Sherri L. Smith is known for engaging young adult fiction and historical novels. Her notable works include Flygirl and Orleans, which captivate readers with strong characters and compelling stories.
If you enjoy reading books by Sherri L. Smith then you might also like the following authors:
Ruta Sepetys writes historical fiction that brings overlooked stories to life. Her characters feel real and genuine, capturing readers as they experience emotional struggles against difficult historical backdrops.
She focuses on themes of identity, resilience, and survival in challenging times. In her novel Between Shades of Gray, she follows Lina, a teenager forced into exile to Siberia amid Stalin’s brutal regime, revealing a powerful story of family, hope, and courage through hardship.
Elizabeth Wein creates exciting and emotionally charged historical fiction, often featuring brave young heroines faced with tough situations during World War II.
Her novels highlight themes of friendship, loyalty, and heroism under pressure, with vivid descriptions that put readers alongside the characters.
In Code Name Verity, she brings readers into the intense friendship and courage of two young women facing dangerous circumstances as spies and pilots during wartime.
Markus Zusak crafts poetic and emotional stories that deeply touch readers with their honesty and thoughtful exploration of life and humanity. He often tackles difficult subjects through unique storytelling that resonates with readers long after finishing the book.
In his bestseller The Book Thief, Zusak offers the viewpoint of Death, narrating the story of young Liesel during World War II Germany, capturing beauty and compassion amid the turmoil and horror of war.
Laurie Halse Anderson writes engaging and hard-hitting novels featuring relatable characters struggling with serious contemporary issues. Her honest, direct storytelling confronts topics like trauma, personal growth, and resilience head-on.
In Speak, she explores the emotional journey of Melinda, a high school freshman isolated by trauma, offering readers a powerful and moving view of her silent struggle toward self-acceptance and healing.
Stacey Lee approaches historical fiction with compassion, humor, and warmth, crafting vivid stories centered on strong-willed young characters. Her work highlights forgotten or overlooked voices, especially those of young Asian American women in various historical eras.
In Under a Painted Sky, Lee tells the story of two girls in the mid-1800s who disguise themselves as boys and join the Oregon Trail, highlighting friendship, courage, and adventure along their journey toward freedom and independence.
Nic Stone writes stories that are sharp, honest, and speak directly to young people's experiences. She tackles themes like racial injustice, identity, and friendship in ways that feel authentic and deeply relatable.
Her novel Dear Martin follows Justyce, a young African-American student struggling with racism and police brutality, combining personal struggles with powerful social commentary.
Jason Reynolds tells compelling stories that connect deeply with teenagers, using clear, vibrant language that feels both realistic and poetic. His books often explore themes like race, growing up, friendship, and finding your voice.
One of his standout novels, Long Way Down, powerfully captures the pain and complexity of grief and violence through a narrative told entirely in verse.
Matt de la Peña brings heartfelt realism and emotional depth to his stories, crafting characters readers genuinely care about. He often focuses on young people navigating vulnerable situations, such as identity struggles, family dynamics, and cultural expectations.
His notable book Mexican WhiteBoy sensitively portrays Danny, a biracial teen who struggles with his identity and understands where he belongs.
Angie Thomas' works are powerful, passionate, and unafraid to tackle difficult topics like racial inequality, activism, and community struggles. Her writing feels real, genuine, and grounded in the current social landscape.
Her novel The Hate U Give has become essential reading, centering on Starr, a teen girl who witnesses her friend's shooting by police and must navigate its profound aftermath and find her voice.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley writes emotionally rich, thought-provoking stories that draw readers fully into her characters' lives. She often examines themes of resilience, trauma, and hope through young protagonists who face challenging situations with courage and strength.
Her acclaimed book, The War That Saved My Life, tells the touching story of Ada, a young girl escaping an abusive home only to find unexpected kindness and personal growth during wartime.
Sharon M. Draper writes heartfelt stories about young adults and their experiences with family, friendship, and personal growth. Her novels explore challenging situations with warmth and understanding.
In Out of My Mind, Draper shares the emotional and empowering story of Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice and strength through determination and courage.
Jewell Parker Rhodes writes powerful stories that reflect the reality of young lives, often dealing with difficult yet important social issues. Her narratives shine a gentle, honest light on tough subjects like race, identity, and resilience.
Ghost Boys follows Jerome, a young boy whose life, death, and afterlife bring attention to ongoing racial injustices and inspire important conversations about change.
Monica Hesse's storytelling explores history through the eyes of engaging characters, showing readers how real-world events shape lives in lasting ways. Her writing is emotionally honest, precise, and reflective.
In Girl in the Blue Coat, Hesse provides an intense look at a teenage girl's bravery and moral awakening during World War II, highlighting compassion, hard decisions, and heroism amid tragedy.
A.S. King has a creative style and a unique voice that examines teenage lives with honesty, humor, and a touch of surrealism. King's novels take complex ideas and blend them seamlessly with relatable, genuine characters.
Please Ignore Vera Dietz showcases King's talent, telling Vera's journey through grief, secrets, and self-discovery, told with truthfulness and wisdom.
Ibi Zoboi's narratives center on rich cultural identities, personal discovery, and the challenges young people face growing up in complicated worlds. Her clear, vibrant writing brings new perspectives to familiar themes, reflecting the reality of diverse experiences.
Her novel American Street explores immigration, identity, and family, as seen through Fabiola's eyes as she navigates life in a new city after leaving Haiti.