Jennifer Dugan is known for writing heartfelt young adult novels, often exploring LGBTQ+ themes. Her popular books include Hot Dog Girl and Some Girls Do, both charming and authentic coming-of-age stories.
If you enjoy reading books by Jennifer Dugan then you might also like the following authors:
Casey McQuiston writes romances that feature humor, heart, and complex relationships. Their novels explore LGBTQ+ identities, friendships, and the challenges of young adulthood with warmth and wit.
If you enjoyed Jennifer Dugan's contemporary queer themes, you'll likely love McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue, a funny and romantic story about the forbidden love between a British prince and America's First Son.
Becky Albertalli creates charming and authentic stories about teens figuring out friendships, identity, and love. Her style is upbeat and heartfelt, focusing heavily on LGBTQ+ themes and coming-of-age experiences, similar to Jennifer Dugan's approach.
Try Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, a sweet, humorous tale of a teen carefully navigating friendship, family, and his first love.
Alice Oseman is known for sensitive, realistic portrayals of teenage characters. Her books thoughtfully explore issues of mental health, identity, and friendship, while remaining relatable and entertaining.
For those who appreciated the emotional depth and openness in Dugan's work, Oseman’s Heartstopper series—filled with warmth, humor, and sincerity—offers an enjoyable, heartwarming read.
Leah Johnson showcases stories revolving around Black protagonists finding their way through love, friendship, and identity during transformative moments. Like Jennifer Dugan, Johnson crafts relatable, authentic characters and features LGBTQ+ romances with charm and nuance.
Check out her debut novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, a joyful, witty exploration of identity, family, and love set against the backdrop of a small-town high school's prom queen race.
Rainbow Rowell writes clever, character-driven narratives with humor, heartfelt emotion, and thoughtful explorations of young relationships. Her approachable style works well for readers who enjoy Jennifer Dugan's heartwarming, relatable romances.
Consider Rowell’s Eleanor & Park, a sweet but emotionally charged story that captures the intensity and vulnerability of first love.
Nina LaCour writes emotional young adult stories about identity, love, and finding your place. Her novels often explore sensitive topics like loss and mental health with sincerity and depth.
Try We Are Okay, a beautifully quiet story about loneliness, friendship, and healing from grief.
Adam Silvera's novels are known for authentic, heartbreaking portrayals of young love and complex identity struggles. He mixes realistic dialogue and relatable characters with thoughtful explorations of fate and second chances.
Check out They Both Die at the End, a moving story about two teens who meet on their final day and discover meaning in their brief connection.
Kacen Callender creates powerful stories focusing on identity, gender, and acceptance, featuring diverse characters whose struggles resonate deeply. Their clear, honest storytelling connects readers with characters navigating life's challenges and the desire for true belonging.
Start with Felix Ever After, which follows Felix, a Black transgender teen, as he navigates identity, love, and figuring out his place in the world.
Kelly Quindlen writes engaging contemporary YA novels full of humor, romance, and explorations of queer identity. She captures the excitement and vulnerability of first love, friendship, and self-discovery with an approachable and sincere style. Check out
She Drives Me Crazy, a charming enemies-to-lovers story filled with humor, sports rivalries, and heartfelt moments.
Mason Deaver delivers authentic, heartfelt novels that sensitively explore self-acceptance, identity, and the struggles LGBTQ+ teens often experience. Their writing feels genuine and intimately emotional, helping readers connect deeply with their characters' experiences.
Read I Wish You All the Best, about Ben, a nonbinary teen navigating coming out, family rejection, friendship, and discovering love and acceptance.
Julian Winters writes engaging, heartfelt stories about friendship, identity, and the excitement of young romance. His stories often feature relatable teenage characters figuring themselves out.
Fans of Jennifer Dugan will love his book Running With Lions, which follows Sebastian, a soccer player navigating complicated feelings about his childhood best friend during a memorable summer.
Ciara Smyth creates fun, witty tales about teens navigating relationships, discovering themselves, and figuring out who they want to be. Her writing feels authentic and humorous, addressing serious themes in warm, approachable ways.
If you enjoy Jennifer Dugan's relatable characters and honest storytelling, check out Smyth's The Falling in Love Montage. It's a funny, charming book about two girls who agree to spend the summer enjoying romantic clichés without falling in love.
Adiba Jaigirdar writes tender, insightful stories exploring identity, culture, friendship, and complicated teen romance. Her characters grapple with relatable feelings of uncertainty while celebrating their identities and relationships.
Readers who appreciate Jennifer Dugan's heartfelt coming-of-age tales will enjoy Jaigirdar's The Henna Wars, a sweet and thoughtful novel about two teenage girls whose rivalry for a school project becomes complicated when they begin developing romantic feelings.
Phil Stamper crafts warm, relatable novels that explore the challenges and joys of teen life, often focusing on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and romance. His stories frequently balance joy and complexity, making them satisfying and real.
Readers who like Jennifer Dugan's authentic characters and heartfelt storytelling will appreciate Stamper's The Gravity of Us, a thoughtful tale about two teens drawn together by circumstance as their parents prepare for a historic NASA mission.
F.T. Lukens combines humor, fantasy, and relatable teen struggles, making their books charming and enjoyable. Lukens often explores identity, relationships, and growing up through playful, imaginative stories.
If you like Jennifer Dugan's engaging and insightful YA writing, you'll enjoy Lukens' So This Is Ever After, a magical and funny story of a prince suddenly thrust into becoming king while navigating friendship, romance, and responsibility.