If you enjoy reading books by Judy Blume then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Judy Blume, with her relatable themes and realistic characters, will probably appreciate Beverly Cleary. Cleary is best known for her lively and humorous portrayals of childhood and family life.
One of her popular books is “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” which follows the daily adventures of Ramona, a spirited eight-year-old who navigates school, family, and friendships with curiosity, imagination, and plenty of humor.
Ramona’s struggles and triumphs feel familiar to readers of any age, pulling them into the joys and challenges of growing up.
If you enjoy Judy Blume’s honest portrayal of childhood and adolescence, Jerry Spinelli is another author you might appreciate. Spinelli writes thoughtful, imaginative stories that explore friendship, belonging, and the challenges kids face as they grow up.
His book “Stargirl” follows Leo Borlock, a high-school student who becomes fascinated by Stargirl Caraway, a quirky and fearless new girl whose unconventional ways surprise the entire school.
Through Leo’s eyes, readers see how Stargirl’s kindness, confidence, and unpredictable character challenge him—and the entire school community—to reconsider what it truly means to fit in.
Spinelli captures the struggles and joys of teenage years, just as Judy Blume does, offering relatable characters whose experiences feel remarkably true to life.
Readers who enjoy Judy Blume’s relatable characters and heartfelt stories will appreciate Sharon Creech. Creech writes stories that often explore family relationships and personal discovery.
Her book “Walk Two Moons” follows thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who embarks on a road trip with her grandparents to find her mother. As they drive, Salamanca tells the story of her friend Phoebe, whose mother mysteriously disappeared, too.
Creech weaves humor, warmth, sadness, and mystery into Sal’s story and Phoebe’s. Along the way, secrets about family and friendship gradually come into focus.
The emotional honesty and engaging narration throughout “Walk Two Moons” will resonate with those who have connected deeply with Judy Blume’s novels.
Books by Laurie Halse Anderson often speak honestly about real-life challenges faced by young people, in a way reminiscent of Judy Blume’s openness.
In Anderson’s novel “Speak,” we meet a freshman named Melinda, who enters high school isolated and silent after a traumatic summer experience. Unable to voice her pain to friends or family, Melinda finds a lifeline in art class.
Through creative expression, she slowly confronts the incident that left her feeling alienated. Anderson writes with straightforwardness and sensitivity, capturing the honest voice of a teenager overwhelmed by emotion and struggle.
Readers who connected with Judy Blume’s authentic portrayal of adolescence will find similar depth and honesty in Anderson’s storytelling.
Ann M. Martin is a beloved children’s and young adult author known for capturing the real-life experiences of young readers with warmth and sincerity.
If you’ve enjoyed Judy Blume’s honest portrayal of friendship, family, and adolescence, you might appreciate Ann M. Martin’s “The Baby-Sitters Club” series.
One standout book in the series, “Kristy’s Great Idea,” introduces us to four close friends—Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey. Together they decide to start their own babysitting business.
Through laughter, fights, crushes, and adventures, the characters deal with relatable issues and everyday moments young readers easily connect with.
The friendships and challenges in Martin’s books are memorable and heartfelt, reminding readers of Judy Blume’s talent for capturing childhood truths.
Paula Danziger was an American author who wrote memorable and authentic novels for young readers. Her book “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit” is perfect for those who enjoy Judy Blume’s honest portrayal of childhood and adolescence.
This novel follows Marcy Lewis, a smart but insecure eighth-grader struggling with family issues, school, and self-esteem. Marcy’s life starts changing when a bold, unconventional new teacher arrives, challenging outdated school rules.
The characters are relatable, funny, and sincere, making readers wish they could befriend Marcy. For fans of storytelling that feels personal and real, Paula Danziger’s books provide warmth, humor, and a clear window into the lives of young people facing everyday challenges.
Sarah Dessen is an author who writes thoughtful and relatable young adult fiction. Her stories explore friendship, family dynamics, and the challenges teens face as they find their path.
If you’re a fan of Judy Blume’s style, you might enjoy Dessen’s book “The Truth About Forever.” In this story, Macy tries hard to be perfect after losing her father suddenly.
She keeps everything neat, predictable, and controlled until she meets Wes, an artistic and understanding guy who changes her perspective. The novel follows Macy as she navigates loss, accepts imperfection, and finds courage to break free from her safe but limiting routines.
