If you enjoy reading books by Megan McDonald then you might also like the following authors:
Beverly Cleary is a well-loved author who writes stories that feel real and full of heart. One of her most famous books, “Ramona the Pest,” follows Ramona Quimby, a spirited little girl who starts kindergarten.
Ramona deals with everything from getting in trouble with her teacher to trying to impress her classmates. The story captures the everyday challenges and joys of childhood in a way that’s easy to relate to and funny at the same time.
Readers who enjoy characters with big personalities, much like Megan McDonald’s Judy Moody, might enjoy getting to know Ramona.
Sara Pennypacker is an author who writes heartfelt stories that connect with readers on a personal level. One of her standout books is “Pax.” It’s about a boy named Peter who is forced to release his pet fox, Pax, when his father leaves for war.
Peter soon regrets his decision and sets out on a journey to reunite with Pax. At the same time, the story follows Pax as he learns how to survive in the wild. The bond between Peter and Pax is touching, and the way their lives unfold makes you care deeply about them.
If you enjoyed the warmth and relatable characters in Megan McDonald’s books, you might enjoy what Sara Pennypacker has to offer.
Barbara Park is best known for her “Junie B. Jones” series, which follows the life of a funny and outspoken kindergarten girl. In “Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus,” Junie B. has a lot to say about her first day of school and her fear of riding the bus.
The story is full of her curious observations and her big personality as she discovers what school is really like. Fans of Megan McDonald’s Judy Moody series will enjoy how Junie B. gets into all kinds of mischief while staying completely herself.
Lauren Child is a children’s author known for creating funny and relatable characters. One of her standout books is “I Am Too Absolutely Small for School” from the Charlie and Lola series.
The story follows Lola, a quirky and imaginative girl, as she debates whether she actually needs to go to school. Her big brother, Charlie, tries to explain why school is important, but Lola has her own hilarious reasons for wanting to avoid it.
The book is full of charming interactions between the siblings and captures the way kids think about everyday situations.
Cynthia Rylant is an author who captures the charm of everyday life with warmth and simplicity. One of her books, “The Relatives Came,” tells the story of a big family reunion. Relatives pack into their car, drive across the countryside, and spill into a welcoming household.
The book paints a vivid picture of hugs, shared meals, crowded sleeping arrangements, and the joy of being together. It’s the kind of story that makes you smile because it feels so real.
Kate DiCamillo writes with a warm and heartfelt style that pulls you into her stories. One of her books, “The Tale of Despereaux,” follows a tiny mouse named Despereaux who has big dreams.
He’s not like other mice—he loves music and stories, and he falls in love with a human princess. This leads him on a dangerous journey through a castle filled with rats and hidden places. The story has bravery, friendship, and the hope of something better.
Judy Blume is a beloved author known for writing stories that honestly capture the ups and downs of growing up. One of her books, “Are You There God?
It’s Me, Margaret.,” follows a sixth-grade girl named Margaret, who is navigating new schools, friendships, and the confusion of growing up. She talks privately to God as she tries to figure out who she is and where she belongs.
The book is full of heartfelt moments as Margaret explores questions about faith, family, and changes in her life.
Annie Barrows is an author who knows how to create relatable and fun characters. One of her well-loved books is “Ivy + Bean.” It tells the story of two girls who are completely different but end up becoming best friends.
Bean is loud and adventurous, while Ivy is quiet and full of big ideas. In their first adventure, they team up to create a “Barf Volcano” and outsmart an annoying older sister. It’s full of clever humor and little moments that bring friendship to life.
Fans of Megan McDonald’s Judy Moody series might enjoy the same sense of fun and mischief here.
Mary Pope Osborne writes stories that spark the imagination and take readers on exciting adventures. She’s known for the “Magic Tree House” series, where siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical treehouse filled with books that transport them to different times and places.
In “Dinosaurs Before Dark,” they travel back to the age of dinosaurs, encountering creatures like a gentle Pteranodon and a fearsome T-Rex. The series blends history and excitement, perfect for young readers who enjoy fun and fast-paced stories.
Dan Gutman is a writer who knows how to capture the imagination of young readers. One of his books, “The Homework Machine,” tells the story of a group of fifth graders who stumble upon a machine that does their homework for them.
At first, it feels like they’ve found the perfect solution to every kid’s least favorite task. But as word spreads and their secret risks getting out, everything starts to spiral in unexpected ways.
The book is funny and full of twists, and the characters’ personalities shine through in their struggles and friendships. If you enjoy stories about kids dealing with life in creative and sometimes crazy ways, this is one to check out.
Marjorie Sharmat is known for creating stories that are fun and easy to get lost in. She wrote the “Nate the Great” series, where a young boy works as a detective solving everyday mysteries.
In one book, “Nate the Great and the Sticky Case,” Nate tries to figure out who took his friend Claude’s stamp collection. The mix of humor and a clever mystery makes her books great for kids who enjoy quirky characters and light-hearted stories.
Andrew Clements is known for writing stories that focus on school life and relatable characters. One of his popular books, “Frindle,” follows a boy named Nick who decides to invent a new word for a pen: “frindle.”
What starts as a harmless idea quickly turns into a nationwide buzz, leading to some unexpected challenges for Nick and his teacher.
The story highlights creativity and the power of ideas, making it a fun read for anyone who enjoys stories about clever kids and everyday situations taking surprising turns.
Debbie Dadey writes books filled with fun and imaginative adventures that kids will love. She is best known for her “The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids” series, co-written with Marcia Thornton Jones.
One of their books, “Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots,” centers on a group of kids who suspect their new teacher might be a vampire. The story is filled with mystery and humor, as the kids try to prove their wild theory while dealing with school challenges.
It’s the kind of story that keeps you curious and entertained from start to finish.
Jacqueline Davies writes stories that feel real and honest, often centered on kids dealing with challenges and friendships. Her book “The Lemonade War” introduces siblings Evan and Jessie, who end up competing against each other to see who can earn more money selling lemonade.
Their rivalry isn’t just about business; it’s fueled by misunderstandings and emotions that many kids can relate to. The story balances fun and humor with moments that show how complicated sibling relationships can be.
Patricia Reilly Giff wrote books that connect with readers through relatable characters and heartfelt stories. One of her books, “Pictures of Hollis Woods,” follows a young girl who has been in the foster system for most of her life.
Hollis loves drawing, and her art is a way for her to hold on to memories. The story explores her time with a retired teacher, Josie, and the connection they form. It’s a touching story about finding a place to belong and what family can mean.
Fans of Megan McDonald’s ability to create characters who feel real might find Giff’s work enjoyable too.