If you enjoy reading books by Kelly Yang then you might also like the following authors:
Linda Sue Park writes stories that are engaging and easy to connect with, often exploring themes of family and identity. Her book, “A Long Walk to Water,” is based on true events from Sudan.
It follows two young characters, Nya and Salva, from different times as they navigate survival and the search for something better. Salva’s journey as a refugee takes him across dangerous landscapes, while Nya’s daily life revolves around walking long distances to fetch water.
Their paths eventually intersect in an unexpected and heartwarming way.
Thanhha Lai is a Vietnamese-American author who writes stories that explore identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Her book “Inside Out & Back Again” follows Hà, a young girl who flees Vietnam with her family during the war and starts over in Alabama.
The story shows her struggles with learning English, facing bullying at school, and missing the home she left behind. Told in verse, it captures Hà's emotions and hopes in a way that’s easy to connect with.
If you enjoy Kelly Yang’s focus on resilience and cultural identity, you might find Hà’s journey equally moving.
Grace Lin writes stories inspired by Chinese folklore and culture, often weaving them with heartfelt themes. One of her books, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” follows a young girl named Minli who embarks on a journey to change her family’s fortune.
Along the way, she encounters magical creatures, a talking fish, and a dragon who can’t fly. The story blends adventure with rich storytelling, leaving readers eager to see how Minli’s courage shapes her destiny.
Liz Kessler is an author known for creating stories that mix everyday life with a touch of wonder. Her book, “Emily Windsnap: The Tail of Emily Windsnap,” introduces Emily, a girl who discovers she’s part-mermaid.
The story follows Emily as she uncovers secrets about her identity and her family, all while exploring an underwater world full of hidden surprises. Fans of heartfelt stories with relatable characters and a sense of discovery might enjoy Kessler’s imaginative writing.
Cece Bell is an author and illustrator known for creating stories that are heartfelt and funny. Her graphic memoir, “El Deafo,” is a great example.
It’s about a young girl named Cece who loses her hearing and adjusts to life with a hearing aid that makes her feel different from everyone else. She imagines herself as a superhero called El Deafo, navigating friendships and school in her own unique way.
The story is filled with warmth and honesty, making it easy to connect with Cece’s journey.
Erin Entrada Kelly is an author who explores themes of family, identity, and friendship in ways that feel both personal and universal. Her book “Hello, Universe” tells the story of four kids whose lives become connected after a surprising event throws them together.
Virgil feels out of place and struggles to find his voice, while Valencia is clever but lives with the loneliness of not fitting in. Kaori believes in fate and reads fortunes, and Chet, the school bully, stirs up trouble in ways that change everything.
It’s a story about unlikely friendships and the courage it takes to face fears. Readers who enjoy Kelly Yang’s focus on relatable characters and heartfelt stories might connect with Erin Entrada Kelly’s work.
Jerry Craft is a graphic novelist who focuses on stories about kids navigating school and friendships while finding their place in the world.
His book, “New Kid,” follows Jordan Banks, a seventh-grader who dreams of going to art school but ends up at a fancy private school instead. Jordan has to figure out how to fit into a world where he feels out of place while staying true to himself.
The story explores how he balances his life at home with the new environment, where things aren’t always as welcoming as they seem.
R.J. Palacio is the author of books that focus on kindness, understanding, and the challenges people face. Her book “Wonder” tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference.
When he starts attending school for the first time, Auggie deals with the reactions of his classmates and learns who his true friends are. The story shows how small actions can make a big impact.
It gives readers a glimpse into the perspectives of different characters, making it feel real and heartfelt.
Alan Gratz writes powerful historical novels for young readers. One of his books, “Refugee,” follows three kids from different times and places, all fleeing danger in search of safety.
Josef is a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany, Isabel is a Cuban girl leaving behind her home during Castro’s regime, and Mahmoud is a Syrian boy caught in the chaos of war. Their stories show the struggles and courage of those forced to leave everything behind.
Readers who enjoyed Kelly Yang’s heartfelt and realistic storytelling might find Alan Gratz’s work equally captivating.
Andrew Clements is known for writing books that explore school life and friendships in a heartfelt way. One of his most popular stories, “Frindle,” follows a fifth-grader named Nick who turns a simple word experiment into a school-wide phenomenon.
Nick invents a new word, “frindle,” to use instead of “pen,” and what starts as a class project grows into a movement that even catches the attention of local media.
The book highlights creativity and how one idea can take on a life of its own, showing how one kid’s playful defiance can make a big impact.
Meg Medina writes stories that focus on family, culture, and finding one’s voice. If you enjoyed Kelly Yang’s books, you might like her novel “Merci Suárez Changes Gears.”
It follows Merci, a sixth-grader navigating middle school while helping her family and dealing with her grandfather’s health issues. The story blends real-life challenges with humor, as Merci learns to manage friendships and responsibilities.
Jacqueline Woodson is an author who knows how to capture real emotions and experiences in her writing. One of her books, “Harbor Me,” tells the story of six kids who meet every week in a classroom to talk about their lives.
These kids each face challenges, from family struggles to immigration worries, and their conversations help them form deep connections. Woodson’s way of showing their fears, hopes, and friendships feels so authentic that you can’t help but care about each of them.
It’s the kind of story that stays with you.
Lisa Yee writes books that mix humor and heart, focusing on relatable characters and their struggles.
One of her popular books, “The Kidney Hypothetical: Or How to Ruin Your Life in Seven Days,” follows Higgs, a high school senior whose life takes a sudden detour when a simple question spirals out of control.
It’s about friendships, pressure, and how quickly things can change when secrets come to light. Yee creates stories that are easy to connect to and fun to read.
Ali Benjamin is an author known for writing stories about navigating emotions and finding one’s place in the world. Her book “The Thing About Jellyfish” tells the story of Suzy, a girl grappling with the sudden death of her best friend.
Suzy becomes convinced that a rare jellyfish sting caused the accident and sets off on a mission to prove it. The story explores grief and friendship through Suzy’s unique perspective, offering moments that feel heartfelt and memorable.
Readers who enjoy heartfelt, relatable stories might connect with Ali Benjamin’s work.
Anne Ursu is a storyteller who writes books that mix real-life struggles with a touch of magic. One of her novels, “Breadcrumbs,” follows Hazel, a girl who feels out of place after her best friend, Jack, suddenly stops talking to her.
When he disappears, Hazel sets off into a mysterious, wintry forest to find him. The story pulls you into her journey through a world that’s strange and sometimes dark, while still reflecting on friendship and growing up.
Fans of Kelly Yang who enjoy heartfelt stories with deeper layers might appreciate Ursu’s way of weaving real emotions into fantasy.