Lauren Tarshis is a beloved children's author recognized for the I Survived series. Her engaging historical fiction sparks learning and excitement for young readers worldwide.
If you enjoy reading books by Lauren Tarshis then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Mary Pope Osborne often blend adventure, history, and fantasy, making her stories appealing to readers who enjoy Lauren Tarshis. In the Magic Tree House series, Osborne sends siblings Jack and Annie on journeys through different eras and cultures.
In Tonight on the Titanic, the children find themselves aboard the Titanic on its tragic night. Jack and Annie must figure out a way to help passengers before it’s too late, facing suspenseful challenges and fascinating historical details along the way.
Her lively storytelling style captures exciting moments in history, narrated through the eyes of relatable characters.
Gordon Korman is an author who knows how to engage younger readers through fast-paced adventures and relatable characters. If you enjoy Lauren Tarshis’s realistic historical fiction, Korman’s book Restart might catch your interest.
Restart introduces us to Chase Ambrose, a middle schooler who wakes up after an accident with no memory of his life before. As Chase returns to school, he discovers some surprising things about the kind of person he used to be.
Facing both strangers and old friends, Chase must now decide whether he’ll continue on his original path or take advantage of this chance for a fresh start.
This book offers the same blend of emotional depth, exciting storytelling, and interesting characters that Lauren Tarshis fans appreciate.
Rodman Philbrick is an author well known for writing exciting stories about courage and friendship, and readers who enjoy Lauren Tarshis’ vivid historical adventures should definitely explore his work.
In Freak the Mighty, Philbrick tells the powerful story of two friends, Max and Kevin, who form a remarkable duo when they combine their strengths and face life’s challenges together.
Max is large and strong but struggles in school, while Kevin is small due to a medical condition but has a brilliant imagination. The two set off on extraordinary adventures, overcoming bullies, family struggles, and their own anxieties.
Through their courage and loyalty, Max and Kevin show how true friendship can change everything.
If you enjoy Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series, Alan Gratz might be another author you’d love. Gratz writes historical fiction novels that put readers into dramatic moments from history through the eyes of young characters.
His book Refugee follows three different kids from different places and times. There’s Josef, a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany; Isabel, a Cuban girl escaping hardship by sea in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy whose family is forced from their home in 2015.
The stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud show courage, struggle, and hope as they search for safety and a place to belong. Alan Gratz creates realistic, emotionally powerful scenes that readers of Lauren Tarshis will appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Lauren Tarshis’ vivid and intense historical fiction will likely appreciate Jennifer A. Nielsen’s blend of history and thrilling action. Nielsen weaves relatable characters and suspenseful plots into engaging narratives.
Her novel A Night Divided brings readers to Berlin during the Cold War, as young Gerta awakens one morning to the horrifying sight of the Berlin Wall—built overnight—splitting her family apart.
Stuck with her mother and brother on the East side, Gerta seeks a way to reunite with her father and other brother trapped in West Berlin. The story explores bravery, resilience, and the price people pay for freedom.
With each tense scene and courageous decision, Nielsen keeps readers captivated until the final page.
Readers who enjoy Lauren Tarshis’s historical adventures might also connect with Tracey West, author of the popular Dragon Masters series.
In the first book, Rise of the Earth Dragon, young Drake is unexpectedly chosen to train dragons for a mysterious king and discovers he shares a special bond with his dragon, Worm.
Together, they learn courage and teamwork as they prepare to face unknown challenges and secrets beneath their kingdom. With fast-paced plots and vivid characters, West creates stories that hold the attention of readers from beginning to end.
If you enjoy Lauren Tarshis’ exciting historical adventures, Kate Messner might be an author you’ll love. Messner’s books explore history through vivid storytelling and relatable characters. One excellent example is Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail.
This adventurous story follows a golden retriever named Ranger, who unexpectedly travels back to 1850, where he meets a family crossing the Oregon Trail.
Facing dangerous rivers, wild animals, and unexpected setbacks, Ranger becomes a hero as he helps the family navigate their difficult journey. Messner’s writing brings history to life with warm characters and engaging plots that keep you turning pages.
