Nic Stone writes books that really grab you, especially if you are interested in stories about young people figuring out who they are. Her books often touch on identity, race, and social justice in ways that feel both honest and hopeful.
If you are on the hunt for authors who create stories with a similar impact, keep reading.
Angie Thomas writes stories that get right to the heart of issues important to young adults, especially around race and social justice. Her debut book, “The Hate U Give,” follows Starr Carter, a teenager who witnesses her childhood friend Khalil shot by a police officer.
The tragedy forces Starr to navigate two different realities: the poor, predominantly black neighborhood she lives in and the privileged school she attends. As tension builds, Starr must decide how to speak out and whether her voice can make a difference.
Angie Thomas captures complex characters, realistic dialogue, and emotional depth in her novels, a style readers of Nic Stone will likely appreciate.
Jason Reynolds is an author who tells stories with honesty and sharp wit, making him a great choice for readers who enjoy Nic Stone’s realistic characters and themes. Reynolds often explores the lives of young people facing challenging situations in books like “Long Way Down.”
This novel follows Will, a teenager determined to get revenge after his brother’s murder. The story unfolds over the span of an elevator ride, a short but intense journey packed with powerful emotions and unexpected revelations.
This thought-provoking approach and vivid character storytelling would resonate strongly with fans of Stone’s work.
Tiffany D. Jackson is an author known for intense, thought-provoking young adult novels. Her book “Monday’s Not Coming” follows high school student Claudia who notices her best friend Monday has disappeared. Strangely, no one else seems concerned.
Claudia begins asking questions, determined to unravel what happened to Monday. The story explores complex issues of friendship, family, and the unsettling feeling when someone you care about vanishes and nobody speaks up.
Jackson’s writing style will appeal to readers who enjoy Nic Stone’s realistic portrayals of young lives facing tough situations.
Readers who enjoy Nic Stone might also appreciate Elizabeth Acevedo. Acevedo is a Dominican-American author known for capturing authentic teen voices and experiences through poetry and prose.
Her novel “The Poet X” introduces Xiomara, a teen girl from Harlem who struggles with her mother’s expectations, navigating her neighborhood, faith, and finding her own identity. Through slam poetry, Xiomara finds her voice and discovers the courage to express her truth openly.
Acevedo captures conflicting emotions, family pressures, and the complexity of young adulthood with honesty and warmth.
Becky Albertalli is an author known for crafting memorable, authentic stories that capture the joys and struggles of teenage life. Readers who appreciate Nic Stone’s relatable characters and sharp, honest dialogue will find strong parallels in Albertalli’s novels.
In “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” Simon Spier is a sixteen-year-old navigating friendships, family dynamics, and the tricky realm of anonymous online romance.
Simon hasn’t openly shared with anyone that he’s gay, but when one of his emails falls into the wrong hands, he’s forced into a complicated balancing act.
Albertalli’s writing creates a charming, heartfelt portrait of high school life filled with humor, awkwardness, and moments that feel completely real.
Readers who enjoy Nic Stone’s honest storytelling might find a similar appeal in Ibi Zoboi’s works. Zoboi is a Haitian-American author known for weaving cultural identity, family dynamics, and confronting injustice into her YA novels.
Her book “American Street” tells the story of Fabiola Toussaint, a teen girl from Haiti who moves to Detroit with her mother—but her mother is detained at U.S immigration. Alone and determined, Fabiola tries to adjust to a new life on the gritty west side of Detroit.
Guided by Haitian folklore, she navigates complex family relationships, neighborhood struggles, and challenging choices about fitting in and standing up for what’s right. Zoboi’s vivid characters and emotional storytelling connect readers deeply to the world she presents.
Lamar Giles is an author known for sharp storytelling and authentic characters that readers of Nic Stone will readily appreciate.
In his young adult mystery “Spin,” DJ Paris Secord, known as DJ ParSec, is a rising star who suddenly turns up murdered, leaving fans and the public shocked and puzzled. Her two former friends, Kya and Fuse, don’t get along but have to reluctantly team up to solve her murder.
With tension and unexpected twists, Giles captures issues of friendship, societal pressures, and media attention in ways that draw readers back for more. Fans looking for thoughtful themes, solid mysteries, and real-life challenges should discover Lamar Giles soon.
