List of 15 authors like Kody Keplinger

Kody Keplinger is an American author recognized for her lively young adult fiction that connects with teenage life. Her engaging novel The DUFF explores teenage identity and relationships in a refreshing, honest way.

If you enjoy reading books by Kody Keplinger then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Katie McGarry

    Books by Katie McGarry often resonate with fans of Kody Keplinger, due to their realistic portrayal of teenage relationships and emotional challenges.

    In her novel Pushing the Limits,  McGarry introduces Echo and Noah, two teenagers coping with difficult pasts and feeling misunderstood by those around them.

    Echo struggles to piece together memories of a traumatic event that left her physically and emotionally scarred, while Noah works to regain custody of his younger brothers after losing his parents.

    Their connection grows deeper as they slowly learn to trust each other, creating a story filled with heartache, romance, and hope.

    Anyone who enjoyed the honest portrayal of teen life in Kody Keplinger’s books might appreciate Katie McGarry’s ability to craft authentic, emotional journeys.

  2. Simone Elkeles

    Readers who enjoy Kody Keplinger’s realistic and heartfelt stories about teenage life and romance will likely appreciate Simone Elkeles.

    Elkeles writes authentic young adult romances with relatable characters and believable dialogue, notably in her popular novel Perfect Chemistry. 

    This story follows Brittany Ellis, a seemingly perfect girl from a wealthy family, and Alex Fuentes, a troubled guy involved in gang life.

    When they are forced to become partners in chemistry class, their worlds collide, leading them to challenge their assumptions about each other and themselves.

    Elkeles handles tough issues like family conflicts, social expectations, and prejudice with warmth and honesty, creating a love story readers can root for.

  3. Jennifer L. Armentrout

    Readers who enjoy Kody Keplinger’s sharp, authentic portrayal of teenage life might appreciate Jennifer L. Armentrout’s realistic romance novels.

    Her book The Problem with Forever  follows Mallory, a girl who spent years in silence due to childhood trauma, as she steps into public school for the first time. There she reconnects with Rider, her childhood protector who shares a turbulent past.

    Mallory struggles to find her voice and reclaim her strength while navigating friendships, family tensions, and a complicated romance with Rider. With genuine emotions and relatable characters, Armentrout captures the trials and joys of young adulthood.

  4. Huntley Fitzpatrick

    Readers who enjoy Kody Keplinger’s relatable teen romances and realistic characters will likely appreciate Huntley Fitzpatrick’s stories. Fitzpatrick writes sincere novels about first love, family complexities, and friendship.

    In My Life Next Door,  Samantha Reed seems to have it all—nice house, neat life, and a mother involved in politics. She secretly watches the big, lively Garrett family next door, intrigued by their messy warmth and real happiness.

    Everything changes when she meets Jase Garrett, one of the boys next door. As Samantha grows closer to Jase and his loving, chaotic family, she must reconcile their world with her mother’s strict expectations and political image.

    Fitzpatrick explores friendship, loyalty, family dynamics, and young love in this warm-hearted and emotionally rich novel.

  5. Emery Lord

    If you enjoy Kody Keplinger’s authentic teen voices and heartfelt storytelling, Emery Lord might become a new favorite. In her book The Start of Me and You,  Lord introduces readers to Paige Hancock, a girl determined to move forward after the tragic loss of her boyfriend.

    Paige creates a plan to reclaim her life—including facing her fears and possibly falling in love again. Friendship, new beginnings, and honest emotions all play central roles in Paige’s journey.

    Like Keplinger’s novels, this story explores teenage relationships and personal growth with warmth, humor, and sincerity.

  6. Miranda Kenneally

    Miranda Kenneally captures teen voices and relatable relationships in her contemporary YA novels. If you are a fan of Kody Keplinger’s realistic teenage characters, Kenneally’s writing style and honest storytelling will resonate.

    One great example is Catching Jordan,  a story about Jordan Woods, captain and quarterback of her high-school football team. Jordan dreams of a college scholarship, but everything becomes complicated when Ty, a talented new quarterback, joins the team.

    Between balancing friendships, rivalries, and her growing attraction to Ty, Jordan must find a way to pursue her ambitions without sacrificing who she is. Kenneally creates a sincere depiction of the challenges teens face when love, ambition, and identity intertwine.

  7. Sarah Dessen

    Readers who enjoy Kody Keplinger’s realistic teenage drama and relatable characters might also appreciate Sarah Dessen. Sarah Dessen is known for her honest portrayals of teen lives and heartfelt stories about growth and relationships.

    In her book Just Listen,  readers meet Annabel, a girl whose life seems perfect from the outside but who struggles privately with loneliness and family tensions.

    When her friendship with the confident and music-loving Owen begins to grow, Annabel must confront truths she has long avoided. The realistic dialogue and authentic emotions in this story make it a memorable read for anyone who enjoys engaging narratives about teen experiences.

