If you enjoy reading books by Linda Sue Park then you might also like the following authors:
Grace Lin writes stories that blend folklore with heartfelt journeys. One of her books, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” follows Minli, a young girl who sets out to change her family’s fortune. Along the way, she meets a talking fish, a dragon, and other magical characters.
The story brings Chinese myths to life, with a focus on family, bravery, and the power of hope. Fans of Linda Sue Park might enjoy how Lin weaves culture into her storytelling.
Pam Muñoz Ryan is an author who creates thoughtful and heartfelt stories. One of her well-known books, “Esperanza Rising,” tells the story of a young girl, Esperanza, who lives a privileged life in Mexico until her world turns upside down.
After a sudden tragedy, she and her mother flee to California during the Great Depression. There, Esperanza faces hard labor, discrimination, and poverty, while learning how to adapt and find strength in the face of adversity.
The story is rich with family, resilience, and hope, touching on themes similar to those found in Linda Sue Park’s books.
Cynthia Kadohata is an author known for writing heartfelt stories about family, identity, and resilience. One of her books, “Kira-Kira,” tells the story of two Japanese-American sisters growing up in Georgia during the 1950s.
The narrator, Katie, deeply admires her older sister, Lynn, who teaches her to see beauty everywhere, even in hard times. The book explores their bond and how Katie learns to face challenges as her family struggles with prejudice, dreams, and loss.
Kadohata’s writing brings out the quiet, powerful moments in ordinary lives.
Thanhha Lai writes heartfelt stories that often explore family and identity through the eyes of young protagonists. Her book “Inside Out & Back Again” follows Ha, a ten-year-old girl who flees Vietnam with her family during the war and settles in Alabama.
The story is told through short, vivid poems. Ha struggles to adjust to her new home, feeling out of place and misunderstood while holding onto memories of her life in Vietnam.
The book captures her challenges, the small victories she experiences, and her efforts to redefine what home means.
Laurence Yep writes stories that often explore identity, culture, and family. One of his well-known books, “Dragonwings,” follows Moon Shadow, a young boy who travels from China to San Francisco in the early 1900s to join his father.
His father dreams of building a flying machine, and the story is filled with moments of determination and discovery. Through Moon Shadow’s eyes, readers get a glimpse of the struggles faced by Chinese immigrants during that time.
Kate DiCamillo writes heartfelt stories with characters that stay with you long after you close the book. One of her most beloved works is “The Tale of Despereaux.”
It follows a brave little mouse named Despereaux who, despite being born small and different from his peers, dreams of heroism and love. The story weaves together the lives of a mouse, a rat, and a young princess, all connected by courage and forgiveness.
It’s a tale that brightens even the darkest corners, showing how even the smallest actions can bring light.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that feel personal and heartfelt. Her book “Brown Girl Dreaming” is a memoir told in verse, where she shares her childhood experiences growing up in the 1960s and 1970s.
Through vivid and simple poems, she paints a picture of her family, her dreams, and her first encounters with race and identity. Fans of Linda Sue Park will appreciate how Woodson captures the beauty and challenges of growing up in a changing world.
Rita Williams-Garcia is an author who creates stories full of heart and unforgettable characters. Her book “One Crazy Summer” takes readers to 1968 Oakland, where three sisters travel to spend the summer with their estranged mother.
When they arrive, they find she’s not exactly the nurturing figure they imagined. Instead, she’s involved in the Black Panther movement. Through the sisters’ eyes, the book explores family, history, and identity in ways that feel real but never overwhelming.
It’s a story that stays with you because of the way the girls navigate a world so different from what they know.
Christina Soontornvat writes stories that feel rich and meaningful, offering readers a chance to step into different worlds and cultures. One of her books, “A Wish in the Dark,” is set in a city filled with magical lights, ruled by a strict government.
The story follows Pong, a boy who escapes from prison to search for freedom and justice. It’s a tale about hope and standing up for what’s right, all while exploring themes of fairness and the balance between light and shadow.
If you’ve enjoyed Linda Sue Park’s deep and heartfelt storytelling, Christina Soontornvat might be a great next author to explore.
Lois Lowry is a well-loved author who writes thoughtful stories that often explore different perspectives on life. One of her well-known books, “Number the Stars,” takes place during World War II and follows a young girl named Annemarie Johansen.
Annemarie helps her best friend’s family, who are Jewish, escape from Nazi-occupied Denmark. The story reveals the courage of ordinary people who helped others under great danger.
Readers who enjoy Linda Sue Park’s heartfelt and meaningful stories may find something special in Lowry’s work too.
Ann E. Burg writes historical novels that focus on young characters facing extraordinary challenges. Her book, “All the Broken Pieces,” tells the story of Matt, a boy adopted into an American family after escaping the Vietnam War.
Matt struggles with memories of his life in Vietnam, guilt about those he left behind, and finding a sense of belonging in his new home. The story weaves together his experiences with baseball, friendships, and the healing that comes from connecting with others.
Fans of Linda Sue Park may find Burg’s emotional and heartfelt storytelling a perfect fit.
Linda Sue Castle creates heartfelt historical romances that transport readers to past eras with rich detail and engaging characters.
One of her novels, “Shadow of the White Rose,” is set in medieval England and follows the story of Lady Eleanor, a noblewoman torn between duty and desire.
When her family’s honor is threatened, she must navigate court politics and her own conflicted heart while facing unexpected danger.
The story gives off a sense of atmosphere and intrigue without feeling overwhelming, making Castle’s writing a possible gem for those who enjoy Linda Sue Park’s ability to weave personal challenges into historical settings.
Karen Hesse writes meaningful and heartfelt stories that often focus on young characters facing challenges in historical settings. One of her books, “Out of the Dust,” tells the story of Billie Jo, a girl growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl.
The book is written in free verse, which gives it a unique and powerful rhythm. Billie Jo’s journey of loss, survival, and finding hope again is unforgettable.
Hesse weaves together the harshness of the land and Billie Jo’s longing for something better, creating a story that feels raw and real.
Alan Gratz writes historical fiction that focuses on young characters caught in incredible moments of history. In his book “Refugee,” he follows three kids from different times and places. Josef, a Jewish boy in 1930s Germany, escapes the Nazis with his family.
Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994, flees with her family across dangerous waters to Florida. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015, journeys across the Middle East and Europe to find safety.
The stories show the courage of children forced to leave everything behind, and they are woven together in a way that connects their struggles across generations.
Jerry Spinelli is an author who tells stories about young characters navigating friendships, family, and finding their place in the world.
One of his books, “Stargirl,” follows a unique and free-spirited girl named Stargirl who shakes up the routine life of an ordinary high school.
The story explores how her individuality impacts those around her, especially a boy named Leo, as they both wrestle with staying true to themselves and fitting in. Spinelli writes with heart and honesty, making his characters and their experiences feel real and relatable.