Have you read *Wonder* by R.J. Palacio? It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish the last page. The story of Auggie Pullman touched so many readers, and the book explored themes of kindness and acceptance.
If you enjoyed *Wonder* and are looking for books by authors with a similar style and focus, then this article is for you.
Readers who enjoyed R.J. Palacio’s stories will likely appreciate Kathryn Erskine’s heartfelt novels. In her book “Mockingbird,” Erskine brings readers into the world of Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome.
After Caitlin experiences a tragic loss, she struggles to make sense of her feelings and the reactions of people around her. Through honest storytelling and sincere moments, Erskine opens up Caitlin’s perspective, showing both emotional truth and gentle wisdom.
Readers seeking authentic, touching experiences will find a meaningful journey in Caitlin’s story.
Readers who enjoyed R.J. Palacio’s heartfelt storytelling will find Kate DiCamillo’s novels equally warm and thoughtful. DiCamillo’s stories explore themes of friendship, kindness, and resilience through diverse and lovable characters.
In her book “Because of Winn-Dixie,” we meet Opal, a young girl who moves to a new town feeling lonely and missing her mother. One trip to the grocery store changes everything when Opal encounters a charming, stray dog named Winn-Dixie.
Through the dog’s lively personality, Opal gradually connects with the quirky and kind-hearted people in her community, uncovering stories of joy and heartache that bring them all together.
The warmth and sincerity of DiCamillo’s storytelling are a wonderful discovery for fans of uplifting middle-grade fiction.
Books by Lynda Mullaly Hunt often explore themes of compassion, acceptance, and personal courage that echo the heartfelt style of R.J. Palacio. In “Fish in a Tree,” young Ally struggles with dyslexia and silently carries the weight of feeling different and misunderstood.
With support from her insightful teacher and a couple of thoughtful classmates, Ally slowly uncovers her own intelligence and potential.
Through Ally’s journey, Hunt authentically portrays the frustration of being underestimated and the surprising strength found in friendship and understanding. Readers who connected with Palacio’s “Wonder” will find “Fish in a Tree” equally warm and impactful.
Rebecca Stead crafts realistic, insightful stories that resonate with R.J. Palacio fans, especially her award-winning book, “When You Reach Me.” Set in late 1970s New York City
, the novel follows Miranda, a sixth-grader who begins receiving mysterious notes predicting events before they happen. Miranda struggles to understand who sends these messages and what they could mean.
Her understanding of friendship, trust, and family shifts as the puzzle unfolds. This heartfelt story blends reality with a hint of mystery and lightly touches on science fiction elements, keeping readers curious until the end.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that touch your heart with authenticity, kindness, and resilience, perfect for fans of R.J. Palacio. Her novel “Harbor Me” centers on six middle-school kids placed in a weekly discussion group without adults.
At first hesitant to speak openly, the kids gradually share their own deeply personal stories about family challenges, immigration struggles, and racial prejudice.
Together, they establish trust, compassion, and friendship, reminding readers how powerful and comforting it can be when people truly listen and understand one another.
Sharon M. Draper is an author who writes heartfelt and honest stories about kids facing real-life challenges. Her book “Out of My Mind” follows Melody, a brilliant fifth-grader with cerebral palsy who has never spoken a word.
She has a photographic memory and plenty to say, but she struggles to express herself in a world where many underestimate her abilities.
Readers who enjoyed R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” may appreciate this story because it explores themes of acceptance, empathy, and the inner strength it takes to overcome obstacles.
Draper uses Melody’s voice to show the reader what it feels like to have something important to say, yet be misunderstood by those around you.
Holly Goldberg Sloan is an author whose heartfelt stories resonate deeply with readers who enjoyed R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder”. Sloan often explores themes of friendship, belonging, and discovering self-worth.
Her novel “Counting by 7s” tells the story of Willow Chance, a uniquely gifted twelve-year-old girl who finds comfort in counting by sevens. When life suddenly changes after a tragedy, Willow must navigate a new beginning alongside a quirky group of unlikely friends.
This powerful, emotional tale portrays human resilience and the beautiful connections formed through unexpected circumstances.
Books by Andrew Clements often explore relatable situations and show real emotional depth. If you enjoyed R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder,” you may appreciate Clements’s book “Frindle.”
