If you enjoy reading novels by Madeleine L'Engle then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Madeleine L’Engle’s thoughtful blend of fantasy, science fiction, and exploration of deep moral themes, Ursula K. Le Guin might speak directly to your reader’s heart.
Take “A Wizard of Earthsea,” the story of a young magician named Ged who discovers his immense magical talent. As Ged learns magic, he can’t resist experimenting beyond his skill. This misstep unleashes a shadowy being that both frightens and fascinates him.
To save himself and the world, Ged must face what he’s created and accept responsibility for it. Le Guin weaves magic and adventure together with meaningful questions of identity, courage, and self-awareness, giving readers a story that’s hard to forget.
Diana Wynne Jones is a fantastic choice for readers who enjoy Madeleine L’Engle’s vivid imagination and complex characters. In her book “Howl’s Moving Castle,” readers meet Sophie Hatter, a young woman turned into an elderly lady by a witch’s curse.
To break the spell, Sophie finds herself in the chaotic moving castle of the eccentric wizard Howl. The magical world Jones creates is full of wit, humor, and unique characters whose stories weave together beautifully.
If you appreciate magical journeys and inventive storytelling, Diana Wynne Jones’s work will certainly captivate you.
C.S. Lewis If you enjoy the imaginative adventures and thoughtful themes of Madeleine L’Engle, you might like C.S. Lewis. He is best known for “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the first book of his beloved “Chronicles of Narnia” series.
In this novel, four siblings discover a secret entrance in an old wardrobe that leads to an extraordinary world called Narnia. There, they encounter talking animals, magical battles, and an evil witch who has cast an endless winter over the land.
Lewis weaves thoughtful lessons about bravery, redemption, and friendship throughout this magical story. Readers of L’Engle will find Lewis similarly blends fantasy with deep, meaningful themes.
Susan Cooper is an author who crafts fantasy novels filled with myth, history, and adventure, perfect for readers who enjoy Madeleine L’Engle.
In her book “Over Sea, Under Stone,” three siblings embark on a thrilling holiday in Cornwall where they stumble upon an ancient manuscript. Soon, they discover it may lead them to the Holy Grail itself.
Cooper weaves together Arthurian legends, mysterious pathways, and hidden dangers, all set against the rugged Cornish coast. Anyone fascinated by Madeleine L’Engle’s blend of fantasy with real-world dilemmas will quickly become absorbed in Cooper’s stories too.
Philip Pullman is a British author known for creating imaginative, thoughtful stories filled with adventure and philosophical questions. Readers who enjoy Madeleine L’Engle’s blend of fantasy and moral depth may find Pullman’s work similarly appealing.
In his book “The Golden Compass,” Pullman introduces a vivid world where each person has an animal companion called a daemon, reflecting their inner selves. The story follows a brave girl named Lyra.
She uncovers a hidden plot involving kidnapped children, mysterious experiments, and powerful forces that threaten her world. Pullman weaves themes of freedom, morality, and courage into Lyra’s compelling quest.
This combination creates a memorable journey through parallel universes and intriguing characters.
Readers who appreciate Madeleine L’Engle’s imaginative storytelling and memorable characters may enjoy the works of Lloyd Alexander. Alexander is best known for his classic fantasy series, “The Chronicles of Prydain,” beginning with the novel “The Book of Three.”
In this first story, the young Assistant Pig-Keeper, Taran, dreams of heroism and adventure. When his pig unexpectedly reveals magical powers, Taran is thrust into an epic quest filled with intriguing companions and dark challenges.
Lloyd Alexander’s stories blend adventure, friendship, and self-discovery in a world inspired by Welsh mythology, providing an experience fans of Madeline L’Engle’s thought-provoking tales will surely appreciate.
Books by E.L. Konigsburg often speak directly to young readers about adventure, discovery, and courage, and could resonate deeply with fans of Madeleine L’Engle.
In Konigsburg’s classic, “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” siblings Claudia and Jamie run away from home and hide inside New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The children spend their days exploring the museum and stumble across a fascinating statue that could be a lost masterpiece by Michelangelo.
The mystery unfolds through their resourceful detective work and clever teamwork, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys the blend of imagination, family bonds, and intriguing puzzles found in L’Engle’s stories.
Robin McKinley writes beautifully crafted fantasy novels that blend imagination and emotional depth, qualities that fans of Madeleine L’Engle often appreciate.
