If you enjoy reading books by Robin Talley then you might also like the following authors:
Becky Albertalli writes heartfelt stories about identity and self-discovery. Her book, “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” follows Simon Spier, a high schooler who struggles to come out after someone discovers his secret emails with a boy named Blue.
The story captures the awkwardness of growing up with a mix of humor and emotional moments. Fans of Robin Talley might enjoy how Albertalli explores relationships and the courage it takes to be yourself.
Adam Silvera writes emotionally-driven stories that focus on relationships and identity. His book, “They Both Die at the End,” takes place in a world where people get a call on the day they are going to die.
The story follows Mateo and Rufus, two strangers who connect through an app designed for people living their last day. As they spend the day together, they form a deep bond while experiencing life in a way they hadn’t before.
It’s heartfelt but also thought-provoking, touching on themes of love, loss, and making the most of time.
Nina LaCour writes stories that explore deep emotions and complicated relationships. For readers who enjoy Robin Talley, LaCour’s work might resonate in a similar way.
One of her books, “We Are Okay,” focuses on Marin, a college student spending a lonely winter break in a snowy dorm. When her best friend, Mabel, arrives to visit, secrets from Marin’s past begin to surface.
The story captures the ache of grief and the pull of friendship with striking honesty.
Nic Stone writes thoughtful and emotional stories that tackle real-life issues. One of her standout books is “Dear Martin.”
It follows Justyce, a Black teen navigating life at a mostly white prep school, as he starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to process the racism he faces. After a run-in with the police, his life takes a turn that forces him to question the world around him.
The story is raw, personal, and full of moments that really make you care about the choices that Justyce has to face.
Leah Johnson writes stories full of heart and relatable characters. Her book, “You Should See Me in a Crown,” follows Liz Lighty, a girl who dreams of leaving her small town by earning a college scholarship.
When her plans fall through, Liz decides to compete for prom queen to win the prize money that comes with it. Along the way, she navigates friendships, family pressures, and an unexpected romance with one of her competitors.
It’s a story about being true to yourself while finding your place in the world.
Julie Murphy is an author known for writing stories with heart and humor. Her book, “Dumplin',” follows Willowdean Dickson, a self-proclaimed fat girl who decides to compete in her small-town beauty pageant.
Willowdean’s decision shakes things up in her Texas community and challenges expectations of what beauty looks like. The story also touches on her relationship with her late aunt, her complicated bond with her mom, and her feelings for a boy named Bo.
It’s a mix of self-discovery and breaking stereotypes, all centered around a vibrant cast of characters.
David Levithan is an author who writes stories that focus on love, identity, and the challenges teens face. One of his standout books is “Two Boys Kissing.” The story follows several teenage boys navigating love, heartbreak, and discovery.
In it, two characters set out to break a world record for the longest kiss while others around them deal with their own struggles, from unrequited feelings to finding where they belong.
The book gives a voice to past generations of LGBTQ+ individuals and thoughtfully connects their experiences to the present.
Ashley Herring Blake is an author who writes heartfelt stories about identity, love, and finding yourself. Her book “Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World” is about a twelve-year-old girl named Ivy, who loses her home to a tornado and struggles with her feelings for another girl.
As Ivy’s secret drawings of two girls holding hands go missing, she worries about who might have found them. It’s a touching story about self-discovery and the courage it takes to be honest about who you are.
Jennifer Niven writes emotional and heartfelt young adult stories. Her book “All the Bright Places” follows two teens, Violet and Finch, who meet on the ledge of their school’s bell tower.
Both are struggling with their own pain, but their connection changes the way they see the world. As they grow closer, they explore what it means to live fully, even when life feels heavy.
Her writing often explores relationships and personal growth in ways that feel honest and relatable.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author known for exploring youthful emotions and identity in ways that feel honest and heartfelt.
In his book “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” he tells the story of two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, who meet during a lonely summer and form a unique connection.
As their friendship deepens, they face questions about family, self-acceptance, and love. The book weaves moments of tender dialogue and quiet struggles, giving readers a chance to connect with the challenges of growing up.
Casey McQuiston writes stories that bring humor and heart into modern romance. Their book “Red, White & Royal Blue” follows the son of the U.S. President and a British prince.
When a public scandal forces them to fake a friendship, they discover a connection that goes far deeper than they ever expected. The story balances awkward moments, sharp dialogue, and a look at what it means to step into the spotlight while being true to yourself.
Jandy Nelson is an author known for her powerful stories about love, family, and identity. Her book, “I’ll Give You the Sun,” tells the story of twins, Jude and Noah, who are inseparable until a tragedy drives them apart.
The book alternates between their perspectives at different points in time, showing how their lives fracture and intertwine. Noah’s chapters explore his struggles with love and his passion for art, while Jude’s focus on her guilt and attempts to reconnect with her brother.
The writing digs deeply into their emotions, creating a heartfelt tale about grief, forgiveness, and second chances.
Kacen Callender writes stories about identity, relationships, and personal growth. In their book “Felix Ever After,” Felix is a Black, queer, and transgender teen navigating life and love while dealing with anonymous transphobic messages and questions about who he is.
The book explores his search for self-acceptance and the connections that shape him. If you enjoy Robin Talley’s blend of heartfelt stories and characters you can root for, you might find Callender’s work refreshing.
Malinda Lo writes stories that bring characters’ identities and struggles to the forefront in unique ways.
One of her books, “Last Night at the Telegraph Club,” is set in 1950s San Francisco and follows Lily Hu, a Chinese American teenager, as she begins to question her place in the world.
When Lily discovers a lesbian nightclub, her entire world shifts, and she finds herself drawn to a classmate, Kath. It’s a story about first love and the difficulties of being true to yourself in a time and place where doing so could cost everything.
I.W. Gregorio is a writer who combines heartfelt stories with themes that explore identity and self-discovery. One of their standout books is “None of the Above,” where the main character, Kristin, learns something about herself that shakes her world.
She’s crowned homecoming queen, but a trip to the doctor reveals that she’s intersex. The story follows her as she faces challenges with friends, school, and how she sees herself. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you because it’s so real and honest.