If you enjoy reading books by Jewell Parker Rhodes then you might also like the following authors:
Nic Stone writes novels that address timely social issues with honesty and hope. She creates believable teenage characters who face challenging choices about identity, race, and justice.
Her book Dear Martin follows Justyce McAllister, a smart teen who writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he struggles with racial injustice and police brutality, offering readers both moving insights and much-needed conversations.
Angie Thomas focuses on themes of racial injustice, identity, and the pursuit of change. Her storytelling style is direct, realistic, and emotionally powerful, connecting readers deeply to her characters' experiences.
In her acclaimed novel The Hate U Give, Thomas portrays Starr, a teen who must speak out after witnessing police violence, offering a raw, honest perspective on race relations in America.
Jason Reynolds engages readers with direct, poetic language and authentic characters who face difficult realities. He explores complex themes including racial identity, community, family, and resilience.
His novel Long Way Down uses powerful verse to follow a teenager named Will, who contemplates revenge after his brother's murder, inviting readers to reflect on violence, grief, and healing.
Kwame Alexander's books stand out due to their energetic rhythms and poetic storytelling, connecting young readers to important lessons about life, perseverance, and identity.
His popular novel-in-verse The Crossover portrays twin brothers Josh and Jordan, both talented basketball players, as they navigate family tensions, friendship, and growing up through engaging and heartfelt poetry.
Jacqueline Woodson writes moving coming-of-age stories that address identity, race, family connections, and complex emotional realities. Her writing style is lyrical, sensitive, and accessible.
In her beautiful memoir-in-verse, Brown Girl Dreaming, Woodson shares her personal experiences growing up as an African-American girl in America, delivering powerful reflections on identity, family bonds, and the meaning of home.
Renée Watson writes warm and realistic stories that focus on family, identity, and finding your voice. Her thoughtful style offers readers relatable characters and situations.
In her novel Piecing Me Together, she explores friendship, race, and personal growth through Jade, a young girl striving to express herself and claim her space in the world.
Kekla Magoon builds vivid narratives around themes of social justice, friendship, and courage. She writes engagingly, often spotlighting young people handling challenging situations with compassion and bravery.
In her powerful novel The Rock and the River, she tells the story of a young boy caught between the peaceful activism of his father and the more radical approach of the Black Panthers, creating a thoughtful exploration of justice and identity.
Elizabeth Acevedo stands out with her lyrical voice and emotionally rich storytelling. Her style is poetic, tackling cultural identity, family relationships, and coming-of-age experiences.
Her novel The Poet X, written in verse, follows Xiomara, a young Dominican-American girl trying to find her own voice through poetry against her family's traditional expectations.
Sharon M. Draper connects deeply with readers by telling stories that address complex social issues with honesty and heart. Her straightforward writing style and vibrant characterization engage readers right from the start.
A notable title is Out of My Mind, about Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who is determined to break free of others' expectations and communicate her thoughts with the world.
Rita Williams-Garcia weaves insightful, heartfelt stories about family bonds, identity, and history. Her clarity and emotional depth immerse readers in the lives of relatable characters.
In her popular book One Crazy Summer, three sisters spend the summer in California, reconnecting with their mother and encountering the spirit of the Black Panther movement, learning important lessons about family, resilience, and cultural pride.
Christopher Paul Curtis writes stories full of humor and warmth, often focusing on historical settings through the eyes of young characters. His novels deal with family, friendship, and social issues, bringing important moments of history vividly to life.
Readers might enjoy Bud, Not Buddy, a heartfelt story about a boy searching for his father during the Great Depression.
Ruta Sepetys writes emotional, character-driven novels based on historical events, often exploring lesser-known stories of courage and perseverance. Her thoughtful storytelling gives voice to experiences rarely found in history books.
Readers can discover her novel Between Shades of Gray, about a Lithuanian girl and her family's struggle to survive during Stalin's oppression.
Ibi Zoboi tells stories that center around identity, culture, and belonging, giving voice especially to characters navigating multicultural backgrounds. Her style blends authentic young voices with relevant themes of societal expectations, immigration, and personal empowerment.
Fans of Jewell Parker Rhodes might enjoy Zoboi's American Street, exploring the story of a Haitian teen adjusting to life in Detroit while dealing with family separation and cultural challenges.
Tiffany D. Jackson writes books that tackle tough social issues with honesty and emotional depth. Her stories often explore themes of race, social justice, and difficult family relationships.
She uses sharp, powerful narration that stays with readers long after finishing the book. Check out Monday's Not Coming, a powerful and haunting mystery about a teenage girl determined to find out what happened to her missing best friend.
Varian Johnson crafts thoughtful, engaging stories focusing on friendship, family dynamics, and personal growth. He highlights essential topics like race, class, and community through relatable characters in realistic situations.
Readers interested in exploring complicated yet relatable sibling dynamics should check out The Parker Inheritance, an intriguing puzzle-solving mystery that touches on civil rights history and intergenerational connections.