If you enjoy reading books by Kelly Yang then you might also like the following authors:
Linda Sue Park is a Korean-American author who writes powerful middle-grade novels about identity, culture, and resilience. Her novel “A Long Walk to Water” follows two parallel stories set decades apart in Sudan.
Back in 1985, eleven-year-old Salva becomes separated from family during war and must travel across harsh landscapes in search of safety. Years later, young Nya treks daily for hours across the hot African countryside to fetch drinking water for her family.
These two journeys connect in surprising and powerful ways, showing the strength and hope found in difficult situations. If you’ve enjoyed Kelly Yang’s characters who face real-life challenges, Linda Sue Park’s vivid storytelling might resonate with you.
Readers who enjoy Kelly Yang’s stories of young people navigating new beginnings and cultural connections will appreciate Thanhha Lai’s heartfelt storytelling.
Lai’s novel, “Inside Out & Back Again,” introduces Há, a spirited ten-year-old girl forced to leave her home in Vietnam because of war. Told entirely in captivating verse, the novel shares Há's experiences as she adjusts to a completely new life in Alabama.
She faces strange foods, an unfamiliar language, and classmates who don’t always understand her.
Yet throughout it all, Há holds tight to memories of home and family, offering readers a thoughtful, vivid glimpse into the immigrant experience and what it truly means to start again.
Grace Lin is an author whose books often explore themes of family, identity, and the Chinese-American experience. Readers who appreciate Kelly Yang’s relatable characters and sharp storytelling will find a similar warmth and authenticity in Lin’s books.
In “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” Lin introduces readers to Minli, a spirited girl who leaves her village to seek fortune and good luck for her family. On her journey, Minli encounters dragons, wise storytellers, and magical moments inspired by Chinese folklore.
Grace Lin beautifully weaves traditional tales into a narrative filled with hope and adventure, capturing the essence and richness of culture while showing the value of courage and kindness.
If you enjoy Kelly Yang’s heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, Liz Kessler might be a great author to check out. Her book “The Tail of Emily Windsnap” introduces readers to Emily, a twelve-year-old girl who unexpectedly discovers she is part mermaid.
Emily’s everyday life takes an adventurous turn as she begins to explore her newfound identity beneath the waves. The story smoothly blends real-world issues with magical underwater adventures, giving readers a thoughtful yet exciting journey.
Liz Kessler captures the joys and challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and fitting in, themes that resonate throughout Kelly Yang’s work as well.
Cece Bell writes honest, heartfelt stories that stay with you long after you finish reading. Her graphic memoir “El Deafo” brings humor and insight into her own childhood experiences with hearing loss.
After losing her hearing at a young age, Cece gets used to a bulky hearing aid device called the Phonic Ear. She imagines it gives her superhero powers, an alter-ego named “El Deafo.” The story captures the awkwardness of friendship, school, and self-acceptance so brilliantly.
For anyone who enjoys the funny yet meaningful stories by Kelly Yang—stories that tackle real-life challenges head-on—Cece Bell’s books may just become new favorites.
If you enjoy Kelly Yang’s stories about friendship, family, and finding your voice, you might also like Erin Entrada Kelly.
Her middle-grade novel “Hello, Universe” brings together a shy boy named Virgil, smart and resourceful Valencia, outspoken Kaori, and the neighborhood bully, Chet. After Chet pulls a cruel prank, Virgil ends up trapped and alone at the bottom of a well.
As his friends search for answers, the group begins to form bonds, find courage, and learn the true meaning of friendship.
Erin Entrada Kelly’s writing captures the everyday struggles and triumphs of kids with warmth and authenticity, creating characters you’ll root for long after the story ends.
Jerry Craft is a talented author and illustrator known for creating heartfelt graphic novels that handle family issues, friendships, and school experiences with humor and honesty.
His book “New Kid” follows Jordan Banks, a young artist who dreams of attending an art-focused school. Instead, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private academy, where he struggles to fit in as one of the few students of color.
Jordan’s sketches throughout the novel give readers insight into his daily experiences, highlighting themes of identity, friendship, and overcoming prejudices.
Fans of Kelly Yang’s relatable stories about young characters dealing with real-world issues will find the characters and situations in Jerry Craft’s books authentic and enjoyable.
R.J. Palacio is an author who connects deeply with readers through authentic characters and relatable stories. Her most celebrated book, “Wonder,” follows August Pullman, a ten-year-old boy born with a facial difference.
