If you enjoy reading books by Judy Blume then you might also like the following authors:
Beverly Cleary is a beloved author known for creating stories that feel true to life, especially for kids. Her book “Ramona the Pest” follows the adventures of Ramona Quimby, a curious and headstrong little girl who wants to prove she’s grown up as she starts kindergarten.
Ramona’s enthusiasm often lands her in trouble, like when she can’t resist pulling a classmate’s springy curls. It’s a funny and heartwarming story about the challenges of growing up and feeling misunderstood.
Fans of Judy Blume will enjoy Cleary’s ability to capture the ups and downs of childhood with honesty and humor.
Jerry Spinelli writes stories about growing up, figuring out who you are, and navigating all the confusing parts of life. If you enjoy Judy Blume’s ability to capture real emotions, Spinelli’s books might be a great fit.
In “Stargirl,” he tells the story of a boy in high school named Leo, who meets Stargirl—a girl unlike anyone else at school. She sings happy birthday to people in the cafeteria, cheers for both teams at football games, and carries a pet rat in her bag.
Her uniqueness fascinates Leo, but it also challenges how he sees himself and what it means to fit in. It’s one of those stories that stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Sharon Creech writes heartfelt stories about family, friendships, and personal growth. One of her most well-loved books is “Walk Two Moons.” It follows a girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle as she goes on a road trip with her grandparents to find her missing mother.
Along the way, Sal tells them the story of her friend Phoebe, who is convinced that a strange man is spying on her family. The book focuses on love, loss, and the unexpected connections between people.
Laurie Halse Anderson writes stories that tackle real, emotional challenges faced by teens. Her book “Speak” is about Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a summer party.
Struggling with the fallout, she finds it harder and harder to explain why she made that call. Her voice—silenced by fear—becomes the story’s focus as she starts expressing herself through art.
It’s an honest, direct look at trauma and self-discovery that feels realistic and raw. Fans of Judy Blume’s relatable characters and heartfelt stories might enjoy Anderson’s ability to explore tough subjects with a clear, empathetic voice.
Ann M. Martin is an author best known for her relatable stories about friendships, family, and growing up. Her book “The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea” introduces Kristy as she comes up with the plan to start a babysitting business with her friends.
The book shows how the girls navigate their new business while dealing with their own personal challenges. It’s a fun, heartfelt story that also touches on themes like divorce, sibling relationships, and finding common ground with new friends.
Fans of Judy Blume’s realistic and character-driven stories might enjoy exploring Martin’s work.
Paula Danziger wrote stories that connect with readers through humor and honesty. One of her well-loved books is “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit.” It follows Marcy, a shy and insecure girl who struggles with her weight and her father’s harshness.
When a quirky new teacher arrives, Marcy starts to stand up for herself and question authority. The book captures what it feels like to want to find your voice, especially during tough times.
Fans of Judy Blume might enjoy Danziger’s knack for capturing the ups and downs of growing up.
Sarah Dessen writes heartfelt stories about growing up, relationships, and finding your place in the world. One of her well-loved books, “The Truth About Forever,” follows Macy, a girl who seems to have everything under control after her father’s death.
Her life shifts when she takes a job with a quirky catering crew and meets Wes, an artist with his own baggage. Through new friendships and unexpected connections, Macy starts to see life in a different way.
Fans of Judy Blume’s emotional and relatable stories might enjoy Sarah Dessen’s grounded characters and realistic experiences.
Meg Cabot is known for writing stories that are relatable and full of heart, often focusing on the ups and downs of teenage life.
One of her most popular books, “The Princess Diaries,” introduces Mia Thermopolis, a normal, slightly awkward teenager who finds out she’s the heir to a throne. Mia’s life flips upside down as she tries to balance high school and her new royal responsibilities.
The story is full of funny moments, like Mia struggling to learn proper etiquette, while also dealing with crushes and friendships. It’s a fun look at what happens when an ordinary girl gets thrown into an extraordinary situation.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that feel personal and heartfelt, often exploring family, friendship, and growing up. Her book “Brown Girl Dreaming” is a memoir in verse that paints a vivid picture of her childhood in both the South and Brooklyn during the 1960s and 70s.
Through her experiences, the book touches on identity and finding your voice, with moments that feel both tender and powerful. Fans of Judy Blume might enjoy the way Woodson captures the challenges and emotions of growing up with such honesty.
R.J. Palacio is the author behind “Wonder,” a heartfelt story about a boy named Auggie Pullman who was born with a facial difference. The book takes readers through Auggie’s journey as he starts attending a mainstream school for the first time.
Told from different perspectives, it captures how Auggie’s presence impacts the lives of those around him. It’s a story about kindness, courage, and finding strength in the face of challenges.
Fans of Judy Blume’s honest and tender approach to storytelling might enjoy the way Palacio brings her characters and their emotions to life.
Andrew Clements is known for writing stories about school life and the challenges kids face. One of his most loved books is “Frindle.” It’s about a boy named Nick who decides to shake things up by creating a new word for a pen—he calls it a “frindle.”
What starts as a simple idea snowballs into something much bigger, catching the attention of teachers, classmates, and even the media. Clements’ books often capture how small actions can lead to unexpected changes.
Fans of Judy Blume might enjoy his knack for writing relatable characters in everyday situations.
Gordon Korman is a fantastic author known for writing stories that connect with young readers. One of his books, “No More Dead Dogs,” focuses on eighth-grader Wallace Wallace, who always tells the truth, no matter the consequences.
After he gives an honest review of a classic book that everyone else loves, he gets assigned to help with the school play based on it. Wallace’s blunt honesty and refusal to play by the rules lead to chaos, humor, and some unexpected changes in the production.
Fans of Judy Blume’s relatable characters will enjoy Korman’s knack for capturing the quirks and honesty of middle school life.
Jean Craighead George wrote stories that connect readers to nature and adventure. One of her most beloved books, “My Side of the Mountain,” tells the story of Sam, a boy who leaves the city to live alone in the Catskill Mountains.
He learns to survive off the land, builds a home in a hollowed-out tree, and forms a bond with a falcon he trains. The story mixes the excitement of independence with the quiet beauty of the wilderness.
Her writing captures the feeling of growing up and figuring out your place in the world.
Cynthia Voigt writes stories with characters who feel real, facing challenges that test their strength. One of her well-known books, “Homecoming,” follows the Tillerman siblings after their mother abandons them in a mall parking lot.
Dicey, the eldest, takes charge, leading her brothers and sister on a journey to find a safe place to call home. Their search captures the bonds of family, the weight of responsibility, and the determination to survive.
If you’re drawn to heartfelt stories centered on young people navigating life’s struggles, Voigt’s writing might interest you.
Kate DiCamillo writes heartfelt, character-driven stories that stick with you. One of her books, “Because of Winn-Dixie,” tells the story of a girl named Opal who finds a scruffy dog in a grocery store and takes him home.
Through the dog, she starts connecting with people in her small town, each carrying their own stories and struggles. It’s a touching book about loneliness, friendship, and the unexpected ways we find family.
If you enjoy Judy Blume’s ability to create deep, personal connections with her characters, you might enjoy DiCamillo’s books too.