If you enjoy the books Sharon M. Draper writes, you might be interested in authors who explore similar themes. Think about books such as “Out of My Mind,” where Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy, discovers her voice. Draper often focuses on young people.
They face difficult situations. She writes about racism and disability. Her stories are moving and important. For readers wanting more authors with a similar style in young adult and children’s books, here are some to consider.
Jacqueline Woodson writes thoughtful stories about relatable characters who feel authentic and memorable. Her novel “Brown Girl Dreaming” is told through poetic verse and captures her childhood experience as an African American girl in the 1960s and '70s.
Woodson shares personal family memories, reflections on identity and powerful insights into the history and changes of that era. The book dives into themes of friendship, family relationships, and the challenges of racism in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt.
Anyone who enjoys Sharon M. Draper’s realistic and heartfelt storytelling will find resonance and depth in Woodson’s writing.
Books by Walter Dean Myers often explore themes of identity, adversity, and the search for belonging, which readers of Sharon M. Draper will easily connect with.
An excellent example is “Monster,” a thought-provoking novel about Steve Harmon, a teenager accused of involvement in a robbery that turned deadly.
Told partly through Steve’s film script and journal entries, the story examines the justice system, prejudice, and how one decision can alter a young person’s entire future.
Myers captures Steve’s emotions and fears with honesty, making readers question their own assumptions about truth and guilt.
Readers who enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s heartfelt, realistic storytelling might find Jason Reynolds equally captivating. Reynolds writes vivid, authentic stories about young characters facing real-life challenges with honesty and compassion.
His novel “Ghost” introduces us to Castle Cranshaw, an energetic kid with incredible running talent, but struggling with a tough home life and past trauma.
Castle discovers track and field by chance, and becomes determined to use his newfound sport as a way to make sense of his life. Reynolds tells Castle’s story with humor, sensitivity, and emotional clarity, creating a memorable journey of courage and self-discovery.
Books by Angie Thomas offer a powerful blend of engaging storytelling and relatable characters familiar to readers of Sharon M. Draper. Thomas writes contemporary fiction that highlights issues young people face today, particularly around community, identity, and social justice.
In her novel “The Hate U Give,” the story follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, a teen who balances two very different worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy suburban private school she attends.
Starr’s life changes dramatically when she witnesses the shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer. As she navigates the emotional turmoil, community pressure, and public reactions, Starr finds her voice amidst the complexity of injustice and grief.
This novel offers deep emotional impact, thoughtful insights, and characters readers will care deeply about. Fans of Draper’s honest and heartfelt novels will find Angie Thomas an author worth discovering.
If you enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s powerful storytelling and realistic characters, you might appreciate Nic Stone’s heartfelt novels. Nic Stone writes bold, authentic stories that tackle important social issues through the eyes of relatable young characters.
In her book “Dear Martin,” we meet Justyce McAllister, a high-achieving student whose life changes when he’s wrongly arrested by police.
To make sense of his experience, Justyce starts writing letters to Martin Luther King Jr., searching for guidance and understanding in a complicated, challenging world.
Through Justyce’s perspective, Nic Stone explores race, identity, and justice, giving readers an intimate and thoughtful journey about confronting prejudice and finding your voice.
Kwame Alexander is an author whose books appeal to readers who appreciate heartfelt stories by Sharon M Draper. His novel “The Crossover” tells the story of Josh Bell, a talented basketball player with a passion for poetry.
Josh navigates the highs and lows of the court while dealing with family tensions, particularly the changing bond with his twin brother, Jordan.
Through a lively mix of rhythm-filled verse and relatable characters, Alexander captures Josh’s experiences in sports, family, and growing up.
Readers drawn to Draper’s authentic portrayal of young people’s emotions and conflicts will find Alexander’s writing resonates on similar notes.
Books by Renée Watson often explore real-life issues through honest stories with memorable characters. If you enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s vivid narratives, you might want to check out Watson’s “Piecing Me Together.”
This novel follows Jade, a smart and ambitious teenager from Portland. She attends a mostly white private school on scholarship, feeling invisible and misunderstood.
Readers witness Jade’s journey to find her voice and define her identity within her friendships, family life, and mentorship program. Watson’s storytelling captures teenage life in a genuine and heartfelt way, making Jade’s story truly engaging.
Elizabeth Acevedo is an author known for vibrant storytelling and relatable characters, often exploring themes of identity, family, and self-expression. Readers who enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s realistic portrayals might appreciate Acevedo’s novel “The Poet X.”