In her book “The Hero and the Crown,” readers follow Aerin, a brave yet misunderstood princess who is determined to protect her kingdom. Aerin faces dragons, discovers deeply hidden abilities, and finds her inner strength along the way.
The story mixes courage, self-discovery, and adventure in a thoughtfully constructed fantasy world that resonates well beyond the final pages.
Readers who enjoyed Madeleine L’Engle’s imaginative worlds and strong heroines may find Tamora Pierce’s stories equally engaging. Pierce creates fantasy novels filled with adventure, magic, and heroines who grow through courage and determination.
In “Alanna: The First Adventure,” the first book of the “Song of the Lioness” series, readers meet Alanna of Trebond, a girl determined to become a knight in a world where only boys can train for combat.
She disguises herself as a boy and begins training at the palace, facing challenges that test her will and hidden magical talents. Pierce’s vivid storytelling style, combined with an authentic portrayal of bravery and friendship, makes her books exciting and hard to put down.
Patricia A. McKillip crafts magical stories filled with lyrical prose, subtle beauty, and profound themes, which readers of Madeleine L’Engle may easily appreciate.
Her novel “The Forgotten Beasts of Eld” follows the story of Sybel, a mysterious young woman who lives alone on a mountain surrounded by ancient magical creatures she summoned herself.
Her isolated life gets disrupted when a child arrives at her doorstep, forcing her into the affairs and struggles of the outside world.
McKillip beautifully blends themes of power, love, and identity with captivating worldbuilding, making her book both a thoughtful exploration and a delightful adventure.
Frances Hodgson Burnett authored classic novels filled with adventure and heart, often blending reality and imagination in a way readers of Madeleine L’Engle might appreciate.
Her book “The Secret Garden” follows Mary Lennox, an orphan sent to live in a grand old house with plenty of hidden corners and mysteries. At first, Mary finds herself lonely and unhappy, until she learns of a forbidden, neglected garden on the property.
As she explores the abandoned garden and meets others in the household, she uncovers secrets, friendship, and a newfound joy, bringing life back to the garden and herself.
Burnett’s stories quietly lead readers into places of wonder, much as L’Engle’s tales guide through science-fiction landscapes.
T.H. White was an English author best known for stories that blend imagination, myth, and deep themes on human nature.
If you enjoyed Madeleine L’Engle’s mix of fantasy, adventure, and thoughtful exploration, you may find White’s classic “The Sword in the Stone” equally fascinating. This book tells the tale of young Arthur, a curious, orphaned boy tutored by the eccentric wizard Merlyn.
Through experiences that range from charming to humorous, Arthur discovers valuable lessons about life, courage, and kindness. White weaves magic, wit, and gentle wisdom cleverly together, creating an unforgettable coming-of-age story full of charm and insight.
Elizabeth Goudge was an English writer who created stories full of warmth, wonder, and thoughtful reflection, similar in spirit to Madeleine L’Engle. Her book “The Little White Horse” takes readers on a magical journey through the enchanting valley of Moonacre.
After becoming orphaned, Maria Merryweather goes to live at Moonacre Manor, her ancestral home tucked away in a mysterious and beautiful valley.
As Maria begins to uncover secrets hidden within Moonacre’s past, she discovers that her own courage and kindness may hold the key to healing old wounds and bringing harmony back to the land.
Goudge fills this tale with rich imagery, gentle drama, and memorable characters, blending fantasy and reality seamlessly.
Readers who enjoyed Madeleine L’Engle’s thoughtful storytelling and imaginative worlds may find Ray Bradbury equally captivating. Bradbury is famous for exploring human nature through science fiction and fantasy.
In his classic book “Fahrenheit 451,” Bradbury imagines a future where society bans books, and firemen burn literature instead of saving lives.
The main character, Guy Montag, is a fireman who begins to question his role after meeting a young woman who appreciates life’s simpler pleasures. Montag’s journey shows how important knowledge, freedom, and independent thought truly are.
J.R.R. Tolkien is the author of imaginative fantasy worlds filled with adventure, courage and magic. If you’re a fan of Madeleine L’Engle’s vivid storytelling and fantastical journeys, you might enjoy Tolkien’s classic “The Hobbit.”
This novel follows Bilbo Baggins, a charming and comfortable hobbit who unexpectedly joins a group of dwarves on a risky quest to reclaim their lost treasure from a dangerous dragon.
Along their journey, Bilbo learns about friendship and bravery, confronts trolls, goblins, and giant spiders, and comes upon a curious ring with mysterious powers, a discovery that shapes the fate of Middle-earth.