Malorie Blackman writes books that really make you think, especially if you are interested in stories tackling tough subjects like racism and identity. She is famous for young adult fiction and books that often explore social issues with a powerful punch.
If you are on the lookout for authors who create stories with a similar impact, keep reading.
Angie Thomas is an author whose thought-provoking storytelling explores themes of race, identity, and social justice. Her novel “The Hate U Give” centers on the life of sixteen-year-old Starr Carter.
Starr balances two worlds: her mostly Black neighborhood and her predominantly white private school. Everything changes one night after she witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer.
The book follows Starr as she navigates the pressures of community unrest, family expectations, and confronting her own voice amid a society divided by prejudice and perception.
Readers who appreciate the layered storytelling of Malorie Blackman and her genuine handling of societal themes may find Angie Thomas resonates with them as well.
Readers who appreciate Malorie Blackman’s style may also enjoy Nicola Yoon’s novels. Yoon creates emotional and thought-provoking stories that often explore themes of love, identity, and race.
In her book “The Sun Is Also a Star,” Yoon introduces Natasha and Daniel—two teens who meet unexpectedly in New York City. Natasha faces deportation and is determined to change her family’s future, while Daniel struggles with parental expectations.
Set over the course of just one day, the novel captures their remarkable connection and the challenges they must overcome. Yoon blends alternating perspectives with sincere storytelling, creating vivid characters readers can root for.
Fans of Blackman’s passionate narratives may find Yoon’s books equally engaging.
Elizabeth Acevedo is an author well-known for powerful storytelling, vibrant characters, and emotional depth, qualities readers of Malorie Blackman will appreciate.
Her novel “The Poet X” follows Xiomara Batista, a teenager in Harlem who struggles to find her voice and identity amidst her strict household and neighborhood pressures. Through poetry Xiomara explores love, religion, and family expectations.
Acevedo mixes poetic narratives and relatable, authentic characters with themes of self-expression and empowerment that fans of Malorie Blackman’s stories will connect to.
Patrick Ness is a thought-provoking author who writes stories that blend real-world themes with vivid imagination and emotional depth. If you enjoy Malorie Blackman’s engaging style and narrative power, Ness may be a perfect author for you.
His book “A Monster Calls” tells the story of thirteen-year-old Conor O’Malley, who faces his mother’s serious illness. Conor receives nightly visits from a mysterious monster shaped like a giant yew tree.
Each night, this monster shares stories layered with heartache, bravery, and raw honesty. Through these encounters, Conor learns to confront truths he tries hard to deny.
Ness crafts a story that explores grief, loss, and courage, capturing readers’ emotions with sensitivity and powerful storytelling.
If you enjoy Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful storytelling and real-life themes, Benjamin Zephaniah might interest you. He has a gift for addressing tough teen issues through engaging, honest narratives.
His novel “Refugee Boy” tells the story of Alem, a fourteen-year-old forced from his home country of Ethiopia due to war. Left alone in London by his father, Alem must navigate an unfamiliar culture, new friendships, and the legal turmoil of seeking asylum.
Through Alem’s eyes, Zephaniah explores identity, belonging, and resilience, painting a vivid picture of a teenager caught between two worlds.
Readers who enjoy Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful exploration of powerful themes might also appreciate Jason Reynolds. Reynolds is an American author known for insightful and authentic portrayals of young characters in challenging situations.
His book “Long Way Down” is an intense story told through free verse poetry. It follows teenage Will, whose older brother Shawn is shot and killed. Will, following the unwritten rules of his neighborhood, prepares for revenge.
He takes an elevator ride from his apartment, encountering unexpected figures from his past at each floor, prompting him to question his choices and their consequences.
The novel’s raw storytelling and vivid emotions can strongly resonate with fans of Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful style.
Readers who enjoy Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful approach to difficult topics may also appreciate Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson’s novel “Brown Girl Dreaming” tells a powerful story through poetry and memories.
It explores Woodson’s experiences growing up African American in the 1960s and 70s. The book captures vivid images from her childhood spent between the South and Brooklyn, addressing themes like identity, race, and family.
Readers get an intimate look at personal stories set against a historical backdrop, similar to how Blackman connects individual stories to larger social issues.
