If you enjoy reading books by Sara Pennypacker then you might also like the following authors:
Kate DiCamillo is an author known for creating heartfelt stories with unforgettable characters. Her book “The Tale of Despereaux” is about a small mouse with big dreams. Despereaux isn’t like other mice. He loves music, enjoys reading, and isn’t afraid of humans.
When he learns about a princess in danger, he sets out on a brave quest that changes everything. It’s a story filled with courage, kindness, and hope. Fans of Sara Pennypacker’s books may enjoy the warmth and honesty in DiCamillo’s storytelling.
Rebecca Stead is known for writing heartfelt stories that explore friendships and personal growth. Her book “When You Reach Me” tells the story of Miranda, a sixth-grader living in 1970s New York City.
Miranda starts receiving strange, carefully-written notes that seem to predict the future. As she tries to make sense of these messages, she becomes wrapped up in a mystery that tests how she views time, trust, and the people around her.
The story connects pieces of everyday childhood with an unusual twist that makes the mystery all the more engaging.
Katherine Applegate is a talented author known for creating heartfelt stories that stick with you. One of her books, “The One and Only Ivan,” is about a gorilla who has spent years in a shopping mall enclosure.
Ivan tells his own story, reflecting on his life and forming a bond with a baby elephant named Ruby. Through his friendships, he finds the courage to dream of something better. Applegate’s writing has a way of making each character feel real and easy to connect with.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that feel personal and heartfelt, often about family, identity, and belonging. One of her books, “Each Kindness,” tells the story of a girl named Chloe and her classmate Maya.
When Maya joins their school, she seems different, and Chloe brushes her off without giving her a chance. Over time, Chloe starts to regret her actions but realizes that missed chances can’t always be fixed.
Through a simple yet profound story, Woodson shows how small choices can leave a lasting impact. It’s an honest book that stays with you.
Anne Ursu writes stories that have a heartfelt mix of fantasy and real life. Her book “The Real Boy” is about a shy boy named Oscar who works for a magician on an island where everyone relies on magic.
Oscar isn’t like everyone else, and when something terrible happens, he has to step up in ways he never thought possible. The book explores friendship, courage, and figuring out where you belong. Anne Ursu’s writing has a warmth that reminds me of stories by Sara Pennypacker.
Natalie Lloyd writes stories with warmth and heart, often filled with a touch of magic. Her book “A Snicker of Magic” is about Felicity Pickle, a girl who moves to a quirky town called Midnight Gulch, a place that used to be filled with magic.
Felicity has a special ability to see words floating around people and places, words that reveal emotions or hidden truths. She discovers an old family curse and sets out to bring magic back to the town while learning about belonging, hope, and her own strengths.
It’s a sweet, imaginative story that feels like stepping into a small town brimming with secrets. Fans of Sara Pennypacker’s thoughtful storytelling might enjoy the heart this story carries.
Wendy Mass writes stories that often explore friendships and personal growth in imaginative ways. One of her books, “11 Birthdays,” follows Amanda and her best friend Leo as they get trapped reliving their eleventh birthday over and over.
As they try to figure out why time has stopped for them, they uncover secrets about their friendship and their town’s history. The story has a warm, quirky charm and feels meaningful without being heavy.
Linda Urban writes stories that feel personal and heartfelt, offering moments that stick with you after you’ve read them. One of her books, “A Crooked Kind of Perfect,” follows a girl named Zoe, who dreams of playing a grand piano in a concert hall.
Instead, she ends up with a quirky little organ and a life that refuses to match her plans. The book is full of small, touching moments about family, finding joy in imperfection, and learning to adjust your dreams.
Fans of Sara Pennypacker’s emotional and character-driven stories might find it a lovely read.
R.J. Palacio is the author of “Wonder,” a heartwarming story about a boy named Auggie Pullman who was born with a facial difference. The book follows Auggie as he starts attending a mainstream school for the first time and navigates friendships, bullies, and his own feelings.
It’s told through different characters’ perspectives, offering a glimpse into how Auggie’s presence impacts those around him. If you enjoy Sara Pennypacker’s ability to create emotional and thoughtful stories, you might find Palacio’s writing equally engaging.
Laurie Halse Anderson is known for writing stories that tackle real-life challenges with honesty and heart. Her book “Speak” tells the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a summer party.
Struggling to fit in at school, she stops talking to others, her silence guarding a painful secret. The book follows her as she begins to confront what happened and find her voice again. It’s emotional and powerful, focusing on personal growth and resilience.
If you enjoy Sara Pennypacker’s heartfelt and relatable characters, Anderson’s work might really speak to you too.
Patricia MacLachlan is a beloved author known for her heartfelt stories about family and connection. One of her most popular books, “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” tells the story of a woman who answers a widowed farmer’s newspaper ad for a wife.
Set on the prairie, the book shows how Sarah adjusts to her new life with his two children, Caleb and Anna. It’s quiet and full of warmth, with moments that linger, like Sarah teaching the children about the sea she left behind.
If you enjoy authors who explore relationships with care and simplicity, MacLachlan’s work might speak to you.
Elizabeth Berg creates heartfelt stories that explore everyday lives with warmth and depth. In her novel “The Story of Arthur Truluv,” she introduces Arthur, a widower who spends his days at the cemetery, visiting his late wife’s grave.
There, he meets Maddy, a lonely teenager dealing with her own struggles. Their unexpected friendship helps them both find hope and create a new kind of family.
It’s a touching tale about connection and healing, perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt relationships and emotional journeys.
Sharon Creech writes heartfelt stories that explore family, friendships, and self-discovery. One of her most popular books, “Walk Two Moons,” follows a girl named Salamanca as she travels with her grandparents to find her missing mother.
Along the way, she shares the story of her friend Phoebe and uncovers truths about her own life. The mix of adventure and reflection makes it a memorable and emotional journey.
Holly Goldberg Sloan writes heartfelt stories that explore relationships and personal growth. Her book “Counting by 7s” follows Willow Chance, a twelve-year-old girl who loves plants, medical conditions, and understanding how the world works.
Life takes an unexpected turn when she loses her adoptive parents, and she must navigate her way through grief while finding a new sense of belonging.
The characters who come into her life are unique and memorable, and the story highlights resilience and the connections we form in surprising places. Fans of Sara Pennypacker will find a similar warmth and emotional depth in Sloan’s writing.
Cynthia Lord is an author known for heartfelt stories that explore family and friendship. One of her books, “Rules,” follows a girl named Catherine who has a younger brother with autism.
Catherine makes a list of rules to help her brother navigate the world while struggling with her own desire for a normal life. The story also introduces Jason, a boy who uses a communication book, and how their friendship grows in unexpected ways.
Lord writes with warmth and honesty, creating characters who feel real and relatable.