If you enjoy reading books by Matt de la Peña then you might also like the following authors:
Jason Reynolds writes stories that feel real and hit close to the heart, often focusing on young people navigating tough situations. One of his well-known books, “Long Way Down,” takes place in the span of sixty seconds in an elevator.
A boy named Will, carrying a gun to avenge his brother’s death, is visited by people from his past at each floor. The story digs into choices, grief, and the cycle of violence in a way that stays with you long after reading.
Angie Thomas writes stories that explore the lives of teenagers, their struggles, and their triumphs. Her book “The Hate U Give” follows Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend, Khalil.
The story looks at how Starr navigates the fallout within her divided community and her own identity, as she faces immense pressure to speak out or stay silent. It’s a heartfelt look at family, friendship, and finding your voice.
If you’ve enjoyed Matt de la Peña’s books for how they bring real-life challenges into focus, Angie Thomas offers a lot to connect with.
Nic Stone writes stories that focus on heartfelt, real-life issues young people face.
One of her books, “Dear Martin,” follows a high schooler named Justyce as he writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., trying to make sense of the racial injustices he experiences in his life. The story explores his struggles with identity and the way society views him.
If you enjoy Matt de la Peña’s ability to connect with readers through relatable characters and emotional depth, Nic Stone offers a similar experience.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a writer who knows how to create heartfelt stories that feel honest and full of emotion.
One of his most known books, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” follows two boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they navigate friendship, family, and identity during a summer that changes their lives.
Aristotle is quiet and guarded, while Dante is open and thoughtful. Their bond grows in surprising ways as they learn more about themselves and each other. It’s a deeply personal story that explores what it means to connect with someone and truly be seen.
Elizabeth Acevedo is an author known for her heartfelt stories and poetic writing style. If you enjoy Matt de la Peña, you might like her novel “The Poet X.” It follows Xiomara, a teenager from Harlem, who discovers her love for slam poetry.
As she deals with her strict mother and voices her struggles in her poems, the book gives an honest look at family, identity, and finding your place in the world. Acevedo has a gift for capturing raw emotion that leaves a lasting impression.
Randy Ribay is an author whose writing often focuses on identity, family, and the struggles of growing up. His book, “Patron Saints of Nothing,” is about Jay, a Filipino-American teenager who learns about the death of his cousin Jun in the Philippines.
Jay discovers that Jun was caught up in controversial events tied to the country’s drug war. He decides to visit the Philippines to uncover the truth about his cousin’s life and death. The story explores cultural heritage, personal loss, and the meaning of justice.
Ribay writes with heart and honesty, creating moments that stay with you.
Andrew Smith writes stories that are quirky, emotional, and often explore what it’s like to be a teenager who feels out of place.
His book, “Grasshopper Jungle,” follows a teenage boy in a small town dealing with a strange love triangle while also trying to survive an apocalypse caused by giant mutant insects. It’s funny, raw, and packed with moments that feel both wild and real at the same time.
Kwame Alexander writes stories that blend poetry with heartfelt characters and relatable struggles. In his novel “The Crossover,” he tells the story of twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, who are talented basketball players.
The book is written as a mix of free verse and hip-hop rhythms, which gives it a unique vibe. Through their love for basketball, the boys navigate sibling rivalry, growing up, and family challenges. Their bond with their father, a former basketball star, adds depth to the story.
Alexander’s writing captures both the highs and lows of their journey without getting overly complicated. If you like Matt de la Peña’s focus on authentic characters, you might enjoy this book.
Renée Watson writes heartfelt stories that explore family, identity, and community. Her book “Piecing Me Together” tells the story of Jade, a teen artist who navigates life in Portland while attending a mostly white private school on scholarship.
She faces challenges with race and class but finds strength through her art and a mentorship program. Watson creates vivid characters and authentic moments that feel honest and relatable.
Sarah Dessen writes heartfelt stories about teens figuring out who they are and how they fit into the world.
In her book “The Truth About Forever,” Macy Queen spends the summer working for a quirky catering company, where she befriends a group of people who challenge her to open up and take risks. Macy is dealing with her father’s sudden death and the pressure to appear perfect.
Through her new friendships, she starts to see life in a way that feels freer and more honest. It’s a story with real emotion and characters you’ll remember.
Sherman Alexie writes stories that feel personal and full of heart, often focusing on modern Native American life.
His book “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” follows Junior, a teenager growing up on a Spokane Indian Reservation who decides to attend an all-white high school nearby.
The story includes moments of humor and sadness, showing Junior’s struggle to balance his roots with his desire for a better future. It’s filled with unforgettable characters and honest emotion.
Erika L. Sánchez is a writer known for her relatable and heartfelt storytelling. Her novel, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” follows Julia, a young Mexican-American girl grappling with her sister’s unexpected death and the weight of family expectations.
As she pieces together secrets about her sister’s life, Julia starts questioning who her sister really was while figuring out her own identity. It’s a story about family, growing up, and finding your place, told with honesty and warmth.
Francisco X. Stork is an author known for writing stories that blend heartfelt characters with meaningful themes. One of his books, “Marcelo in the Real World,” follows Marcelo, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he takes a summer job at his father’s law firm.
Through his experiences there, he faces challenges, discovers truths about himself, and learns about the complexities of human relationships.
Stork’s writing has a way of drawing readers into Marcelo’s unique perspective while exploring themes of identity and moral responsibility. Fans of Matt de la Peña’s work might enjoy how Stork creates authentic characters and relatable emotions.
Laurie Halse Anderson writes stories that tackle tough topics with honesty and heart. One of her best-known books, “Speak,” follows a high school freshman named Melinda. After calling the cops at a summer party, she becomes an outcast at school.
Struggling with the secret of what happened that night, Melinda finds her voice through art as she confronts the truth. The story captures the feelings of loneliness and bravery in a way that’s hard to forget.
If you’ve read Matt de la Peña’s books, you might connect with how Anderson writes about young people navigating difficult moments.
Justin A. Reynolds writes heartfelt stories with humor and a lot of heart. His book “Opposite of Always” follows Jack, a boy who meets Kate at a party and falls for her quickly. When Kate suddenly dies, Jack finds himself stuck in a time loop, going back to the moment they met.
He tries to change the future, but every choice he makes creates new complications. It’s a story about love, second chances, and how far someone might go to save someone they care about.