Readers who enjoy Judy Blume’s honest insight into teenage life will appreciate Meg Cabot’s humor and authentic voice. Cabot’s novel “The Princess Diaries” introduces Mia Thermopolis, a high school freshman who suddenly discovers she’s royalty.
To Mia, navigating algebra tests and first crushes seemed tough enough, but learning she’s the princess of a small European country complicates things further. Mia’s diary entries hilariously capture her trials at home and school, blending heartfelt emotion with playful comedy.
Fans of Judy Blume’s realistic teenage characters will feel right at home in Mia Thermopolis’s funny and relatable world.
Readers who enjoy Judy Blume’s honest and heartfelt portrayal of young people’s lives will likely appreciate Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson’s stories explore complex emotions and real-life situations through clear and powerful prose.
Her novel “Brown Girl Dreaming” is a memoir written in verse. In this book, Woodson shares memories from her childhood spent between South Carolina and New York during the 1960s and 1970s.
She describes feelings about family ties, friendships, race, and discovering her voice as a writer. Woodson’s gentle style and engaging storytelling echo the warmth and authenticity that readers love in Blume’s work.
R.J. Palacio writes heartfelt and honest stories about growing up, family, and friendship, similar to Judy Blume. Her bestselling novel, “Wonder,” follows Auggie Pullman, a fifth-grader born with a significant facial difference.
Auggie enters school for the first time after many years of homeschooling. In this journey, he faces both kindness and cruelty from classmates as he learns about acceptance, resilience, and finding confidence in who he is.
Palacio carefully explores how Auggie’s experiences also impact his family and community, making “Wonder” a memorable story for readers who appreciate the depth and authenticity of Judy Blume’s books.
Andrew Clements is an author who captures the everyday lives and genuine emotions of kids, similar to Judy Blume. His stories offer warmth, humor, and realistic conversations.
In his popular novel, “Frindle,” Clements explores the power of creativity through Nick Allen, a clever fifth-grader who invents a new name for a pen.
What begins as a small class disruption soon ignites a surprising conflict between students and teachers, then sweeps through the entire community. Through simple yet thoughtful storytelling, Clements shows how even small ideas can have big consequences.
Gordon Korman is a Canadian-American author known for his funny and relatable young adult novels. His books often focus on everyday situations, awkward moments, and friendship, themes familiar to fans of Judy Blume.
One of his popular books is “Restart,” about a boy named Chase who wakes up from an accident with no memory of who he was before. As Chase figures out his past, he wonders if he’s the person everybody says he used to be or if he can truly get a fresh start.
This book captures the awkwardness of middle school life, with characters that feel real and situations readers can recognize from their own lives.
Jean Craighead George writes engaging, realistic fiction that vividly captures nature and adolescence. Her book “My Side of the Mountain” follows young Sam Gribley as he leaves the city to survive alone in the Catskill Mountains.
Sam learns survival skills, befriends animals, and creates a life of freedom and independence.
Readers who appreciate how Judy Blume explores growing up and relationships will enjoy Jean Craighead George’s stories about adventures, self-discovery, and the bond between people and nature.
Cynthia Voigt is a thoughtful and engaging storyteller whose books offer depth, warmth, and characters readers can connect with deeply. Readers who enjoy Judy Blume’s honest portrayals of adolescence and family life will find similar emotional resonance in Voigt’s works.
Her novel “Homecoming” introduces readers to Dicey Tillerman, a strong-willed young girl responsible for her younger siblings after their mother abandons them unexpectedly.
Dicey faces tough challenges and learns resilience, responsibility, and hope as she searches for a safe place that can truly be home. The Tillerman siblings become characters whose journey will stay with you long after the book ends.
If you enjoy Judy Blume’s honest storytelling and relatable characters, Kate DiCamillo is an author worth exploring. Her book “Because of Winn-Dixie” follows Opal, a young girl who has moved with her father to a small Florida town, where she struggles to feel at home.
After Opal rescues a stray dog named Winn-Dixie at the local supermarket, the pair becomes inseparable. Winn-Dixie helps Opal connect with the quirky, lovable townspeople and reveals the warmth hidden behind their unusual stories.
The novel deals gently with loss, friendship, and finding your place in the world. DiCamillo’s writing resonates emotionally, with humor and heart, in ways Judy Blume readers often appreciate.