If you enjoy reading novels by Sarah Dessen then you might also like the following authors:
Morgan Matson writes heartfelt young adult novels that blend summer adventures and relatable teen experiences. If you’re drawn to Sarah Dessen’s honest and emotional storytelling, then Matson might catch your interest.
In her novel “Since You’ve Been Gone,” Emily faces the sudden disappearance of her outgoing best friend, Sloane. Left behind is a mysterious summer to-do list that pushes Emily out of her comfort zone.
Each unexpected task brings Emily closer to new friendships, first loves, and finally discovering who she is without hiding in her friend’s shadow.
Matson captures the warmth, humor, and authentic voices of characters you can’t help but root for—perfect for anyone who enjoys Sarah Dessen’s thoughtful, character-driven stories.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s heartfelt novels may also appreciate Jenny Han’s stories about teen life, friendship, love, and self-discovery. Han captures authentic teenage voices and meaningful relationships that resonate deeply.
In her book “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” we meet Lara Jean Song Covey, a shy and imaginative girl whose secret love letters unexpectedly get mailed out to each crush she has written about.
Now Lara Jean must confront each of these relationships directly, including the complications and surprises that arise along the way. This romantic and sweetly funny story makes Lara Jean both charming and relatable.
Jenny Han skillfully portrays the ups and downs of first love, family bonds, and personal growth.
Kasie West is an author whose novels often resonate with readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s honest, relatable stories about young adulthood and romance.
In “The Distance Between Us,” West introduces Caymen Meyers, a sarcastic, down-to-earth girl who works at her mother’s porcelain doll shop and doesn’t have patience for wealthy, privileged customers.
That changes when she meets Xander Spence, a charming rich boy who proves that appearances aren’t always what they seem. Through witty dialogue and relatable characters, West highlights the challenges and humor of stepping beyond stereotypes and expectations.
Fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories might discover something special in Kasie West’s books.
Deb Caletti writes novels that explore family dynamics, relationships, and personal growth with warmth and honesty. Readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s insightful portrayals of young adulthood will find similar themes in Caletti’s book “Honey, Baby, Sweetheart.”
The story follows Ruby McQueen, a thoughtful teen drawn into an unexpected summer adventure after she meets dangerous and exciting Travis Becker. Ruby’s summer turns into an unforgettable journey about first love, self-discovery, and the importance of family bonds.
Caletti captures the sweetness and complications of young love while exploring deeper truths about identity and life choices in an evocative small-town setting.
Stephanie Perkins writes charming stories about first love, friendship, and stepping into adult life. Her novel “Anna and the French Kiss” follows Anna, a high school senior reluctantly enrolled in a boarding school in Paris.
Anna initially feels out of place in the unfamiliar city. However, her perspective changes after she meets Étienne St. Clair, a charismatic and thoughtful fellow student.
Perkins captures not only the excitement but also the awkwardness and complexity of navigating romance, friendship, and personal growth.
Fans of Sarah Dessen’s realistic, heartfelt stories of teen life may find Stephanie Perkins’ portrayal of young love similarly engaging and relatable.
If you enjoy Sarah Dessen’s relatable storytelling and heartfelt characters, Elizabeth Eulberg might resonate with you too. Her novel “The Lonely Hearts Club” revolves around Penny Lane Bloom, a high school student disillusioned by romance after a bad experience.
Inspired by The Beatles, Penny establishes the Lonely Hearts Club, a group where girls prioritize friendship and personal happiness over romantic drama. The club becomes popular, but Penny soon faces complex situations and unexpected emotions she wasn’t planning for.
Eulberg draws readers into Penny’s world through humor, believable teenage dilemmas, and sincere friendships.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s heartfelt stories will appreciate Siobhan Vivian’s relatable novels. Vivian writes thoughtfully about teenage friendships, love, and personal growth.
Her book “The Last Boy and Girl in the World” captures the emotions involved when Keeley Hewitt’s small town faces devastating floods.
With the community preparing to evacuate, Keeley decides to take risks and speak her heart, especially to Jesse Ford, a boy she’s liked for a long time.
The story combines realistic romance, genuine challenges, and the powerful question of what really matters when everything around you seems uncertain. Anyone who appreciates sincere storytelling about young relationships may find Siobhan Vivian’s writing appealing.
Books by Susane Colasanti are great choices for readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s relatable teen stories about love and friendship. In Colasanti’s novel “When It Happens,” readers meet Sara and Tobey, two high school seniors who seem completely different at first glance.
