Jason Reynolds and enjoyed how he handles raw, honest moments, you might find yourself pulled into Kwame Alexander’s work too.
Angie Thomas writes stories that feel real and raw, focusing on the lives of Black teens navigating tough choices and finding their voices.
Her book “The Hate U Give” tells the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old girl who lives between two worlds—her poor Black neighborhood and the wealthy, mostly white prep school she attends.
Starr’s life changes when she witnesses her best friend, Khalil, getting shot by a police officer during a traffic stop.
The story follows how she copes with the grief, confusion, and pressure to speak out about what happened while wrestling with what it means to stand up for justice. It’s a powerful book that connects with readers on a deeply personal level.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories full of emotion and heart, often focusing on the lives of young people. Her book “Brown Girl Dreaming” is written in verse and tells her story of growing up between South Carolina and New York during the Civil Rights Movement.
The book paints a vivid picture of her family, her struggles, and her discovery of writing as a way to express herself. If you enjoy Jason Reynolds’ ability to create personal and relatable stories, you might find a lot to love in Woodson’s work.
Nic Stone is an author who writes books that tackle real-life issues kids and teens face. One of her standout novels, “Dear Martin”, follows Justyce, a Black teen attending a mostly white prep school, as he navigates racism and police brutality.
After an encounter with a police officer turns violent, he starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., hoping to find guidance in his teachings. The story raises questions about fairness and how to handle a world that can feel stacked against you.
Fans of Jason Reynolds will appreciate how Nic Stone captures raw emotions and honest struggles.
Elizabeth Acevedo writes powerful stories that feel honest and real, often focusing on the lives of young people navigating their worlds. Her book, “The Poet X,” tells the story of Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen who uses poetry to express everything she can’t say out loud.
As she deals with her strict mother and the expectations placed on her, she finds her voice through her writing and a school poetry slam. It’s a story about self-discovery and using creativity to push through challenges.
Readers who enjoy the heartfelt and personal writing of Jason Reynolds may find Acevedo’s work equally engaging.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a writer known for telling stories with heart and honesty. One of his most loved novels, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” follows two boys, Ari and Dante, as they form an unlikely friendship in 1980s Texas.
Ari is quiet and angry, while Dante is open and artistic. Their bond grows as they explore their identities, face family struggles, and confront emotions they don’t yet understand.
It’s a story about friendship, self-discovery, and how relationships can change lives in unexpected ways.
Renée Watson writes stories that feel real, often focusing on young people figuring out who they are in the middle of challenges and everyday life. Her book, “Piecing Me Together,” follows Jade, a girl who attends a mostly white private school on a scholarship.
She feels stuck between expectations from her community and the opportunities her school provides. Through mentorship and her own growing voice, Jade starts to understand her worth and speak up for what she believes in.
Watson’s writing connects with readers who enjoy stories about identity and growth.
Tiffany D. Jackson writes stories that feel raw and real, often diving into tough topics faced by teens. One of her standout books, “Monday’s Not Coming,” follows Claudia, a girl searching for her best friend, Monday, who has gone missing.
What’s strange is that no one else seems concerned. As Claudia digs into the mystery, secrets about Monday’s life come to light. The book keeps you hooked with its twists and shows the deep bond of friendship while tackling serious issues.
If you enjoy Jason Reynolds’s focus on truth and emotion, Tiffany D. Jackson might be a perfect next read.
Sharon Draper is a writer known for crafting heartfelt stories about young people navigating tough moments in their lives. Her book “Out of My Mind” follows Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or walk.
Despite her challenges, she finds ways to show the world her intelligence and determination. Melody’s perspective is unforgettable, offering a glimpse into her sharp mind and how she proves others wrong.
Fans of Jason Reynolds’ deep and realistic portrayals of youth might enjoy Draper’s ability to show strength and resilience through her characters.
Debbie Rigaud writes stories that feel alive with heart and energy, focusing on young characters navigating personal growth and identity. One of her books, “Truly Madly Royally,” follows Zora Emerson, a smart and driven teen who gets invited to a prestigious leadership program.
While there, she unexpectedly strikes up a friendship with Owen, a prince from a small European kingdom. Zora’s life becomes a mix of royal surprises and challenges, as she balances her own ambitions with this new connection.
If you enjoy stories about realistic teens taking on big moments in their lives, her work might catch your interest.
Matt de la Peña is an author who writes stories that explore real-life struggles and emotions, often through the eyes of young people.
One of his books, “Mexican WhiteBoy,” follows a teenager named Danny, who feels caught between two worlds—his Mexican heritage and the life he knows in a mostly white neighborhood.
As he spends the summer with his father’s family, Danny learns more about himself and where he belongs, all while dealing with his passion for baseball and the secrets in his family.
Erika L. Sánchez is a writer known for creating deeply emotional stories. Her book, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” follows Julia, a Mexican-American teenager, as she grapples with her sister Olga’s sudden death.
While her family mourns Olga as the perfect daughter, Julia discovers secrets about her sister that don’t match that image.
The book paints a vivid picture of grief, cultural identity, and the pressure of family expectations, pulling readers into Julia’s search for truth and self-understanding. Fans of Jason Reynolds might appreciate the raw honesty and heartfelt exploration in Sánchez’s work.
Adam Silvera writes heartfelt stories about young people navigating love, loss, and identity. His book “They Both Die at the End” is set in a world where people get notified on the day they’ll die.
Two teens, Mateo and Rufus, meet for the first time on their last day and decide to spend their final hours together. The story captures their growing bond and how they choose to make the most of the time they have left.
Jeff Zentner is an author known for writing stories that resonate with young adults. In his book “The Serpent King,” he tells the story of three teenagers in a small Tennessee town who are each dealing with their own struggles.
Dill’s father is a disgraced pastor, Lydia dreams of leaving the town behind, and Travis escapes into the world of fantasy novels. Their lives intertwine as they face the challenges of growing up, family pressures, and the weight of deciding their futures.
It’s a heartfelt look at friendship and finding hope in tough times. Fans of Jason Reynolds might enjoy Zentner’s rich characters and emotional storytelling.
Colby Sharp is a passionate advocate for books that connect with young readers. One of the books he worked on is “The Creativity Project,” which is a collection of prompts and stories by various authors and illustrators.
In the book, creators share their unique ideas and stories sparked by those prompts, showing how imagination takes shape in different ways. It’s a fun mix of voices and perspectives that encourages readers to think outside the box.
If you’re a fan of Jason Reynolds, you might enjoy the inventive storytelling and fresh ideas that pop off the pages.