  8. Morgan Matson

    Morgan Matson explores teenage friendships, family dynamics, and summer adventures with humor and heart. Her book Since You’ve Been Gone  follows Emily, a girl shy and used to being in her adventurous best friend Sloane’s shadow.

    Suddenly, Sloane disappears, leaving Emily a mysterious list of tasks that pushes her beyond her comfort zone. As Emily tackles challenges like dancing until dawn, skinny dipping, and facing her fears head-on, she discovers aspects of herself she didn’t know existed.

    Fans of Kody Keplinger who appreciate authentic teen voices, relatable friendships, and genuine character growth will easily connect with Morgan Matson’s engaging storytelling.

  9. Jenny Han

    Readers who like Kody Keplinger’s relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling will appreciate Jenny Han’s novels. Han is known for her engaging young adult romances, capturing teenage feelings with honesty and warmth.

    In her popular book To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,  Lara Jean Song is a shy high schooler whose private letters to past crushes unexpectedly get mailed out. Lara Jean faces embarrassing and funny situations, but also learns to deal with her true emotions.

    Jenny Han writes characters who feel like real friends—flawed, sincere, and easy to root for.

  10. Stephanie Perkins

    Stephanie Perkins writes stories that capture the ups and downs of first love with humor and charm. Her novel Anna and the French Kiss  follows Anna Oliphant, an American teenager sent to boarding school in Paris.

    At first she’s frustrated about leaving Atlanta behind, but soon Paris starts to win her over—especially after she meets Étienne St. Clair. He’s charming and funny, but also confusing, because he’s already dating someone else.

    Anna has to find her way in a new city, navigate friendships, and figure out what she truly wants. Fans of Kody Keplinger’s honest, heartfelt stories will find Stephanie Perkins’ characters equally relatable and engaging.

  11. Kasie West

    If you enjoy Kody Keplinger’s authentic characters and relatable high school settings, Kasie West delivers a similar charm and warmth in her contemporary YA romances. In The Fill-In Boyfriend,  Gia Montgomery finds herself dumped in the parking lot before prom.

    Desperate to save face, she persuades a stranger in the parking lot to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. But one lie leads to another, and Gia’s plan becomes complicated by unexpected feelings when the pretend romance starts to feel all too real.

    Kasie West weaves humor, sweet moments, and genuine emotion into a story that is easy to root for.

  12. Brigid Kemmerer

    Brigid Kemmerer writes captivating contemporary stories where teenagers face meaningful struggles, realistic romance, and authentic friendships.

    If you enjoy Kody Keplinger’s relatable characters and honest portrayal of teen life, Kemmerer’s Letters to the Lost  is a great pick. The novel centers on Juliet Young, who copes with grief by leaving letters on her mother’s grave.

    Unexpectedly, someone responds—a mysterious boy named Declan Murphy, who deals with his own painful past. Through anonymous exchanges that grow deeper with each message, they begin to connect.

    Each must figure out if they can trust the other enough to reveal their true identities and work through their pasts together. Kemmerer keeps emotions honest and believable, creating a story that’s heartfelt and easy to get into.

  13. Courtney Summers

    Courtney Summers is a strong choice for readers who appreciate Kody Keplinger’s authentic portrayal of challenging teen experiences. Her novel Sadie  tells the intense story of a teenager named Sadie, who sets out on a determined quest to find her sister’s killer.

    The story alternates between Sadie’s journey and the perspective of a podcast host who tracks her disappearance. Summers tackles heavy topics honestly, creating realistic and memorable characters throughout the book.

    Readers who value Keplinger’s straightforward style and exploration of complicated relationships may find Sadie  especially relatable.

  14. Becky Albertalli

    Becky Albertalli writes smart, funny novels that explore friendship, love, and growing up in an authentic teen voice. If you enjoyed Kody Keplinger’s realistic, heartfelt characters, you’ll probably enjoy Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. 

    This book follows Simon Spier, a high school student secretly exchanging emails with a mysterious classmate known only as Blue. 

    When Simon’s emails fall into the hands of a classmate who threatens to expose him, Simon has to figure out how to navigate friendship, identity, and first love. Albertalli creates relatable, charming characters who deal with real-life challenges readers can connect with.

  15. Elizabeth Eulberg

    If you enjoy Kody Keplinger’s sharp, authentic portrayals of teenage life and relationships, Elizabeth Eulberg might become your next favorite author. Eulberg writes humorous and heartfelt stories that capture the ups and downs of growing up.

    Her novel, The Lonely Hearts Club,  follows Penny Lane Bloom, a girl who decides to swear off dating after a disappointing experience.

    Inspired partly by her love of The Beatles, Penny forms a club for others who have had their hearts broken and are tired of dealing with messy relationships. But as the club’s popularity grows, Penny learns that friendship and trust come with their own complications.

    Eulberg skillfully blends humor, genuine emotions, and relatable teenage struggles to create characters readers can root for.