Mark Oshiro is known for insightful young adult fiction exploring identity and emotions. Their notable works include Anger Is a Gift and Each of Us a Desert, stories that address meaningful social issues with honesty and compassion.
If you enjoy reading books by Mark Oshiro then you might also like the following authors:
Adam Silvera writes realistic young adult fiction filled with emotion and characters who feel incredibly authentic. His stories often explore themes like love, loss, identity, and the way people handle life's most difficult situations.
His book They Both Die at the End is a powerful story about two teenagers who meet on their final day alive. It's a heartfelt look at living intentionally and finding connection even when time is limited.
Angie Thomas creates engaging stories that bring real-world issues into the spotlight. She addresses themes of racial justice, activism, and questions of identity through relatable characters and sharp dialogue.
In her young adult novel The Hate U Give, she tells the powerful story of Starr, a teenager pulled between two worlds who becomes a key witness after her friend is tragically killed by police. Thomas's clear, nuanced voice resonates deeply and offers hope and action.
Kacen Callender explores themes of identity, self-discovery, acceptance, and belonging in their work. Their stories are thoughtful and emotionally honest, often featuring LGBTQ+ characters navigating growth and relationships in real and relatable ways.
In their novel Felix Ever After, Callender portrays a powerful journey of self-love and affirmation through the eyes of Felix, a transgender teen figuring out who he truly is amidst friendship, art, and the ups and downs of young adulthood.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz tells moving, introspective stories with characters who embody quiet strength and emotional vulnerability. He creates lovely narratives that explore identity, friendship, family, and the search for meaning.
In his novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, we follow the close friendship between two Mexican-American teens as they navigate adolescence and find their place in the world.
Sáenz offers a poetic yet clear voice, making his characters and emotions relatable.
Aiden Thomas writes engaging fantasy fiction that weaves together magic, mythology, and contemporary themes. His stories tend to explore identity, culture, love, and embracing one's true self within richly drawn magical worlds.
In his novel Cemetery Boys, Thomas introduces us to Yadriel, a trans teenage boy eager to prove himself as a brujo within his traditional community. It's a culturally vibrant, magical, and heartfelt story about identity, acceptance, and determination.
If you enjoy Mark Oshiro's emotional and inclusive style, you'll appreciate Becky Albertalli. She writes warm and relatable stories about teens who navigate friendship, identity, and first love.
Her book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda explores coming out, belonging, and finding courage through humor and realistic, heartfelt characters.
Jason Reynolds captures young voices with honesty, clarity, and powerful storytelling. Like Mark Oshiro, Reynolds tackles tough issues in ways that resonate deeply with readers.
In Long Way Down, he examines grief, anger, and violence through compelling poetry, making difficult emotions accessible and meaningful.
Justina Ireland brings imaginative storytelling and sharp social commentary to her books, much like Mark Oshiro. Her novel Dread Nation mixes historical fiction with zombie thrills, examining race, prejudice, and power in a gripping historical setting.
Ireland balances action and thoughtful questions about society.
Elizabeth Acevedo's authentic voice, vibrant storytelling, and poetic language echo the honesty and depth readers find in Mark Oshiro's writing.
Her novel-in-verse The Poet X gives voice to a teen girl's struggle with family expectations, cultural identity, and self-expression, powerfully exploring themes of identity and artistic freedom.
Readers drawn to Mark Oshiro's passion and thoughtful exploration of identity and justice might enjoy Tomi Adeyemi's epic storytelling. Her fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone blends West African mythology with an urgent story about reclaiming power and fighting injustice.
It engages readers through a richly drawn world, tense adventure, and deeply explored themes of oppression and hope.
If you love Mark Oshiro’s heartfelt stories that center LGBTQ+ and racial identity, check out Leah Johnson. Her writing is fresh and funny, full of warmth and authenticity.
Her debut novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, follows a queer Black teen challenging social expectations by running for prom queen. Johnson addresses important themes of identity, belonging, and joy in a genuine way readers can relate to.
Fans of Mark Oshiro’s gentle and emotionally honest storytelling might also appreciate Anna-Marie McLemore. McLemore writes queer, Latinx-focused magical realism stories centered around identity, family, and finding your place in the world.
Their lyrical style makes every story feel poetic and tender. Check out When the Moon Was Ours, a gorgeous story of two teens whose secrets and unique identities bring them closer to one another in unexpected ways.
If you enjoy how Mark Oshiro thoughtfully integrates diverse, intersectional characters into imaginative settings and storylines, you might love Nnedi Okorafor.
Okorafor often explores African-inspired worlds and blends fantasy and science fiction, creating thought-provoking stories that explore culture, identity, and power.
One notable work is Akata Witch, a thrilling story about a Nigerian-American girl discovering magic within herself, while navigating friendship, belonging, and discovery.
Readers who connect to Mark Oshiro’s vivid character-driven narratives tackling race and identity will enjoy L.L. McKinney. Her strong, relatable Black protagonists navigate adventure-filled worlds enriched by thoughtful social commentary. A Blade
So Black, her modern take on Alice in Wonderland, features a determined heroine battling nightmares while facing real-world issues and responsibilities, blending action and important themes seamlessly.
Fans of Mark Oshiro’s engaging style and sharp exploration of teen life, identity, and nuanced social issues should give Lamar Giles a try.
Giles writes witty, fast-paced mysteries and thrillers featuring diverse characters navigating real-life teen struggles alongside overarching suspense.
His book Not So Pure and Simple sheds light on toxic masculinity, teen relationships, and personal growth with honesty and humor.