If you enjoy reading books by Mal Peet then you might also like the following authors:
Meg Rosoff is an author known for her thoughtful and emotionally rich stories. Her book, “How I Live Now,” follows Daisy, a teenage girl sent to England to live with her cousins. While adjusting to her new life, war breaks out, pulling her into a harsh and unpredictable reality.
The story explores survival and love in a world turned upside down. Rosoff’s writing often focuses on young characters facing profound changes, which may appeal to fans of Mal Peet’s style.
Marcus Sedgwick is a brilliant author, known for stories that blend history and mystery in unique ways. One of his books, “Midwinterblood,” is a fascinating read. The story is set on an island where time seems to loop and lives are mysteriously connected.
It explores different characters across several time periods, focusing on love, loss, and sacrifice. Each chapter reveals another layer of the puzzle, creating an eerie and unforgettable atmosphere.
If you enjoy Mal Peet’s ability to weave complex, meaningful tales, Sedgwick might be a perfect next read.
Patrick Ness is an author who writes stories packed with emotion and strong characters. One of his most well-known books, “A Monster Calls,” follows a boy named Conor, who struggles with his mother’s illness while being visited by a strange tree-like monster.
The monster tells him eerie and powerful stories, pushing Conor to confront his own fears and feelings. Ness blends reality and fantasy in a way that feels raw and deeply human, making the story unforgettable.
Aidan Chambers writes thoughtful stories that explore relationships, identity, and the struggles of growing up. One of his books, “Postcards from No Man’s Land,” intertwines two narratives.
In modern-day Amsterdam, a boy named Jacob struggles with questions about his family’s past. Meanwhile, the book shifts to World War II, where a young British soldier meets a Dutch girl under complicated circumstances.
The two timelines connect in ways that reveal truths about love, courage, and self-discovery. Chambers creates characters that feel real, with challenges that stay with you long after the story ends.
David Almond writes stories that blend everyday life with strange and magical elements. One of his most well-known books, “Skellig,” follows a boy named Michael, who finds a mysterious, frail man hiding in the shed of his new house.
The man has wings, and his presence slowly changes Michael’s understanding of the world and the people around him. Almond has a way of mixing the ordinary with something almost otherworldly, creating stories that feel grounded but full of mystery.
Philip Pullman is the author of the fantasy series “His Dark Materials.” The first book in the series, “The Golden Compass,” introduces a bold girl named Lyra who lives in a world where humans have animal companions called daemons.
Lyra stumbles upon a secret about a mysterious substance called Dust, which leads to a journey through icy landscapes, encounters with armored polar bears, and a dangerous quest to find missing children.
The story has deep characters, a bit of mystery, and a world that feels alive with its own rules and wonders. You won’t forget the image of the giant bear, Iorek, fighting for his honor.
Sally Gardner is a talented author whose writing often mixes reality with a touch of the extraordinary. One of her books, “Maggot Moon,” tells the story of a boy named Standish who lives in a totalitarian society.
Standish struggles with dyslexia, and his world is overshadowed by secrets and fear. When he discovers something hidden behind a high wall, it sets off a chain of events that could change everything.
The book offers a tense and thought-provoking look at bravery and friendship in harsh times. If you’re drawn to emotionally intense stories with rich characters, this might be a great fit.
Frances Hardinge is an author who weaves rich and atmospheric stories filled with mystery and imagination. One of her books, “Fly By Night,” follows a quick-witted girl named Mosca Mye, who travels through a disordered world ruled by rival guilds and strange gods.
Mosca, with her fierce and slightly untrustworthy pet goose, Saracen, becomes tangled in a web of conspiracies and secrets. The book is full of bizarre characters and unexpected twists, set in a world that feels alive and unusual.
Nick Lake writes stories that explore deep emotions and the connections between characters. His book, “In Darkness,” follows a Haitian boy named Shorty, who is trapped under rubble after an earthquake.
As he waits for rescue, he experiences visions of Toussaint L’Ouverture, a leader in Haiti’s slave revolution. The story moves between Shorty’s life and the struggles of the past, showing how history and survival can intertwine.
Tim Bowler is a British author known for his powerful young adult novels that explore themes of identity, struggle, and resilience.
One of his standout works is “River Boy,” a story about a teenage girl named Jess who visits the countryside with her family to support her grandfather as his health declines.
During their stay, Jess discovers a mysterious boy by the river who seems connected to her grandfather and his unfinished painting. The book mixes real-life challenges with a sense of mystery, creating a heartfelt and thought-provoking story.
Melvin Burgess is known for writing stories that grab attention with their bold themes and honest portrayal of young characters.
One of his standout books, “Junk,” tells the story of two teenagers, Gemma and Tar, who run away from home and become trapped in the dangerous world of addiction.
The book doesn’t shy away from showing how their choices impact them and the people around them, creating a vivid and raw look at youth, love, and consequences. If you enjoy Mal Peet’s way of handling intense life experiences, Burgess’s work might be a good fit.
Margo Lanagan writes stories that pull you into strange, vivid worlds. Her book “Tender Morsels” is a dark and totally unique take on the fairy tale of “Snow White and Rose Red.” It follows a girl named Liga, who retreats into a magical world after suffering a terrible tragedy.
This alternate life seems perfect, but cracks begin to form as reality starts creeping back in. Lanagan doesn’t shy away from exploring raw truths, while still weaving in moments of wonder and beauty.
Alan Garner writes stories that blend the everyday world with old myths and folklore. One of his books, “The Owl Service,” follows three teenagers who uncover a strange pattern on a set of dinner plates in a remote Welsh valley.
This discovery stirs up tensions and reawakens a tragic, ancient legend. The book mixes supernatural elements with the characters’ struggles, making the story feel both mysterious and grounded.
Kevin Brooks is an author known for writing gripping young adult stories that explore dark and emotional themes. One of his standout books, “Martyn Pig,” tells the story of a teenager named Martyn who accidentally causes the death of his abusive father.
Faced with fear and uncertainty, Martyn decides to try covering it up, setting off a chain of events that spiral out of control. The book dives into guilt, moral dilemmas, and the challenges of being a teen trapped in impossible situations.
Fans of Mal Peet might enjoy how Brooks creates complex characters and unexpected twists that keep you hooked.
Geraldine McCaughrean is an author who writes stories that feel vivid and absorbing. One of her books, “The White Darkness,” follows a teenager named Sym as she travels to Antarctica with her eccentric uncle.
The story mixes adventure with danger as Sym’s journey reveals her uncle’s true intentions. There’s also a strong focus on Sym’s fascination with Captain Oates, a historical explorer, who takes on an unusual presence in her life.
It’s the kind of story that pulls you in with its icy setting and mysterious twists.