Kirby Larson is an American writer famed for historical fiction for children and young adults. She received a Newbery Honor for her novel Hattie Big Sky, admired for authenticity in storytelling.
If you enjoy reading books by Kirby Larson then you might also like the following authors:
Karen Hesse writes thoughtful historical fiction that captures young readers' hearts. Her stories explore courageous characters who overcome personal struggles and historical challenges.
Her award-winning novel, Out of the Dust, tells the story of Billie Jo, a girl facing loss and hardship during the Dust Bowl, in beautifully crafted free verse.
Christopher Paul Curtis combines warmth and humor in his historical fiction. His writing often features young characters growing up through tough but hopeful times, giving readers relatable heroes and a real sense of place and period.
His novel, Bud, Not Buddy, follows Bud Caldwell, a young boy searching for his father during the Great Depression.
Lois Lowry has a talent for creating thoughtful, emotionally rich stories that tackle challenging themes. Her narratives typically focus on young people finding their voices and sense of self amid complex environments.
One notable book, Number the Stars, vividly portrays the bravery of young Annemarie during World War II as she helps protect her Jewish friend from danger.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley writes relatable, character-driven historical fiction about young people overcoming obstacles and finding strength. Her storytelling is honest, direct, and emotionally powerful.
In The War That Saved My Life, readers meet Ada, a girl escaping abuse and learning independence during the uncertainty and challenges of wartime Britain.
Pam Muñoz Ryan writes vivid novels blending history and culture with emotional depth and strong characterization. Her storytelling helps readers connect with different experiences and cultural backgrounds.
Her remarkable novel, Esperanza Rising, tells the inspiring story of Esperanza, a girl forced to flee luxury and privilege in Mexico to build a new life as a migrant farm worker during the Great Depression.
Kate DiCamillo creates heartfelt stories that gently examine loneliness, friendship, and hope. Her simple but lyrical style introduces memorable characters who must overcome personal struggles, providing young readers with comfort and understanding.
If you enjoyed Kirby Larson, you may connect with DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie, a touching tale of friendship and healing set in a small Southern town.
Patricia Reilly Giff writes thoughtful, character-driven novels that explore historical events and family connections through a child's perspective. Her stories blend historical realism with emotional warmth, similar to Kirby Larson’s style.
Lily's Crossing is a great choice, set during World War II, where readers see friendship and family through the eyes of a spirited young girl.
Jennifer L. Holm offers engaging stories with lively characters and authentic historical backgrounds. Her books often explore family bonds and the everyday lives of children, sprinkled with humor and warmth.
Readers who appreciate Kirby Larson's attention to historical detail might enjoy Holm's Penny from Heaven, which takes you back to the 1950s and into the heart of a close-knit Italian-American family.
Gennifer Choldenko crafts lively stories featuring relatable young characters facing challenges within unique historical settings. She skillfully weaves historical research into accessible narratives about family, friendship, and coming of age.
Readers who appreciate Larson’s combination of history and character growth should consider Choldenko’s Al Capone Does My Shirts, a humorous yet insightful tale about life on Alcatraz Island in the 1930s.
Sharon Creech is known for her warm, sensitive stories that explore themes about identity, family, and personal journeys with clarity and gentle humor. She has a natural, conversational writing style similar to Kirby Larson’s, making deep connections with young readers.
If you’re seeking a similar heartfelt read, you might love Walk Two Moons, Creech’s memorable story about love, loss, and self-discovery.
Margarita Engle writes poetic, heartfelt stories that reveal historical moments through the eyes of young characters. Her novels explore themes like identity, courage, and cultural heritage.
Readers of Kirby Larson's historical fiction will appreciate Engle's lyrical storytelling in The Surrender Tree, a deeply moving novel about Cuba's fight for freedom.
Ruta Sepetys creates powerful and emotional novels that explore lesser-known events from history. She often highlights the resilience of young characters who face extraordinary challenges.
Fans of Kirby Larson's books will enjoy Sepetys' thoughtful portrayal of historical conflict and personal bravery, especially in Between Shades of Gray, a moving story about a girl deported to Siberia during World War II.
Linda Sue Park combines historical accuracy with engaging characters and meaningful themes of family, courage, and self-discovery. Park's clear and direct storytelling, similar to Kirby Larson's approach, draws readers quickly into her stories.
Her novel A Single Shard, set in 12th-century Korea, tells the memorable tale of a determined orphan with dreams of becoming a master potter.
Esther Forbes is remembered for her clear, thoughtful storytelling and vivid historical settings. Her books offer detailed insights into American history through strong, relatable characters.
Readers drawn to Kirby Larson's historical fiction are likely to enjoy Forbes' classic Johnny Tremain, the story of a young apprentice caught up in the events leading to the American Revolution.
Laura Amy Schlitz writes rich, immersive novels that blend historical themes with strong characterization. Her stories often combine historical realism with a touch of magic or fairy-tale qualities.
Fans of Kirby Larson’s exploratory style and detailed historical settings might enjoy Schlitz’s Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!, a book of captivating monologues set in medieval times, capturing the thoughts and lives of children in different social classes.