If you enjoy reading books by R.J. Palacio then you might also like the following authors:
Kathryn Erskine writes heartfelt stories that tackle important topics through the eyes of young characters. Her book “Mockingbird” is about Caitlin, a girl on the autism spectrum who struggles to understand emotions and connect with others after a tragic event in her family.
The story explores her journey as she tries to make sense of loss and human relationships, always guided by her unique way of seeing the world.
Readers who enjoy R.J. Palacio’s ability to create emotional connections through young voices might find something special in Erskine’s writing.
Kate DiCamillo is a well-loved author known for creating heartfelt stories with memorable characters. Her book, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” tells the story of a china rabbit who starts off as selfish and full of pride.
After being separated from his owner, he goes on an extraordinary adventure, meeting different people who teach him about love, loss, and hope. This is a touching tale with moments that make you think about what it means to care for others.
Fans of R.J. Palacio’s emotional storytelling might enjoy the way DiCamillo explores personal growth and human connection.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt writes heartfelt stories about kids trying to find their place in the world. Her book “Fish in a Tree” is about a girl named Ally who struggles with dyslexia. She feels like she’s hiding a huge secret, worried others will see her as less smart.
When a new teacher starts to pay attention and helps her, she begins to see her own strengths. It’s a story about friendship and finding confidence even when you feel different.
Fans of R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” might enjoy the way Hunt explores the lives of kids who don’t always fit in.
Rebecca Stead writes thoughtful and heartfelt stories that stay with you long after you finish them. In “When You Reach Me,” she weaves a story about a girl named Miranda, who starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future.
Set in 1970s New York City, the book ties Miranda’s everyday life—her friendships, her mother’s preparation for a game show, and her love for “A Wrinkle in Time”—to a puzzle that becomes more urgent as the notes continue.
It’s a mix of mystery and emotion, with a focus on connections between people.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that focus on relationships and personal struggles, often exploring what it means to belong. One of her books, “Harbor Me,” is about a group of kids who meet in a classroom to talk about their lives.
Through their conversations, they connect over tough experiences like family separation and identity. The book feels real and heartfelt, with characters you can imagine as your own friends.
Fans of R.J. Palacio’s ability to bring depth to young characters might find Woodson’s work a perfect next read.
Sharon M. Draper is an author who writes heartfelt stories that often focus on resilience and personal growth. One of her well-loved books, “Out of My Mind,” tells the story of Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or walk.
Despite this, she has a brilliant mind and an incredible memory. The book follows her journey as she fights to show the world who she really is, using assistive technology to communicate for the first time.
Draper’s writing captures Melody’s frustrations and triumphs in a way that feels real and honest. Fans of R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” will find a lot to connect with in this book, especially the focus on understanding and kindness.
Holly Goldberg Sloan writes heartfelt stories that connect with readers of all ages. Her book, “Counting by 7s,” is about a twelve-year-old girl named Willow Chance, who is incredibly smart but struggles to fit in.
After a tragedy changes her life, she builds an unexpected family with people she never thought she’d connect with. The story is full of emotion and shows how love and kindness can shape someone’s life in surprising ways.
Fans of R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” will likely enjoy how Sloan creates characters who feel real and whose journeys stay with you.
Andrew Clements is an author known for writing stories about school life that feel honest and relatable. One of his popular books, “Frindle,” tells the story of a clever fifth-grader named Nick who decides to invent a new word for a pen—frindle.
What starts as a small idea grows into something much bigger, disrupting his school and catching the attention of the whole town. The way Nick’s teacher reacts adds an unexpected twist to the story, making you think about creativity and authority in a way that’s really engaging.
Ann M. Martin is the author behind the beloved “The Baby-Sitters Club” series. Her stories focus on friendship, personal challenges, and growing up, making them relatable for readers who enjoy heartfelt and real-life narratives.
In “A Corner of the Universe,” she tells the story of Hattie, a twelve-year-old whose summer takes an unexpected turn when her uncle, Adam, comes to stay.
Adam struggles with mental illness, and his arrival introduces Hattie to new experiences that change how she sees the world and her own place in it. The book captures the awkwardness and wonder of finding connections in unexpected ways.
Meg Medina writes stories that feel heartfelt and real, often focusing on young characters navigating life’s challenges. One of her books, “Merci Suárez Changes Gears,” introduces us to Merci, a sixth-grader attending a private school on a scholarship.
Merci feels out of place among her wealthier classmates and has to deal with a lot at home, too. Her grandfather, whom she adores, starts acting strangely, and the family seems worried but won’t give her the full picture.
The story brings you into Merci’s world as she learns to handle new responsibilities, friendships, and complicated family dynamics. It’s honest and full of moments that make you care deeply about Merci and her family.
Cynthia Lord is a children’s author known for writing stories that explore emotions and relationships with warmth and honesty.
Her book “Rules” tells the story of Catherine, a twelve-year-old who wants a typical life but often finds herself helping her brother, David, who has autism. She creates a set of rules to help him navigate social situations.
When Catherine meets a boy named Jason, who uses a communication book to speak, her understanding of friendship and normalcy begins to shift, offering readers a heartfelt and thoughtful perspective of acceptance and connection.
Gary D. Schmidt writes stories that often capture the awkward yet transformative moments of growing up. One of his books, “Okay for Now,” follows Doug Swieteck, a boy navigating a new town after his family moves.
Doug deals with an abusive father, a brother in trouble, and the discomfort of being the new kid. He finds unexpected hope when he discovers a local library with bird paintings by Audubon and starts drawing.
The book shows how connections and small acts of kindness can change someone’s life, even when things seem hopeless. Fans of R.J. Palacio might enjoy Schmidt’s ability to show the strength in kids facing tough situations.
Cece Bell is a talented author and illustrator who creates stories with heart and humor. One of her best-known works is “El Deafo,” a graphic memoir based on her own childhood.
The book follows Cece, who loses her hearing at a young age and must navigate school and friendships with the help of a bulky hearing aid called the Phonic Ear. Cece imagines herself as a superhero named El Deafo, using her unique “superpower” to overcome challenges.
The story is heartfelt and relatable, exploring how she finds confidence and connection along the way.
Linda Sue Park writes stories that explore characters with depth and heart. She’s the author of “A Long Walk to Water,” which is based on real events. The book follows two children in Sudan. One, Nya, spends her days walking to fetch water for her family.
The other, Salva, is a boy forced to flee his home during the civil war. Their journeys, though years apart, show resilience and hope in the face of hardships. The narrative shifts between their perspectives, drawing a connection between past and present struggles.
Park’s storytelling connects readers to experiences that feel genuine and heartfelt.
Gordon Korman writes stories that are heartfelt and easy to connect with. His book “Restart” is about a boy named Chase Ambrose who loses his memory after an accident. He has to piece together who he was before, only to find out he might not have liked that person very much.
The story faces questions about second chances and what it really means to change. Korman blends humor and emotion with characters who feel real, making his work a great pick for those who enjoy authors like R.J. Palacio.