Light Mode

15 Authors like Jennifer Donnelly

Jennifer Donnelly writes compelling historical fiction and young adult novels. Her novel A Northern Light blends history with mystery and romance, while Revolution explores gripping themes across centuries.

If you enjoy reading books by Jennifer Donnelly then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Ruta Sepetys

    Ruta Sepetys writes historical fiction that dives deep into less-known moments of history, vividly portraying people's resilience in tough times.

    Readers who appreciate Jennifer Donnelly for her careful historical storytelling and strong characters may find similar appeal in Sepetys' books. A great example is Between Shades of Gray, a moving novel about a teenager's survival under Stalin's oppressive regime.

  2. Elizabeth Wein

    Elizabeth Wein crafts historical fiction filled with suspense and emotion, bringing to life strong friendships and heroism during wartime. Fans of Jennifer Donnelly's well-researched historical settings and powerful emotional connections should try Wein's novel Code Name Verity.

    It's a haunting account of friendship and bravery between two young female agents during World War II.

  3. Laurie Halse Anderson

    Laurie Halse Anderson blends historical accuracy with clear, emotionally authentic writing, creating stories that are both relatable and eye-opening.

    If you love Jennifer Donnelly’s focus on strong, complex heroines facing social challenges, Anderson's novel Fever 1793 would be a great pick. It tells of a young girl's courage and determination during the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia.

  4. Libba Bray

    Libba Bray uses humor, mystery, and vivid character writing in her historical and fantastical settings. Readers who enjoy the engaging narrative style and rich period atmospheres of Jennifer Donnelly might appreciate Bray’s A Great and Terrible Beauty.

    It combines historical fiction and magic, following a teen heroine navigating friendship, secrets, and supernatural mysteries in Victorian England.

  5. Marissa Meyer

    Marissa Meyer writes imaginative retellings and immersive worlds with strong heroines who make their mark on the story.

    Readers who love Jennifer Donnelly's knack for bringing strong female characters and intriguing new perspectives to familiar tales might enjoy Meyer's Cinder, a creative retelling of Cinderella set in a futuristic, high-tech universe.

  6. Naomi Novik

    Naomi Novik mixes history, fantasy, and strong female characters to create vibrant and immersive stories. If you enjoyed Jennifer Donnelly's historical adventures, you'll appreciate Novik's vivid settings and creative twists on familiar folklore.

    Try her novel Uprooted, a magical tale inspired by Eastern European fairy tales, filled with enchantment, bravery, and a richly drawn world.

  7. Katherine Rundell

    Katherine Rundell writes heartwarming and imaginative stories interwoven with historical and adventurous elements, perfect for readers who appreciate Jennifer Donnelly's warm storytelling.

    Check out Rooftoppers, a charming story set in Paris about courage, friendship, and belonging, told through beautiful, lyrical writing.

  8. Geraldine McCaughrean

    Geraldine McCaughrean offers beautifully crafted historical adventures featuring memorable characters and vivid storytelling. If Jennifer Donnelly's depth of characterization and rich historical detail appeal to you, you'll like McCaughrean's imaginative style.

    Consider reading Where the World Ends, a powerful story of survival set in 18th-century Scotland.

  9. Sharon Kay Penman

    Sharon Kay Penman writes meticulous historical fiction full of political intrigue and complex characters. Like Jennifer Donnelly, Penman weaves well-researched historical events into emotionally moving stories.

    Her novel The Sunne in Splendour tells the dramatic and engaging story of Richard III and the Wars of the Roses, bringing history vibrantly to life.

  10. Philippa Gregory

    Philippa Gregory specializes in bringing historical women vividly into the foreground. Her novels combine detailed historical settings, strong characterizations, and emotional depth, appealing to fans of Jennifer Donnelly's books about determined, fascinating characters.

    Start with The Other Boleyn Girl, a captivating tale of rivalry, ambition, and romance centered around Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary.

  11. Alison Weir

    If you enjoy Jennifer Donnelly's blend of vivid historical settings and strong female leads, Alison Weir might be a great choice. Weir is a historian and novelist who writes detailed, engrossing novels about real historical figures, often from the Tudor era.

    Her book Innocent Traitor brings Lady Jane Grey and her tragic, short-lived reign vividly to life, capturing the struggles and passions of women caught within history's forces.

  12. Melina Marchetta

    Melina Marchetta shares with Jennifer Donnelly a gift for emotional depth and realistic, relatable characters. Marchetta explores themes of family, loss, and identity through storytelling focused on relationships and redemption.

    Her novel Jellicoe Road follows Taylor Markham, a teen trying to untangle secrets from her past and understand complex friendships. Marchetta's honest portrayal of adolescent struggles makes for a touching, impactful read.

  13. Maggie Stiefvater

    Fans of Jennifer Donnelly’s engaging narratives and memorable characters might connect with Maggie Stiefvater's work. She blends subtle fantasy elements with poetic storytelling, focusing strongly on personal growth, friendships, and identity.

    In The Raven Boys, Stiefvater tells the story of Blue and four unique boys searching for magical truths in a sleepy Virginia town. Stiefvater’s imaginative style and depth will keep you engrossed.

  14. Marie Lu

    If Jennifer Donnelly's books appeal because of their strong female leads and vivid narrative worlds, Marie Lu might become a new favorite. Lu creates gripping young adult novels featuring bold characters facing challenges in imaginative, often dystopian, worlds.

    Her book Legend spotlights June, a wealthy prodigy, and Day, a wanted criminal, whose paths collide in an alternate future America. The novel tackles issues of morality, love, and trust with action-packed storytelling.

  15. Rosamund Hodge

    Like Jennifer Donnelly, Rosamund Hodge offers intriguing heroines navigating difficult journeys, set against imaginative, richly drawn environments. Her style combines classic fairy-tale elements with darker, sometimes gothic settings and suspenseful drama.

    In Cruel Beauty, Hodge reimagines the tale of Beauty and the Beast, following a young woman named Nyx who must marry and kill the dark ruler of her land. Her vivid imagination and layered storytelling prove captivating from start to finish.