If you enjoy reading books by Scott O'Dell then you might also like the following authors:
Elizabeth George Speare creates vivid historical settings and characters that stick with you. Her stories often explore courage, freedom, family bonds, and self-discovery.
If you liked Scott O'Dell's thoughtful historical tales, you'll enjoy Speare's classic novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, about a spirited young woman adjusting to a strict Puritan society.
Karen Cushman has a witty, engaging storytelling style centered around young people in historical periods, often dealing with identity and independence.
Fans of Scott O'Dell's strong, determined protagonists will appreciate Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy, which gives a lively glimpse into medieval life through the eyes of a smart and spirited girl.
Jean Craighead George captures the wonder and struggles of young people interacting closely with nature. Her books emphasize survival, adventure, and discovery, similar to Scott O'Dell's themes of self-reliance and overcoming hardship.
You might start with My Side of the Mountain, a captivating story about a boy who decides to leave home and live independently in the wilderness.
Katherine Paterson writes moving and honest novels about emotional growth, friendship, and facing tough decisions. She has a talent for capturing genuine feelings in young characters who are trying to find their place in challenging circumstances.
If you liked O'Dell's meaningful themes, consider Paterson's unforgettable novel Bridge to Terabithia, a touching tale of friendship and loss.
Gary Paulsen writes stories that plunge readers into the outdoors and survival adventures. His fast-paced style and realistic depiction of wilderness experiences appeal to readers who enjoy O'Dell’s adventure stories.
For instance, don't miss Paulsen's classic Hatchet, about a boy stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, forced to rely on his ingenuity and endurance.
Armstrong Sperry wrote adventure-filled stories for young readers. He had a gift for vividly taking readers to faraway lands and cultures. His stories often explore themes of bravery, coming-of-age, and survival, similar to Scott O'Dell's books.
A great example is Call It Courage, which follows a young island boy named Mafatu who overcomes his fears to prove himself courageous at sea.
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote warm, thoughtful stories based on her childhood memories of life in the American frontier. Like Scott O'Dell, Wilder's writing often centers around resilience, family bonds, and human struggles set against historical backdrops.
Her best-known work, Little House on the Prairie, immerses readers in the joys and hardships faced by settlers building a new life on America's frontier.
Avi is known for historical fiction and stories filled with adventure and strong, relatable characters. His books often explore themes like courage, friendship, and standing up for justice—topics also common in Scott O'Dell's novels.
A well-loved book by Avi is The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, the story of a young girl finding unexpected strength on a dangerous sea voyage.
Esther Forbes specialized in historical fiction, bringing stories from America's past to life with rich details and relatable characters. Like Scott O'Dell, she highlighted personal struggles and triumphs against vivid historical backgrounds.
Her celebrated novel Johnny Tremain follows a young silversmith apprentice through Boston's tense and powerful journey toward revolution.
Rosemary Sutcliff wrote historical novels that vividly recreate ancient times through compelling characters and richly imagined settings. Her focus on bravery, loyalty, and young people caught in challenging circumstances strongly resembles Scott O'Dell's storytelling style.
Her notable novel The Eagle of the Ninth transports readers to Roman Britain, tracing a young officer's quest to reclaim honor for his family name.
Ann Rinaldi writes historical fiction that combines realistic storytelling with relatable young characters. She often sets her stories against the backdrop of pivotal times in American history, exploring characters' growth amid challenging events.
In A Break with Charity, she explores the Salem witch trials through the eyes of a teenage girl navigating suspicion and fear within her community. Fans of Scott O'Dell's thoughtful portrayals of historical periods will enjoy Rinaldi's vivid and emotionally honest stories.
Mildred D. Taylor focuses her stories on family, identity, and racial struggles in American history, especially seen through the eyes of young black characters. Her writing is characterized by warmth, emotional depth, and honesty.
In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the Logan family faces discrimination and violence in the South during the Great Depression, showing readers both hardship and courage in the face of injustice.
If you appreciate the emotional truth and historical depth of O'Dell's stories, you'll connect strongly with Taylor's memorable novels.
Christopher Paul Curtis brings humor, warmth, and a sense of authentic young people's lives to historical fiction. His stories often deal with themes of family, resilience, and historical issues through the eyes of relatable protagonists.
A great example is Bud, Not Buddy, which follows a charming, resourceful boy during the Depression, offering a mix of humor, history, and genuine emotional moments.
Like Scott O'Dell, Curtis makes history accessible by framing it through the experiences of engaging, believable young characters.
Readers who enjoy Scott O'Dell can discover many excellent historical fiction titles among past Newbery Medal winners. These books bring rich historical contexts into the lives of young, relatable characters.
An excellent example is Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, a classic novel that captures the American Revolution's excitement, bravery, and personal struggles through a young protagonist working as a silversmith in Boston.
The Newbery Medal list features various compelling historical stories, perfect for those inspired by O'Dell's heartfelt storytelling.
Lloyd Alexander is best known for writing stories leaning into adventure, rich characterization, and thoughtful explorations of personal moral choices.
While commonly recognized for fantasy novels, Alexander also authored historical fiction engagingly narrating events from a young person's perspective.
In The King's Shadow, he tells about Harold, future King of England, focusing on loyalty, growth, and responsibility in a time of conflict and political intrigue.
Readers who appreciate Scott O'Dell's emotional depth and skillful storytelling in historical settings will find Lloyd Alexander equally rewarding.