Jewell Parker Rhodes is an author known for powerful stories about young people facing extraordinary challenges. Her book Ninth Ward follows Lanesha, a courageous twelve-year-old girl, as she prepares for Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Gifted with special intuition and raised by Mama Ya-Ya, her caretaker who can predict events, Lanesha must rely on inner strength and determination when the storm hits.
Like Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series, Rhodes captures history through the eyes of a brave young character readers can root for.
Readers who enjoy Lauren Tarshis will likely appreciate the works of Dan Gutman. Gutman has a knack for bringing history to life through adventurous storytelling.
His book, The Kid Who Ran for President, follows Judson Moon, a twelve-year-old boy who decides to run for president of the United States. Judson’s unlikely campaign introduces readers to the election process in a fun, entertaining, and surprisingly informative way.
The story mixes humor and real-world politics, offering unexpected twists and insightful lessons about leadership and determination. Gutman’s approach makes complex ideas understandable and enjoyable for young readers.
Margaret Peterson Haddix is an author known for writing suspenseful and thought-provoking stories aimed at young readers. Her books often explore historical moments through fictional adventures.
If you enjoyed Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series, you’ll probably like Haddix’s Running Out of Time. This book follows Jessie, a girl who believes she lives in an 1840s frontier village.
When a deadly disease starts affecting people around her, Jessie discovers a shocking secret about her community. To save them, she must venture out into a strange and unfamiliar world. The suspense and historical elements in this novel make for an exciting and memorable read.
If you enjoy Lauren Tarshis’s stories about kids navigating history’s big moments, check out Christopher Paul Curtis. Curtis writes historical fiction that feels real and relatable, often told from the perspective of young characters.
In Bud, Not Buddy, readers follow ten-year-old Bud Caldwell through the tough times of the Great Depression. After losing his mother, Bud runs away from a harsh foster home. He heads out to find a jazz musician he believes is his father.
Along the way, he experiences adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments. Curtis captures both the struggles and hope of this era with warmth and authenticity, making Bud’s journey lively and unforgettable.
Avi is a popular children’s author known for weaving exciting stories that bring history to life, especially for fans of Lauren Tarshis. His book Sophia’s War is a perfect example, as it follows young Sophia Calderwood through tense moments of the American Revolutionary War.
Set in British-occupied New York City, Sophia witnesses heartbreaking events that inspire her courage and determination. Avi blends historical facts and vivid storytelling to show readers what it was really like to risk everything for freedom.
Anyone who enjoys how Lauren Tarshis mixes history and adventure will feel connected to Sophia’s brave journey.
Scott O’Dell was an American author known for his vivid historical fiction novels that bring adventurous stories to young readers. Fans of Lauren Tarshis might find a similar thrill in O’Dell’s famous book, Island of the Blue Dolphins.
It follows Karana, a courageous young girl stranded on a deserted island who learns to survive alone with resourcefulness and courage. Her incredible determination and the vivid portrayal of her life on the island make this a memorable story inspired by real events.
Through Karana’s eyes, readers experience challenges, solitude, bravery, and the deep bond that can form between humans and animals.
Books by Elizabeth George Speare often take readers into vivid historical settings through compelling young characters. If you enjoy Lauren Tarshis’ stories of young heroes facing historical challenges, Elizabeth George Speare may catch your interest as well.
In her book The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Speare introduces Kit Tyler, a spirited teenage girl from Barbados who arrives in colonial Connecticut. There, Kit’s independent ways quickly cause suspicion and trouble among the strict Puritan townspeople.
The story involves themes of friendship, courage, and standing up against injustice. Kit’s resilience and adventures make this novel hard to put down.
Readers who enjoy Lauren Tarshis’s stories may find R.J. Palacio’s work equally engaging and heartfelt. Palacio is known for creating relatable characters who overcome difficult challenges and inspire those around them.
In her book Wonder, readers meet Auggie Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference. Auggie faces the challenge of attending mainstream school for the first time after being homeschooled.
The story explores friendship, kindness, and courage as Auggie navigates new experiences and confronts people’s reactions to his appearance. Readers will appreciate Palacio’s genuine storytelling style filled with compassion and hope.