If you enjoy reading books by Markus Zusak then you might also like the following authors:
John Boyne is an Irish author known for writing stories that focus on human connections and historical settings.
One of his notable books, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,” tells the story of a friendship between two boys on opposite sides of a concentration camp fence during World War II.
The tale unfolds through the eyes of a young boy named Bruno, whose innocence highlights the harsh realities around him, creating a powerful contrast. Boyne’s writing often pulls you into the emotions of his characters, making their journeys unforgettable.
Anthony Doerr is an author who writes stories that feel deeply human and filled with emotion. His book “All the Light We Cannot See” follows the lives of a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a German boy named Werner during World War II.
Marie-Laure’s story unfolds as she flees Paris with her father, carrying a mysterious, precious object. Werner’s path takes him from being a boy obsessed with radios to a soldier navigating a war he doesn’t understand.
The book explores how their worlds eventually cross in a way that’s both heartbreaking and meaningful.
Maggie Stiefvater writes atmospheric stories with memorable characters and deep emotional layers.
One of her standout books, “The Raven Boys,” introduces readers to Gansey, a boy obsessed with finding a legendary Welsh king, and Blue, a girl from a psychic family who is told she will cause her true love’s death.
Their paths cross with a group of friends, leading them into a world of ancient magic and unexpected connections. Stiefvater’s knack for weaving together personal struggles with a touch of the mystical makes her work unforgettable.
Laini Taylor writes stories that feel imaginative and rich with emotion. Her book “Daughter of Smoke & Bone” follows Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague who secretly works for mysterious creatures called chimaera.
She runs errands that include collecting teeth, and her double life makes her question her past and who she really is. The story takes unexpected turns, blending magic and danger with a love that feels both beautiful and tragic.
Fans of Markus Zusak might enjoy how Taylor creates characters that stay with you and worlds that feel alive.
Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author who writes heartfelt, character-driven stories with a mix of humor and emotion. One of his best-known books, “A Man Called Ove,” follows the life of a grumpy, rule-following widower named Ove.
He spends his days enforcing neighborhood rules and arguing with everyone around him. When a lively family moves in next door, they slowly disrupt his lonely routine, unraveling the past that made Ove who he is.
Readers who enjoy deep yet simple stories about human connections may find Backman’s work unforgettable.
Elizabeth Wein writes stories that mix historical settings with deeply personal struggles.
One of her well-known novels, “Code Name Verity,” is set during World War II and follows the story of two best friends, a pilot and a spy, whose lives become intertwined through acts of courage and sacrifice.
The book begins with one of the women captured by the Gestapo, forced to reveal secrets under interrogation. As she writes her confession, a tale of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal unfolds.
Readers get drawn into the dangerous missions and the emotional bond between the two women, making the book hard to put down.
Ruta Sepetys writes historical fiction that connects deeply with readers. Her book “Between Shades of Gray” tells the story of Lina, a fifteen-year-old girl who is taken from her home in Lithuania during Stalin’s rule.
She and her family are forced into labor camps, facing brutal conditions and unimaginable challenges. The story shows her strength and determination as she clings to hope, even in the darkest moments.
Sepetys has a way of making history feel personal, showing the human side of events that can often feel distant.
Yaa Gyasi is a Ghanaian-American author who gained attention with her debut novel, “Homegoing.” The book weaves together the stories of two half-sisters from Ghana and their descendants over 300 years. One sister is taken as a slave to America, while the other remains in Ghana.
The chapters follow each generation, showing how history and choices shape their lives. A particularly striking part of the book is the way Gyasi connects the family’s struggles to historical events, from the transatlantic slave trade to the Harlem Renaissance.
Her writing creates a sense of deep connection to the characters and their paths through time.
Arundhati Roy writes stories that feel deeply personal yet touch on universal themes. Her novel, “The God of Small Things,” is about a family in a small Indian town whose lives are shaped by love, loss, and unspoken rules of society.
The story moves between the childhood and adult years of twins Estha and Rahel, as they piece together events that shattered their family. With vivid characters and a setting that feels alive, the book pulls you into a world full of secrets and memories that won’t let go.
Mark Haddon is an author known for writing stories that explore unique perspectives and emotional depth. His novel, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” follows Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old boy who has autism.
After discovering a dead dog in his neighbor’s yard, he decides to solve the mystery of what happened. Christopher’s journey takes him far beyond the initial investigation, leading to surprising discoveries about his family and the world around him.
Readers who enjoy Markus Zusak’s ability to write about young characters facing challenges might find Haddon’s approach equally engaging.
Patrick Ness writes stories that blend emotional depth with fresh ideas. One of his notable books, “The Knife of Never Letting Go,” is set in a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts—there are no secrets.
The story follows a boy named Todd, who discovers something that forces him to flee his home and question everything he’s been told. It’s sharp, surprising, and unforgettable, pulling you into its unique world instantly.
Readers who enjoy Markus Zusak’s way of layering human emotion into unusual situations might find Ness’ work engaging.
Donna Tartt is a thoughtful writer who creates rich, emotional stories. One of her most celebrated novels, “The Secret History,” follows a group of college students involved in a murder.
Richard Papen, the narrator, gets swept up by a tight-knit group studying classics at a small Vermont college. Their obsessive pursuit of ancient ideals leads them down a dark and dangerous path.
It’s not a thriller in the traditional sense, but the intensity and moral unraveling keep readers glued to the page.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author known for writing stories that focus on human connections and personal growth. One of his standout books is “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.”
It follows two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, who meet one summer and form a deep friendship. As they spend more time together, they begin to uncover truths about themselves and their identities.
The book explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery in a way that feels honest and heartfelt.
Khaled Hosseini is an author known for his emotional storytelling that often explores family, friendship, and loss. His novel “The Kite Runner” follows the story of Amir, a young boy from Afghanistan, and his complicated relationship with his best friend, Hassan.
The book spans decades, weaving through Amir’s childhood, a terrible betrayal, and his journey to try to make amends. Hosseini’s vivid descriptions of Kabul’s streets and traditions make the setting feel alive.
The bond between Amir and Hassan, along with the choices that haunt them, creates a powerful and unforgettable story. If you enjoy heartfelt narratives that focus on human connections, Hosseini’s works are worth exploring.
David Almond is an author known for blending reality with a touch of the extraordinary in his stories. One of his most notable books, “Skellig,” tells the story of Michael, a boy who discovers a mysterious, fragile figure in the crumbling garage of his new home.
As Michael tries to understand who—or what—Skellig is, the story explores themes of friendship, family, and hope. Almond’s writing has a heartfelt quality that sticks with you, making his books hard to forget.