It’s about a clever fifth-grader named Nick Allen who decides to invent a new word—“frindle” instead of “pen.” His small idea catches on quickly, causing unexpected chaos at school and beyond.
Soon, Nick learns valuable lessons about language, creativity, and standing up for ideas. It’s a thoughtful and heartwarming story that celebrates kids who think differently and aren’t afraid to challenge the rules.
Ann M. Martin creates heartfelt stories that explore friendship, empathy, and understanding in ways readers of R.J. Palacio would appreciate.
Her book “Rain Reign” introduces us to Rose Howard, a fifth-grader with autism who finds comfort in routines, prime numbers, and homonyms.
When her beloved dog Rain goes missing during a powerful storm, Rose faces unexpected challenges, not only to find Rain but also to navigate complex feelings and relationships around her.
Through Rose’s eyes, readers experience a sincere, touching journey that highlights courage, kindness, and acceptance.
Meg Medina is a thoughtful storyteller who captures the emotional worlds of young characters with honesty and warmth. If you’re moved by R.J. Palacio’s stories of kindness and bravery, Medina’s writing could speak to you as well.
Her book “Merci Suárez Changes Gears” follows Merci, a sixth-grader navigating family responsibilities, friendships, and changes at school. Merci faces everyday struggles familiar to many readers.
She deals with her grandfather’s concerning forgetfulness and unexpected tensions among classmates. Medina quietly explores how Merci adjusts to these challenges, highlighting themes of resilience and family bonds that feel both real and hopeful.
Readers who enjoy R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” may find Cynthia Lord’s books similarly engaging and heartfelt. Cynthia Lord writes children’s fiction centered around relatable characters and meaningful themes.
Her book “Rules” follows twelve-year-old Catherine, whose life revolves around caring for her younger brother David, who has autism. Catherine creates detailed rules to help David navigate the world around him, hoping to prevent embarrassing situations.
When she meets Jason, a boy who communicates through picture cards in a wheelchair, Catherine begins to reconsider what it means to be accepted. The story offers emotional authenticity, humor, and warmth, exploring family dynamics, friendship, and embracing differences.
Gary D. Schmidt is an author who has a knack for writing heartfelt stories about kids navigating life’s challenges with humor and honesty.
His book “Okay for Now” introduces readers to Doug Swieteck, a boy who moves to a new town and faces a tough home life and trouble at school. Doug finds support in an unexpected place—the local library, where an art book opens him up to new possibilities.
Doug’s voice is strong and witty, and Schmidt creates characters you can’t help but root for. Readers who enjoyed R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” will appreciate Schmidt’s ability to capture genuine emotions, friendships, and the courage it takes to overcome hard times.
Cece Bell is a children’s author and illustrator known for her funny and heartfelt graphic novel “El Deafo.” This touching story follows Cece, a young girl who loses her hearing after an illness and has to face the challenges of growing up deaf.
Cece imagines herself as a superhero named 'El Deafo,' whose special hearing aid grants her amazing powers. The story is partly inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences.
Readers who loved R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” will appreciate how this book combines humor, empathy, and honest storytelling.
Linda Sue Park is an author who writes meaningful stories that speak right to the heart, often through the eyes of young characters facing big challenges.
If you enjoyed the empathy and emotional depth of R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder,” you may connect strongly with Park’s novel “A Long Walk to Water.”
The story moves between two characters and timelines: Salva, a boy escaping war-torn Sudan and searching for safety during a chaotic civil war; and Nya, whose daily life decades later revolves around a grueling walk to find fresh water.
Their journeys gradually intersect in a surprising way. Park’s writing captures resilience, kindness, and the courage to make a difference, themes you loved in Palacio’s work.
Books by Gordon Korman often feature relatable young characters who face tough situations, much in the style of R.J. Palacio. For instance, his novel “Restart” follows a school bully named Chase Ambrose who unexpectedly loses his memory after an accident.
Chase gets the rare chance to rediscover who he really is. As he returns to school, he learns about the person he was before and faces a choice: return to his old ways or take the opportunity to become a different kind of kid.
Readers who enjoy thoughtful, authentic stories about friendship, forgiveness, and personal growth will likely connect with the characters in Korman’s books.