Sabaa Tahir is an author who stands out in young adult fiction for creating intense, emotional journeys set within vivid fantasy worlds. If you enjoy Malorie Blackman’s profound storytelling and impactful themes, you’ll likely appreciate Tahir’s “An Ember in the Ashes.”
This book is set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome, and revolves around two courageous young people, Laia, a slave determined to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier desperate to break away from violence.
Tahir brings together themes of oppression, loyalty, courage, and love. The characters’ distinct voices and heavy stakes make their struggles feel authentic, drawing readers into an unforgettable adventure.
Books by Marie Lu often explore intense futures and powerful choices, similar in style and tone to Malorie Blackman’s works. If you like thought-provoking stories with strong characters and difficult moral decisions, try “Legend.”
Set in a divided future America, the book follows two teenagers from opposite worlds: June, a military prodigy raised to hunt rebels, and Day, the country’s most wanted criminal.
A shocking murder draws their paths together, but what they uncover about their government changes everything. Marie Lu crafts rich, believable characters who face impossible choices in a tense, fast-moving plot.
Ruta Sepetys is an author who writes powerful historical fiction, often highlighting lesser-known moments in history through deeply engaging characters.
Her novel “Between Shades of Gray” tells the story of fifteen-year-old Lina, a Lithuanian girl deported by Soviet officers to a labor camp in Siberia during World War II.
Lina struggles to survive harsh conditions, brutal treatment, and separation from her father, relying on courage and creativity to hold onto hope and family.
Sepetys has a talent for storytelling that blends vivid historical settings with characters whose voices stay with you long after the last page.
If you enjoyed Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful exploration of tough historical and social themes, you might find with Ruta Sepetys another author who respectfully and movingly shines a light on overlooked histories.
Holly Bourne is a British author known for novels that tackle real-life issues faced by teenagers. If you’ve enjoyed Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful storytelling, you might connect with Bourne’s realistic approach and strong characters.
In “Am I Normal Yet?”, we meet Evie, a sixteen-year-old girl who longs for a regular teen life after struggling with mental illness. Evie’s story is honest yet humorous, capturing friendship, love, and mental health in an authentic way.
It’s a thoughtful read for anyone interested in meaningful, relatable teen fiction.
Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American author best known for her captivating young adult fantasy novel, “Children of Blood and Bone.”
Set in the magical land of Orïsha, the story follows Zélie, a fierce and determined young woman on a dangerous mission to bring magic back to her people. Their powers had disappeared years ago, lost after a ruthless king attacked those gifted with magic.
Adeyemi builds a vivid world full of myths and stirring adventure. Readers who enjoy Malorie Blackman’s exploration of deep themes such as social injustice and resistance will find a strong connection to Adeyemi’s storytelling, rich in action and memorable characters.
Books by Sharon M. Draper often explore tough, emotional issues through gripping, relatable stories. If you enjoy Malorie Blackman’s approach to strong characters and social themes, Draper’s writing might resonate with you too.
Her novel “Out of My Mind” follows Melody, an intelligent eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Her brilliant mind feels trapped inside her uncooperative body, until she discovers a communication device that finally allows her voice to be heard clearly.
This book tackles themes of acceptance, perseverance, and the importance of seeing beyond disabilities. Draper’s honest storytelling and believable characters draw readers deep into Melody’s world and challenges.
Alice Oseman is a British author whose novels often explore relevant themes of friendship, identity, and belonging through authentic teenage voices. Her book “Radio Silence” centers around Frances Janvier, a dedicated student set on academic success.
When she meets Aled Last, the quiet creator behind her favorite podcast, their friendship sparks a new side of her personality. Together, Frances and Aled navigate their dreams, complicated family ties, and the pressure of expectations.
Oseman’s honest storytelling and relatable characters will appeal to readers who appreciate Malorie Blackman’s genuine portrayal of young adult life.
Books by Yoon Ha Lee offer a fresh take on science-fiction and fantasy through imaginative worlds and diverse perspectives. If you enjoy Malorie Blackman’s thoughtful exploration of complex societies, you might find Lee’s “Dragon Pearl” appealing.
It blends Korean mythology and space adventure into a lively tale. The story follows Min, a thirteen-year-old fox-spirit, as she sneaks off to space in search of her missing brother. Min navigates a dangerous universe filled with ghosts, dragons, and shape-shifting creatures.
It’s a fun, fast-paced adventure with a heartwarming sense of family loyalty and fascinating mythological elements.