After years of homeschooling, August must face the challenges of entering a mainstream school for the first time. Palacio explores friendship, acceptance, and courage with warmth and honesty.
Readers who enjoyed Kelly Yang’s books for their thoughtful portrayals of young characters navigating life’s challenges might find “Wonder” similarly heartfelt and meaningful.
Books by Alan Gratz often explore intense situations through the eyes of kids and teens facing difficult realities. Readers who enjoy Kelly Yang’s honest portrayal of young people’s lives in challenging circumstances might find Alan Gratz’s novels similarly engaging.
His book “Refugee” tells three stories set in different eras: Josef escaping Nazi Germany, Isabel fleeing Cuba in the 1990s, and Mahmoud seeking safety from war-torn Syria. Each faces uncertainty and danger, yet their experiences highlight bravery, resilience, and humanity.
Gratz shows history through relatable, moving journeys that capture how courage and hope can arise even in desperate situations.
Andrew Clements writes realistic fiction stories that capture moments of school life with humor and insight. If you enjoy Kelly Yang’s books set in classrooms, you might appreciate Clements’ “Frindle.”
The novel follows Nick Allen, a clever fifth grader known for his creative ideas. One day he decides to create a new word for pen—frindle. Soon the word spreads around school, sparking excitement among classmates and conflict with strict teacher Mrs. Granger.
Nick must handle unexpected consequences when his simple idea gains national attention. “Frindle” celebrates the power of words and creativity, themes readers familiar with Yang’s stories might enjoy.
Meg Medina is an author whose stories often explore themes of family, friendship, and cultural identity through vibrant characters and heartfelt storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Kelly Yang’s honest and relatable style will likely appreciate Medina’s book, “Merci Suárez Changes Gears.” This story follows Merci Suárez, a sixth-grader at a private school on scholarship.
Merci faces challenges at home and at school, balancing family expectations, dealing with changes in friendships, and trying to understand her grandfather’s strange behavior.
Medina portrays Merci’s Cuban-American background warmly and authentically, creating a memorable, emotionally rich story about growing up.
Jacqueline Woodson writes heartfelt, engaging books that explore family, identity, and belonging. In her novel “Harbor Me,” six students meet every Friday in an empty classroom to talk openly about their lives and struggles.
From facing racial prejudice to dealing with family separation and deportation, these young friends learn to rely on each other.
Woodson’s characters are relatable and vivid, allowing readers to deeply understand their experiences through shared conversations and thoughtful stories.
Fans of Kelly Yang’s realistic and thoughtful portrayals of childhood challenges may find the themes and friendships in “Harbor Me” truly resonant.
Lisa Yee is an author known for her humorous, heartfelt stories that capture young voices with authenticity and charm. If you’ve enjoyed Kelly Yang’s relatable characters and insightful storytelling, Lisa Yee’s “Millicent Min, Girl Genius” might resonate with you.
The book follows eleven-year-old Millicent, an academic prodigy facing the trials of middle school life. Despite her genius abilities, Millicent struggles socially, often feeling like an outsider among her peers.
When she meets Emily, a cheerful new girl unaware of Millicent’s gifted status, Millicent finds herself balancing academics, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Lisa Yee skillfully blends humor and vulnerability, giving readers a character who feels genuine and relatable, even with exceptional talents.
Ali Benjamin writes heartfelt stories that explore friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world. Her middle-grade book, “The Thing About Jellyfish,” follows Suzy Swanson, a young girl struggling with the sudden loss of her best friend.
Suzy believes a rare jellyfish sting might explain the tragedy, and she embarks on a quest to prove her theory. Woven into this thoughtful story are themes of grief, science, and understanding, all told in a voice that’s sincere and relatable.
Readers who loved Kelly Yang’s authentic narratives about growing up, belonging, and navigating life’s challenges may find Ali Benjamin’s characters and storytelling equally appealing.
If you enjoy Kelly Yang’s heartfelt stories about friendship, identity, and facing real-life challenges, you might also appreciate Anne Ursu. Ursu creates captivating middle-grade novels that blend nuanced characters with magical realism.
In her book “The Lost Girl,” twin sisters Iris and Lark have always depended on each other. But when they end up in separate classes for the first time ever, their world shifts unexpectedly.
Strange events begin to disrupt their lives, and a mysterious antique shop becomes central to their unfolding story. Iris knows something isn’t right—her sister isn’t the same, and neither is reality itself.
This book beautifully explores sisterhood, identity, and standing strong when everything familiar seems to crumble.