Sara is focused, planning her future and dreaming of finding true love. Tobey is laid-back and hoping to win Sara’s heart without changing who he is.
Through alternating perspectives, the novel explores their experiences with first crushes, friendships, and navigating senior year pressures.
Readers who appreciate genuine voices, realistic relationships, and heartfelt storytelling will find Susane Colasanti a perfect next read.
Books by Rainbow Rowell resonate with readers who enjoy heartfelt storytelling similar to that of Sarah Dessen. Rowell crafts genuine characters and relatable teen experiences through sharp dialogue and emotional depth.
In her novel “Eleanor & Park,” two misfit teenagers form a shared bond through comic books and music, discovering first love and the challenges of navigating family struggles.
Set in the 1980s, the story captures tenderness, vulnerability, and the courage of finding your voice amid complicated family dynamics and high school pressures.
If Sarah Dessen’s honest look at teen life speaks to you, Rainbow Rowell’s work offers stories with similar warmth and authenticity.
If you enjoy Sarah Dessen’s relatable characters and heartfelt stories, you might also appreciate Huntley Fitzpatrick, an author known for sincere romance and authentic teen voices.
Her novel “My Life Next Door” follows Samantha Reed, a girl who has spent years quietly observing her lively and chaotic neighbors—the Garrett family—from afar.
Samantha’s life changes dramatically when Jase Garrett enters her world and shows her the warmth and chaos his home holds. Soon, Samantha faces choices about loyalty, love, and family secrets that could forever alter their bond.
Fitzpatrick paints an honest portrayal of first love, unexpected friendships, and the importance of family connections.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s honest, heartfelt look at teen life may also appreciate author E. Lockhart. Lockhart is known for characters that feel real and relatable.
In her novel “We Were Liars,” she tells the story of Cadence Sinclair, a privileged teen from a wealthy family who spends summers on a private island.
After an accident leaves Cadence with gaps in her memory, she returns to the island two years later determined to uncover what happened. The book explores family secrets, first loves, and surprising truths.
The storytelling is clear yet poetic, and Lockhart’s style brings you close to Cadence’s confusion, heartbreak, and discoveries.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s realistic portrayals of teenage experiences and heartfelt relationships might appreciate Jennifer E. Smith. Smith captures moments of fate, connection, and young love in ways that feel warm and authentic.
In her book “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight,” a chance missed flight at the airport leads Hadley to meet Oliver, an engaging stranger with whom she shares an immediate spark.
The book unfolds over just twenty-four hours, as they navigate family issues, surprising connections, and the possibility of something meaningful coming from an accidental encounter.
Smith skillfully blends sweet romance with thoughtful themes about destiny, timing, and family bonds.
Books by Lauren Barnholdt appeal to readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s relatable characters and honest portrayal of teen experiences. Barnholdt’s novel “Two-Way Street” follows Courtney and Jordan, a recently broken-up couple forced to embark on a planned road trip together.
Told from alternating viewpoints, the story gradually reveals hidden secrets, misunderstandings, and lingering feelings. The narrative combines humor, realistic dialogue, and emotional depth, capturing readers with the tension and warmth of young relationships.
Fans of heartfelt yet realistic romance stories about relationships, growing up, and miscommunications will likely enjoy Lauren Barnholdt’s engaging storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dessen’s stories of romance and personal growth might also connect with Nicole Williams. In her novel “Crash,” Williams introduces Lucy, a focused young dancer whose life gets complicated when she meets Jude Ryder—a passionate guy with a troubled past.
Their attraction is immediate, but navigating their differences tests them both. Throughout the story, Williams captures teenage emotions and relationships with honesty and charm.
Fans of heartfelt and realistic young adult fiction should find “Crash” both satisfying and easy to relate to.
Sarah Ockler is an author who captures adolescence beautifully, full of heart and authentic emotion. If you liked Sarah Dessen’s relatable style, Ockler’s “Twenty Boy Summer” will likely catch your attention.
It’s a story about sixteen-year-old Anna, who’s facing heartbreak after secretly losing her first love, Matt.
As Anna tries to keep her grief hidden during a beach vacation with Matt’s sister Frankie, the summer unfolds with bittersweet moments, honest friendships, and quiet healing.
The novel explores themes of loss and new beginnings in a gentle way that sticks with you long after the last page.