If you enjoy reading books by Nic Stone then you might also like the following authors:
Angie Thomas writes stories that explore the lives of young people as they face tough choices and navigate complicated worlds. Her book “The Hate U Give” follows Starr Carter, a teenage girl who witnesses the shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer.
Torn between the community she grew up in and the wealthy private school she attends, Starr must decide how to speak up while protecting herself and her family. The story gives readers a closer look at family, friendship, and the challenges of standing up for justice.
Jason Reynolds writes stories that feel real and speak to the heart of young readers. In his book “Long Way Down,” he tells the story of Will, a teenager grappling with the death of his brother.
Set mostly in an elevator over sixty seconds, the book explores the weight of choices, family, and a cycle of violence. With each floor, someone from Will’s past enters, revealing pieces of a larger picture.
Reynolds brings raw emotion and humanity to his characters, making them unforgettable.
Tiffany D. Jackson writes stories that feel real and hit hard, often exploring the lives of teens facing difficult situations.
In her book “Monday’s Not Coming,” she tells the story of Claudia, who discovers that her best friend Monday has disappeared—and no one else seems to care. As Claudia searches for answers, secrets about Monday’s life start to come to light.
It’s a book that pulls you in with its mystery and emotion, keeping you invested in every chapter. If you enjoy Nic Stone’s way of tackling tough topics through unforgettable characters, Jackson’s work could be a great find.
Elizabeth Acevedo is an author who writes stories that explore identity, culture, and family. Her book, “The Poet X,” tells the story of Xiomara, a Dominican-American teenager growing up in Harlem.
Xiomara pours her struggles and dreams into poetry, which becomes her way of making sense of the world around her. Feeling unheard at home and facing challenges at school, she finds her voice through a slam poetry club.
The book is written in verse, which lets you connect deeply with Xiomara’s thoughts and emotions.
Becky Albertalli writes stories about friendships, relationships, and figuring out who you are. If you enjoyed Nic Stone’s books, you might like Albertalli’s “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.”
It’s about Simon Spier, a teenager who isn’t ready to come out as gay but finds himself in a tricky situation when someone discovers his secret and tries to blackmail him.
At the center of the story is Simon’s online crush, someone he only knows as Blue, and their emails are sweet and filled with so much heart. The book captures the highs and lows of growing up and first love.
Ibi Zoboi writes stories that explore identity, culture, and the experiences of young people. Her book, “Pride,” is a modern retelling of “Pride and Prejudice” set in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
It follows Zuri Benitez, a girl deeply connected to her Afro-Latinx roots, and her clash with Darius Darcy, the wealthy new neighbor whose family is changing the vibe of the neighborhood.
The story weaves themes of gentrification, family, and pride in one’s heritage, creating a fresh take on a classic tale with strong connections to contemporary life.
Lamar Giles writes stories that grab you from the start and don’t let go. One of his standout books is “Not So Pure and Simple.” It’s about Del, a high schooler who joins a church group to get closer to a girl he has a crush on.
What starts as a simple plan turns into something bigger when Del finds himself having to face conversations about relationships, gender, and values. Giles balances humor and truth in a way that makes you think while staying hooked on the story.
If you like Nic Stone’s relatable characters and realistic situations, Giles is worth checking out.
Renee Watson writes stories about real-life struggles and moments of hope, often focusing on the experiences of Black teens.
One of her books, “Piecing Me Together,” is about Jade, a girl who lives in Portland and feels like she’s always being told what she needs to fix about herself.
She’s smart and wants the chance to grow on her own terms, but instead gets put into a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls.
The book looks at issues like race, privilege, and identity, while showing Jade’s journey as she starts to use her voice and her art to navigate the world around her.
Adib Khorram writes stories that explore friendships, family, and personal growth. His book, “Darius the Great Is Not Okay,” follows Darius, a tea-loving, socially awkward teenager.
When he visits Iran to meet his grandparents for the first time, he struggles with feeling out of place but discovers unexpected connections, including a new friendship with a boy named Sohrab.
The story blends everyday challenges with moments of deep emotion, making it easy to care about Darius and his journey.
Brandy Colbert is an author who writes stories packed with heart and complex emotions. One of her books, “The Voting Booth,” takes place over a single day when two teenagers, Marva and Duke, meet at a voting site.
Marva is passionate about activism, determined to make sure everyone casts their vote, while Duke runs into trouble trying to register. Together, they navigate obstacles and bond through their shared mission.
The book explores themes of justice, privilege, and the importance of making your voice heard.
Justin A. Reynolds writes stories that blend humor and heart, creating characters you can’t help but root for. His debut novel, “Opposite of Always,” follows Jack, a boy who gets trapped in a time loop after his girlfriend Kate dies.
Each time he goes back, he tries to save her, but his decisions affect everything around him in unexpected ways. It’s a story about love, second chances, and how even the smallest choices can matter.
Fans of Nic Stone’s emotional depth and relatable characters might find something to love in Reynolds’s work.
Kekla Magoon writes stories that explore deep and emotional themes, often centered on the lives and struggles of teens. One of her books, “How It Went Down,” tells the story of a Black teenager, Tariq Johnson, who gets shot by a white man in his neighborhood.
The book unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, each recounting what they believe happened. As you move through their stories, you start to see how perception shapes truth, and how one event can ripple through an entire community.
The book pulls you into the minds and hearts of the characters, making the tragedy feel personal. If you like how Nic Stone tackles real-world issues in her books, you might find Kekla Magoon’s writing meaningful too.
Mark Oshiro writes heartfelt stories that explore emotions and the challenges of growing up. Their novel, “Anger Is a Gift,” follows Moss, a teenager grappling with personal loss and systemic injustice.
Set in Oakland, it shines a light on police violence and how a community comes together to demand change. Moss has to navigate his anger and fear while figuring out how to stand up for what’s right.
Fans of Nic Stone’s honest look at social issues might find a similar emotional depth in Oshiro’s work.
Kathleen Glasgow writes heartfelt and raw stories that explore the struggles and resilience of young people.
Her book “Girl in Pieces” follows Charlie Davis, a teen who has been through tremendous pain and finds herself struggling to put her life back together after a mental health crisis.
Charlie’s journey takes her through tough friendships, a new job in a coffee shop, and the challenge of finding her own strength when everything feels broken. The book touches on themes of self-discovery and healing in a way that feels deeply personal.
Fans of Nic Stone’s emotional and character-driven novels may find this story relatable and moving.
Ashley Woodfolk writes stories that feel real and full of heart. Her book, “The Beauty That Remains,” follows three teenagers who are dealing with loss in different ways.
Autumn misses her best friend, Shay feels empty after her twin sister’s death, and Logan struggles after losing his ex-boyfriend. Their paths cross through music and shared grief. The emotions are raw, and the characters feel vivid.
If you enjoy the way Nic Stone writes about deep emotions and connections, you might want to give Ashley Woodfolk a try.