If you enjoy reading books by Samira Ahmed then you might also like the following authors:
Sabaa Tahir is an author who crafts vivid stories about identity, struggle, and resilience, themes that readers of Samira Ahmed will appreciate. Her novel “An Ember in the Ashes” introduces a brutal empire where resistance comes at a high cost.
Laia is an ordinary girl forced undercover as a spy in the imposing Martial academy. Elias, a talented soldier uncomfortable with his violent path, dreams of freedom. Their lives cross as secrets emerge, tensions rise, and the fight for survival becomes increasingly uncertain.
This book offers a powerful tale of determination and defiance in the face of great injustice.
Books by Tahereh Mafi might resonate with readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s thoughtful exploration of identity and culture. In “A Very Large Expanse of Sea,” Mafi tells the story of Shirin, a Muslim teenager navigating life in post-9/11 America.
Shirin faces judgment and suspicion from classmates while holding tightly to her passion for breakdancing as a way to escape prejudice. But when she meets Ocean, a classmate determined to understand her, both her heart and her perspective begin to shift.
The novel blends youthful romance, sharp humor, and the realities of prejudice into a meaningful coming-of-age story.
Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s authentic teen voices and heartfelt stories will likely appreciate Sandhya Menon’s novels. Menon writes charming young adult romances featuring relatable characters, funny dialogue, and thoughtful cultural insights.
A great book to start with is “When Dimple Met Rishi,” a sweet and humorous story about two Indian-American teenagers whose parents arrange for them to meet at a summer tech program. Dimple Shah is an intelligent and ambitious girl excited about coding and app development.
Rishi Patel is traditional and family-oriented, with dreams of romance and marriage. Their conflicting goals and personalities create amusing situations and spark heartfelt conversations about identity, love, and following one’s own path.
Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s thought-provoking novels will likely appreciate Randa Abdel-Fattah. Abdel-Fattah is an Australian author whose books often explore themes of identity, culture, and belonging through the experiences of young protagonists.
In her novel, “Does My Head Look Big in This?”, she introduces readers to Amal, a spirited Australian-Palestinian teenager who decides to wear the hijab full-time.
Amal faces the daily challenges of high school, friendships, family expectations, and navigating her cultural identity, all while maintaining her determination and sense of humor.
The story is heartfelt, funny, and insightful, and it presents an authentic perspective on growing up between cultures.
Aisha Saeed is an engaging writer who creates stories that feel personal and heartfelt. Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s insightful characters and powerful themes will appreciate Saeed’s book “Written in the Stars.”
The novel introduces us to Naila, a Pakistani-American high school student with big plans and dreams. However, after a forbidden relationship comes to light, her parents take her to Pakistan for a family trip that turns out to be very different from what she’d expected.
Saeed masterfully presents Naila’s struggles between her family’s traditions and her own desires, highlighting complex emotions and tough choices. It’s a thoughtful book that deeply explores family, identity, and the courage to follow one’s heart.
Readers who appreciate Samira Ahmed’s thoughtful storytelling might enjoy Angie Thomas’s novels. Thomas explores relevant social themes through vivid characters and authentic dialogue.
In her powerful debut novel, “The Hate U Give,” Thomas introduces Starr Carter, a teenage girl who witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend by a police officer.
The story captures Starr’s struggles to balance two different worlds: the predominantly poor neighborhood where she lives and the mostly white private school she attends. Thomas skillfully portrays Starr’s journey toward speaking out, even when it means putting herself at risk.
This relatable, emotionally resonant story gives readers a meaningful window into issues of race, justice, and identity.
Nicola Yoon writes heartfelt novels with characters facing challenges of identity, love, and family. Her book “The Sun Is Also a Star” tells the story of Natasha and Daniel—two teens who meet unexpectedly in New York City and experience an immediate connection.
Natasha, a practical girl facing deportation, shares a single transformative day with Daniel, a dreamer who believes in fate and destiny. The story unfolds from both perspectives in a sensitive and authentic portrayal of young love and tough family realities.
Readers who appreciate Samira Ahmed’s honest and emotional style will likely enjoy Yoon’s thoughtful exploration of cultural identity and meaningful relationships.
Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s storytelling may also appreciate Nisha Sharma’s novels, which explore love, culture, and identity with humor and heart.
