If you enjoy reading books by Marieke Nijkamp then you might also like the following authors:
Angie Thomas is an author known for writing stories that focus on young people navigating tough circumstances. Her book, “The Hate U Give,” follows Starr, a teenager who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer.
The story shows how Starr balances life in her close-knit neighborhood and her mostly white private school, while also grappling with the pressure to speak out about what happened to Khalil.
It’s an emotional, thought-provoking story with characters that stay with you long after the last page.
Jennifer Niven is an author known for writing stories about young people dealing with tough moments in life and finding connection. One of her books, “All the Bright Places,” tells the story of Violet and Finch, two teenagers who meet on the edge of a bell tower.
Violet is grieving the loss of her sister, and Finch struggles with his own inner battles. The two form a bond as they explore the hidden places of their Indiana town for a school project.
Their journey shows how two people can bring light into each other’s lives, even when things feel dark.
Nic Stone writes stories that dig into powerful themes and personal struggles. Her book “Dear Martin” follows Justyce McAllister, a Black teenager who writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he tries to make sense of racial injustice in his world.
After a run-in with police, he questions what it means to live by King’s principles in a society that feels unfair. The book explores how he navigates friendships, school, and public perception, all while grappling with tough questions about identity and justice.
Adam Silvera is known for his heartfelt and emotional stories that explore love, loss, and identity. One of his books, “They Both Die at the End,” takes place in a world where people are notified on the day they’re going to die.
The story follows Mateo and Rufus, two strangers who meet through an app called Last Friend. They decide to spend their final day together, creating memories while facing their fears.
The bond they build is both intense and genuine, making their journey powerful and unforgettable.
Becky Albertalli writes heartfelt, character-driven stories about teens navigating identity, relationships, and self-discovery. One of her standout books is “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.”
The story follows Simon, a high schooler keeping his sexuality a secret while exchanging anonymous emails with another closeted boy. When someone threatens to make those emails public, Simon has to figure out how to handle it without losing the connection he’s found.
The book captures the awkwardness and sweetness of first love, making the reader root for Simon the whole way through.
Samira Ahmed writes stories that draw readers into emotional and thought-provoking journeys. Her book, “Internment,” is set in a near-future America, where Layla Amin, a seventeen-year-old Muslim girl, is forced into an internment camp with her family.
The story follows Layla as she refuses to accept the injustices around her and works to fight back against the oppressive system. It captures the fear and courage of standing up to tyranny, focusing on Layla’s determination to reclaim her freedom.
Ahmed doesn’t shy away from tough topics, making her books powerful and memorable.
K.A. Holt writes emotional, fast-paced stories that often connect with readers through their unique formats and relatable characters.
One of her standout books, “House Arrest,” is written in verse and tells the story of Timothy, a boy serving house arrest after making a desperate decision to help his family.
Timothy’s struggles with guilt, anger, and love for his sick baby brother create a heartfelt journey that feels raw and real. For readers drawn to Marieke Nijkamp’s intense and character-driven narratives, K.A. Holt’s stories offer a similarly deep emotional pull.
Ashley Herring Blake writes heartfelt stories that explore emotions and relationships in a way that feels personal and honest. One of her books, “Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World,” follows Ivy, a young girl whose town is struck by a tornado.
Amid the chaos, her cherished notebook filled with drawings of girls holding hands goes missing, and pages start appearing in her locker.
The story touches on Ivy’s feelings of being different and her quiet longing to figure out her identity, all while navigating new friendships and family struggles. Readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories may find this one memorable.
Courtney Summers is known for writing intense and emotional young adult stories that tackle difficult topics with honesty. Her book “Sadie” follows a girl searching for her sister’s killer after the girl is found dead.
The story is told through Sadie’s perspective and a true crime podcast that pieces together her journey. The mix of a personal quest and the podcast format makes the book feel raw and immediate, pulling readers into Sadie’s world as she seeks justice.
Kathleen Glasgow writes stories that tackle raw emotions and difficult topics with honesty. Her book “Girl in Pieces” follows Charlie, a girl recovering from a traumatic past and the pain that comes with it.
As she tries to build a new life, she faces her own inner struggles and learns how to move forward while dealing with heartbreak and self-discovery. The story offers a close look at resilience and the strength it takes to heal.
Fans of Marieke Nijkamp’s emotional and character-driven narratives might find Glasgow’s work engaging.
Jason Reynolds writes stories that feel real and hit hard. His book, “Long Way Down,” is about a teen named Will who steps onto an elevator with a gun in his pocket, planning to avenge his brother’s death.
As the elevator stops on each floor, people from Will’s life get on, and their conversations make him question what he’s about to do. The story happens over the course of a single minute, but it stays with you long after. It’s written in a way that pulls you in straight away.
Elizabeth Acevedo is a talented author who writes emotionally rich stories that explore family, identity, and personal growth.
One of her novels, “The Poet X,” follows Xiomara Batista, a Dominican-American teenager who finds an outlet for her thoughts and frustrations through slam poetry.
Xiomara struggles with her strict mother’s expectations and her own questions about faith, love, and self-expression. The book is written in verse, making Xiomara’s voice feel personal and raw.
It’s a powerful story that captures the journey of finding one’s voice and standing up for oneself.
Sarah Crossan writes novels that tackle tough subjects with heart. One of her standout books, “One,” tells the story of conjoined twins Grace and Tippi. The twins face challenges with their health, family, and the world’s judgment.
The story unfolds in verse, making every word feel sharp and purposeful. It’s a deeply personal look at sisterhood and identity. Fans of Marieke Nijkamp who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories may find her work engaging.
Holly Bourne writes stories that dive into themes of mental health, relationships, and self-discovery.
One of her books, “Am I Normal Yet?”, follows Evie, a teenager working through OCD and trying to rebuild her life while balancing friendships, school, and the hope of dating again.
The story gives a raw look at what it’s like to cope with mental illness while also navigating the struggles of teen life, including the pressure to fit in and the desire to feel normal. It’s honest and heartfelt, with characters who feel real and relatable.
Randy Ribay is an author who writes stories that tackle identity, family, and belonging.
His novel, “Patron Saints of Nothing,” follows Jay, a Filipino-American teenager, as he travels to the Philippines to learn the truth about his cousin Jun’s death during the country’s drug war.
The book explores Jay’s connection to his heritage and his struggle to understand the choices his cousin made. It’s an emotional and eye-opening journey that feels both personal and powerful.