The story follows Xiomara, a teenager in Harlem who finds her voice through poetry as she navigates family expectations, first love, and discovering her place in the world.
Through verses, the book shows Xiomara’s struggles and hopes, all told in a fresh, authentic voice that captures the reader from the first page.
Lamar Giles is an author who writes exciting and thoughtful young adult fiction. If you’ve enjoyed Sharon M. Draper’s books, Giles offers similarly engaging stories that explore friendship, identity, and real-life struggles.
His novel “Not So Pure and Simple” follows Del, a high school student who impulsively joins a purity club to impress a girl he admires.
Soon, Del discovers the complexities of relationships, honesty, and society’s expectations, as he navigates the tricky road of teenage romance and self-discovery. Giles combines humor, honesty, and a compelling story to make characters that readers genuinely care about.
Readers who enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s emotional and thought-provoking stories might find Tiffany D. Jackson’s novels equally engaging. Jackson writes powerful young adult fiction that often tackles heavy themes and gripping mysteries.
Her novel “Monday’s Not Coming” tells the story of Claudia, a girl who notices her best friend Monday suddenly disappeared, yet no one else seems concerned.
The story gradually reveals Claudia’s persistent search for truth as she encounters secrets and unsettling questions about friendship, neglect, and societal indifference.
Jackson carefully builds suspense and emotion in a narrative that captures the harsh realities faced by young people and the adults who overlook them.
If you enjoy Sharon M Draper’s heartfelt stories about young characters navigating tough situations, you might want to check out Christopher Paul Curtis. His novel “Bud, Not Buddy” follows Bud Caldwell, a young, determined boy during the Great Depression.
After losing his mother, Bud sets off to find the father he’s never met, guided only by old flyers advertising a jazz musician and his band. His journey is filled with humor, warmth, and challenges, capturing Bud’s resilience and optimism in tough times.
Curtis brings history alive through Bud’s voice, showing courage, family, and hope from a young boy’s perspective.
Mildred D. Taylor is a powerful storyteller who explores African American life and history through compelling characters and vivid settings.
Her book “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” introduces readers to Cassie Logan, a spirited young girl growing up in the deep South during the 1930s. The Logan family faces racism and injustice with courage and determination.
Taylor’s honest depiction of family strength, friendship, and resilience portrays an important chapter of American history. Readers who appreciate Sharon M. Draper’s strong and authentic characters will connect deeply with the unforgettable story of the Logan family.
If you enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s stories about strong, relatable characters who confront important social issues, consider exploring Jewell Parker Rhodes.
Rhodes’ book “Ghost Boys” centers around Jerome, a twelve-year-old boy whose life is tragically cut short by a police shooting. Now a ghost, Jerome witnesses the impact of his loss on his family and community.
He meets Emmett Till, another spirit who faced similar injustices decades before. Their connection bridges past and present, showing the weight and reality of racial inequality. Rhodes crafts powerful storytelling with emotional depth, making Jerome’s journey unforgettable.
Books by Erin Entrada Kelly offer heartfelt stories that explore the real-life emotions and challenges young people face. Her middle-grade novel, “Hello, Universe,” brings together four different kids whose lives unexpectedly connect during one extraordinary day.
Virgil Salinas is a quiet and shy boy who finds himself in a troubling situation after an encounter with the neighborhood bully. His paths cross with Valencia, a confident but lonely girl, Kaori, a self-proclaimed psychic, and Kaori’s spirited younger sister, Gen.
Each character’s strength emerges in unique and surprising ways as they navigate friendship, courage, and fate.
For readers who appreciate Sharon M. Draper’s authentic portrayal of youth experiences, Erin Entrada Kelly’s thoughtful and relatable stories will feel familiar and deeply meaningful.
If you enjoy Sharon M. Draper’s stories about courage and determination, you may also appreciate works by Coretta Scott King. Her book, “My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.”, shares a personal viewpoint of the civil rights movement.
Coretta Scott King captures her experience as the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr., and describes the tough times they faced together. Through intimate reflections and honest storytelling, she gives readers a unique glimpse into her family’s dedication to peace and justice.
Readers can explore historical moments like the March on Washington and the Montgomery Bus Boycott from a fresh and personal perspective. Her storytelling provides insights into strength, resilience, and compassion, themes familiar to those who enjoy Draper’s writing style.