Readers who enjoy Nic Stone may appreciate Renee Watson, an author known for relatable characters and genuine storytelling. In her book “Piecing Me Together,” Watson introduces Jade, a talented young artist from a poor neighborhood who attends a wealthy private school.
Jade struggles with her experiences of racism and misunderstanding, but she steadily finds ways to express herself through art and friendship. The story navigates themes of identity, class, and the importance of gaining your voice.
Watson crafts Jade’s journey with warmth and honesty, making this a memorable read.
Books by Adib Khorram explore questions around identity, family, and friendship in a genuine and engaging way. His novel “Darius the Great Is Not Okay” introduces readers to Darius, a Persian-American teen who feels he doesn’t quite fit in.
During a family visit to Iran, Darius meets Sohrab, a neighbor who becomes a close friend. The story is warm and touching as it follows Darius dealing with mental health struggles, embracing his complex background, and discovering true friendship for the first time.
If you enjoyed Nic Stone’s thoughtful characters and honest portrayals of teenage life, you might find Adib Khorram’s storytelling resonates deeply as well.
Readers who enjoy Nic Stone’s honest portrayal of teen life may appreciate books by Brandy Colbert.
Her novel “Little & Lion” explores topics of identity, mental health, family, and relationships through the story of Suzette, a teen returning home to Los Angeles after attending boarding school.
Suzette navigates her feelings about her family and friendships while managing her brother Lionel’s bipolar disorder. When Suzette and Lionel both develop feelings for the same girl, their relationship complicates further.
Colbert examines sensitive themes through engaging characters and authentic storytelling, offering readers a compelling perspective on adolescence, love, and family dynamics.
Justin A. Reynolds writes young adult fiction that dives into contemporary themes through relatable characters and engaging storytelling—a great choice for readers who enjoy Nic Stone’s style.
In his novel “Opposite of Always,” Reynolds explores the life of Jack and his whirlwind romance with Kate, filled with humor, heartache, and the unexpected twist of time travel.
After Kate tragically passes away, Jack discovers he’s stuck in a loop, repeatedly forced to relive their relationship as he searches desperately for a way to save her.
Reynolds offers an emotional, witty, and thoughtful look at love, loss, and second chances, making this book memorable for any reader who appreciates meaningful YA literature.
Readers who enjoy Nic Stone’s stories might find Kekla Magoon equally engaging. Magoon writes thoughtful and authentic novels that explore complex themes like identity, justice, and community.
Her novel “How It Went Down” offers a powerful portrayal of a community shaken by tragedy when Tariq Johnson, an unarmed Black teenager, is shot and killed. Told through diverse perspectives, the novel examines how the truth can look different depending on who tells the story.
Magoon draws readers close to the lives of her characters, provoking questions about perception, prejudice, and the real meaning of justice.
If you enjoy Nic Stone’s thoughtful storytelling and authentic characters, Mark Oshiro might be a fantastic author to explore next. Oshiro’s novel “Anger Is a Gift” follows Moss, a teenager facing heavy realities in his Oakland high school.
After witnessing increasing police presence and strict regulations imposed on students, Moss and his friends decide to stand against injustice. The story explores powerful topics like community, activism, friendship, and courage in the face of adversity.
Oshiro gives voice to characters often overlooked, and his writing captures complicated emotions with honesty and sensitivity.
Kathleen Glasgow writes emotional, heartfelt stories about teens who navigate life’s toughest moments with honesty and realism. Her novel, “Girl in Pieces,” follows Charlotte Davis, a girl who tries to rebuild herself after facing traumatic experiences.
Charlotte is raw and authentic, making her struggles and journey of self-discovery deeply affecting. Fans of Nic Stone, who appreciate genuine characters and powerful storytelling about serious themes, will likely connect strongly with Glasgow’s writing.
If you enjoy Nic Stone’s authentic characters and thoughtful storytelling, Ashley Woodfolk might become your new favorite author.
Her novel “The Beauty That Remains” explores loss, friendship, and healing through the lives of Autumn, Shay, and Logan, three teens connected by tragedy and music.
After losing someone dear, each of the protagonists faces grief differently, their stories intertwine through shared memories, emotional struggles, and a passion for their favorite band.
Woodfolk’s relatable characters and honest portrayal of grief will resonate with readers who value depth and emotional truth in young adult fiction.