R. J. Palacio is an American author known for her heartfelt children's fiction. Her popular novel, Wonder, highlights themes of kindness and acceptance, resonating widely with readers of all ages.
If you enjoy reading books by R. J. Palacio then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy R. J. Palacio’s thoughtful stories about kindness, empathy, and overcoming challenges, you'll probably appreciate Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
In her novel Fish in a Tree, Hunt writes with honesty and warmth about Ally, a girl with dyslexia who struggles in school and doubts her own worth. Just like Palacio, Hunt explores how kindness, understanding, and friendship can transform someone's life.
Sharon M. Draper tells stories with insight, sincerity, and compassion. Her book Out of My Mind follows Melody, an intelligent young girl who cannot speak or move because of cerebral palsy.
Draper helps readers see the world through Melody's eyes, encouraging empathy and understanding just like R. J. Palacio does in her books.
If you connect with how R. J. Palacio brings important issues to young readers, check out Katherine Applegate. Her novel The One and Only Ivan is about a gentle gorilla living in captivity at a mall.
Like Palacio, Applegate explores ideas around friendship, courage, and treating others with kindness and respect.
Rebecca Stead's stories feature authentic characters, thoughtful storytelling, and relatable challenges, similar to those in Palacio's books.
In When You Reach Me, Stead weaves an adventurous tale of friendship, time travel, and the changing ways we understand the people around us. Like Palacio, Stead writes warmly about children navigating their world and relationships.
Jerry Spinelli tells heartfelt, vivid stories about kids who feel different and discover courage in their own uniqueness. His novel Stargirl introduces readers to an unconventional girl whose kindness and originality deeply affect those around her.
Readers who admire Palacio's messages about embracing differences and empathy will find Spinelli's characters inspiring.
Jason Reynolds writes books that are raw and honest, capturing real-life struggles with humor and empathy. He often explores themes like family, friendship, identity, and finding strength within yourself.
His novel, Ghost, tells the story of Castle Cranshaw, a young runner dealing with difficult circumstances who joins a track team to find direction and confidence.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley creates engaging characters who must tackle complex challenges and overcome adversity. Her writing gently explores issues of courage, belonging, and family bonds.
In her book The War That Saved My Life, readers follow Ada, a strong-minded girl escaping a harsh upbringing who discovers freedom, love, and self-worth during World War II.
Cynthia Lord writes warm, thoughtful stories about friendship, acceptance, and personal growth. She skillfully portrays characters navigating relationships and difficult situations with warmth and compassion.
Her book Rules introduces readers to Catherine, a girl whose younger brother lives with autism, as she tries to manage both her own friendships and family challenges with honesty and humor.
Ali Benjamin's writing thoughtfully addresses grief, loss, and the complex feelings of childhood with sensitivity and depth. Her writing style feels insightful and authentic, making difficult emotions approachable and relatable.
Her notable novel, The Thing About Jellyfish, follows Suzy Swanson as she tries to understand the sudden loss of her best friend through an unusual obsession with jellyfish.
Jacqueline Woodson crafts lyrical and heartfelt stories that explore identity, belonging, and resilience. She often examines significant social realities and their impacts on individuals with empathy and grace.
Her novel-in-verse, Brown Girl Dreaming, shares Woodson’s own experiences growing up and finding her voice, providing a powerful reflection on family, race, and identity in America.
Kate DiCamillo has a gift for gently exploring tough subjects and making readers feel deeply connected to her characters. Her style is clear and thoughtful, and her themes often revolve around friendship, kindness, and courage.
If you love the emotional warmth of R. J. Palacio, you might really enjoy DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie. It’s about a lonely girl named Opal who discovers companionship and empathy through the friendship of a stray dog.
Louis Sachar writes with humor, warmth, and an understanding of the challenges young people face. His narratives often highlight empathy, fairness, and resilience, much like Palacio’s thoughtful stories.
One of his notable books is Holes, where Stanley Yelnats, wrongfully accused of stealing shoes, undergoes transformative experiences at Camp Green Lake. The story weaves together friendship, justice, and self-discovery in a way that stays with you.
Gordon Korman is known for lively storytelling and relatable, humorous characters who navigate life’s ups and downs. Like Palacio, Korman addresses real-world challenges with compassion and understanding.
In his book Restart, a boy named Chase wakes up with amnesia and has the chance to reevaluate his past bullying behavior—learning important lessons about redemption, empathy, and personal growth.
Carl Hiaasen writes with a sharp sense of humor and clever plotting that keeps readers entertained. While his stories often contain quirky characters and lots of action, they also carry meaningful messages about environmental conservation and responsibility.
In Hoot, Hiaasen explores these themes as Roy, a middle-school student, stands up against corporate greed to protect endangered owls. Fans of Palacio’s moral courage and socially-conscious themes will find a lot to appreciate here.
Dusti Bowling crafts heartfelt stories about characters who face extraordinary personal challenges with bravery and humor. Like Palacio, Bowling emphasizes themes of inclusion, acceptance, and overcoming adversity.
Her novel Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus features Aven, a spirited girl born without arms, whose journey toward self-acceptance and friendship is both inspiring and uplifting, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy emotionally meaningful stories that celebrate uniqueness.