If you enjoy reading books by Patricia McCormick then you might also like the following authors:
Laurie Halse Anderson writes stories that tackle serious and emotional topics with honesty. One of her most notable books is “Speak.” It follows Melinda, a high school girl who stops talking after something traumatic happens at a party.
The story focuses on her struggles at school, her isolation, and how she begins to find her voice again. Anderson’s writing captures the raw emotions of being a teenager and the challenges of healing after hardship.
Ellen Hopkins is known for writing novels in verse that explore tough, emotional topics with raw honesty. Her book “Crank” tells the story of Kristina, a high school student who spirals into addiction after experimenting with crystal meth.
The book is inspired by Hopkins’ own experience with her daughter’s battle with addiction. Through Kristina’s life, readers see how quickly choices can lead to devastating consequences for her and her family.
Hopkins writes with a style that pulls readers into the heart of Kristina’s struggles.
Elizabeth Wein is an author known for writing stories with young characters caught in extraordinary situations. Her book “Code Name Verity” tells the story of two best friends during World War II—a British spy captured in Nazi-occupied France and a pilot who tries to help her.
The story is built on friendship, bravery, and how far someone will go to protect the people they care about. It’s told partly through a confession written by the captured spy, which adds tension as you learn more about her mission and her bond with the pilot.
A.S. King writes books that explore tough subjects with raw honesty. One of her novels, “Please Ignore Vera Dietz,” follows Vera, a high school senior coping with the death of her best friend and the secrets he left behind.
The story dives into how their relationship fell apart, the weight of grief, and the struggle to tell the truth when it could ruin everything. It’s a powerful look at forgiveness and courage, told in a way that feels both real and moving.
Fans of Patricia McCormick might enjoy how King doesn’t shy away from hard emotions or complicated lives.
Jandy Nelson writes emotional stories that explore deep themes about family, love, and loss. Her book “I’ll Give You the Sun” tells the story of twins, Noah and Jude, who are extremely close until a tragedy creates a rift between them.
The chapters alternate between their perspectives at different ages, unraveling the events that changed their bond. The book explores their struggles with grief, secrets, and forgiveness, all while tying in their passion for art.
John Green is a writer who often focuses on teenagers dealing with intense emotions and big questions about life. In his book “The Fault in Our Stars,” he tells the story of Hazel, a girl with cancer who meets Augustus at a support group.
They bond over books, share a sense of humor, and explore what it means to leave a mark on the world. The connection they form is deep and heartfelt, and their journey is both emotional and memorable.
If you enjoy stories that explore raw, human experiences, this one might speak to you.
Gayle Forman is an author known for writing books that explore deep emotions and life-changing moments. One of her most well-known novels, “If I Stay,” follows Mia, a talented cellist whose life takes a tragic turn after a car accident.
As Mia hovers between life and death, she reflects on her relationships, her dreams, and the choice she must make about whether to move on or stay. The story focuses on family, love, and the weight of decisions, making it unforgettable for anyone who loves heartfelt stories.
Ruta Sepetys writes historical fiction that focuses on overlooked parts of history, bringing personal stories to life. Her book, “Between Shades of Gray,” follows Lina, a fifteen-year-old girl in 1941 who is taken from her home in Lithuania by Soviet officers.
Lina and her family are deported to a work camp in Siberia, where they endure terrible hardships. Throughout the story, Lina’s passion for art becomes a powerful way for her to document the horrors she experiences and hold on to hope.
The book explores survival and resilience during one of history’s darkest periods. If you’ve read Patricia McCormick’s work, you might find Sepetys’s stories equally moving.
Jason Reynolds writes stories that feel honest and often highlight the struggles and hopes of young people. In his novel “Long Way Down,” he tells the story of Will, a teenager dealing with the murder of his brother.
The story takes place over sixty seconds in an elevator, as Will faces life-changing decisions while encountering people from his past. It’s written in free verse, making it a quick read that packs a punch.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that often explore family, identity, and growing up, making her work a great choice for fans of Patricia McCormick.
One of her most popular books, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” is a poetic memoir where she shares what it was like growing up as a young Black girl in the 1960s and 1970s.
Through short, vivid verses, she recounts her childhood memories of living in both South Carolina and Brooklyn, touching on themes of racial discrimination, family traditions, and her early love of storytelling.
Woodson’s way of crafting her childhood experiences feels intimate and personal, making the moments she describes stay with you long after reading.
Markus Zusak is an Australian author who writes stories that pack a lot of emotional weight. His book, “The Book Thief,” is set in Nazi Germany and follows a young girl named Liesel. She steals books to make sense of a world full of tragedy and chaos.
Along the way, she finds friendship with a Jewish man hiding in her basement and a boy from her neighborhood. The story is narrated by Death, which gives it a unique voice and perspective.
Angie Thomas is an author known for writing impactful stories that explore real-life challenges through the eyes of young people. Her novel, “The Hate U Give,” follows Starr Carter, a teenager who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil.
The story shows how Starr balances life in her close-knit Black neighborhood and her predominantly white private school while dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy. It’s a heartfelt look at family, friendship, and finding your voice in the face of injustice.
Holly Goldberg Sloan writes stories that focus on resilience and emotional growth. Her book “Counting by 7s” follows Willow, a 12-year-old girl who is a genius and an outsider.
When tragedy shakes her life, she finds herself connecting with an unlikely group of people who become her new family. The story shows how unexpected relationships can lead to healing and hope.
Sloan’s writing often dives into the emotional lives of her characters, making them memorable and relatable. Readers who appreciate Patricia McCormick might find Sloan’s work heartfelt and rewarding.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a Mexican-American writer known for his heartfelt and beautifully crafted stories about love, identity, and family.
One of his standout books, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” follows two teenage boys, Ari and Dante, who meet during a summer in 1987. They couldn’t be more different—Ari is angry and reserved, while Dante is open and free-spirited.
Over time, their friendship grows into something deeper, as they learn to navigate their feelings and confront truths about themselves and their families. The story is emotional and rich with the kind of moments that stick with you long after reading.
Chris Crutcher is an author known for writing stories about teenagers dealing with real-life struggles. His book “Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes” follows Eric, a high school swimmer who sticks by his best friend, Sarah, a girl with scars on her face.
As their friendship is tested, hidden truths about Sarah’s life come to light. The book dives into tough topics but keeps the focus on loyalty and standing by the people you care about. It’s the kind of story that feels honest and hits hard, similar to Patricia McCormick’s work.