In Sharma’s “My So-Called Bollywood Life,” readers meet Winnie Mehta, a passionate film enthusiast who dreams of finding her Bollywood-style romance.
Winnie’s life takes an unexpected turn when her carefully planned romance falls apart, and she has to reconsider everything she thought she knew about fate and love.
Rich with Bollywood references, family dynamics, and a relatable teen protagonist, Sharma’s novel brings readers into a lively world filled with laughter and charm.
Readers who enjoyed Samira Ahmed’s heartfelt stories often appreciate Jenny Han’s novels for their authentic teen voices and relatable, emotional narratives.
Han’s book “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” introduces Lara Jean, a teenager whose life turns upside down when her secret love letters unexpectedly find their way to her former crushes.
Suddenly, Lara Jean must handle her emotions, friendship, family, and romance in ways she never anticipated. Han captures the charm and uncertainty of teenage love in a story that’s sincere, warm, and engaging.
Elizabeth Acevedo is a Dominican-American author known for her vibrant storytelling and powerful, poetic voice. Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s honest and heartfelt narratives about identity and belonging may appreciate Acevedo’s novel “The Poet X.”
The story follows Xiomara Batista, a teenager from Harlem who finds her voice through poetry, even as she struggles between family expectations, her cultural roots, and her desire to express herself.
Acevedo portrays Xiomara’s journey with authenticity and emotional depth, making “The Poet X” a memorable read about self-discovery and empowerment.
Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s style will appreciate the vivid storytelling of Roshani Chokshi. Chokshi blends mythology, fantasy, and engaging characters in her stories.
In her book “The Star-Touched Queen,” Maya is a princess cursed by the stars, predicted from birth to bring death and destruction. Because of this curse, her family isolates her.
Maya’s life shifts dramatically when she marries Amar, the mysterious ruler of a strange, enchanting kingdom. There she uncovers a world full of secrets, magical realms, and truths about her destiny she never expected.
For those drawn to vivid cultural settings and layered characters, Chokshi’s tales offer a memorable reading experience.
Marie Lu is an author known for crafting vivid dystopian worlds and intense, heartfelt narratives that resonate deeply with young adult readers. Her novel “Legend” introduces readers to a broken America sharply divided between the wealthy elite and impoverished masses.
The story follows two remarkable teens, June and Day, whose worlds collide after Day becomes the prime suspect in June’s brother’s death.
This book merges themes of social division, resistance, and unexpected alliances, wrapped in a fast-paced story full of twists and emotional depth.
If you’ve enjoyed the timely, powerful storytelling of Samira Ahmed, Marie Lu’s works offer a blend of action, layered characters, and thoughtful reflections on society.
Ibi Zoboi is an author whose novels often explore themes of identity, culture, and the immigrant experience.
Her book “American Street” follows the journey of Fabiola Toussaint, a young Haitian immigrant who arrives in Detroit after her mother is detained by immigration officials.
Left alone to navigate her new life and unfamiliar surroundings, Fabiola faces the challenge of reconciling her Haitian traditions with the gritty reality of inner-city Detroit.
Readers who appreciate Samira Ahmed’s heartfelt stories of teens confronting cultural and social issues may find Zoboi’s portrayal of resilience, family bonds, and the immigrant experience equally engaging and meaningful.
Readers who enjoy Samira Ahmed’s heartfelt exploration of identity and cultural heritage might also appreciate Hena Khan’s thoughtful stories. Khan beautifully portrays young characters navigating their identities while balancing family expectations and personal dreams.
In her book “Amina’s Voice,” readers meet Amina, a shy Pakistani-American girl who struggles to find her place between her Muslim upbringing and her middle school’s social pressures.
When her local mosque faces vandalism, she must draw strength from her family, friendships, and community to find her voice and embrace her identity. Khan’s warm storytelling captures the conflicts and joys many young people experience as they grow up between cultures.
Laurie Halse Anderson is an author known for writing powerful young adult novels that address real issues teenagers face today.
In her book “Speak,” we meet Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes withdrawn and isolated after experiencing a traumatic event at an end-of-summer party.
Unable to speak openly about what happened, Melinda navigates her school year through silence, using art as an outlet to process her pain.
Anderson’s honest portrayal connects readers closely to Melinda’s struggle, making it a strong choice for fans of Samira Ahmed who appreciate stories of young people facing challenges with courage and resilience.