If you enjoy reading books by Thanhha Lai then you might also like the following authors:
Linda Sue Park writes stories that often center on family and resilience.
One of her books, “A Long Walk to Water,” tells the story of two characters, Salva, a boy who becomes a refugee during the Sudanese Civil War, and Nya, a girl who spends her days collecting water for her family.
Their lives are separated by years, yet their struggles connect in a surprising way. The book captures the challenges of survival and the power of hope.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories filled with heart and layered with meaningful moments. Her book “Brown Girl Dreaming” is a memoir told in verse, where she reflects on growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s.
The story follows her life split between South Carolina and New York, showing her experiences with family, identity, and the Civil Rights Movement. Through her eyes, you see the everyday challenges of a young girl finding her voice and trying to understand the world around her.
Fans of Thanhha Lai will appreciate how Woodson creates evocative, personal stories rooted in childhood memories and cultural history.
Katherine Applegate is an author known for her heartfelt stories about resilience and connection. In her book “The One and Only Ivan,” she tells the story of Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall enclosure.
He spends his days watching TV and drawing, but everything changes when a young elephant named Ruby arrives, and Ivan begins to see the world differently. The book explores themes of friendship and hope.
Fans of Thanhha Lai may appreciate how Applegate brings emotion and depth to her characters.
Aisha Saeed is an author who writes heartfelt stories about family, culture, and finding one’s voice. Her book, “Amal Unbound,” tells the story of a young girl in Pakistan who dreams of becoming a teacher.
Her life takes a sudden turn after she unknowingly offends a member of the village’s ruling family. Forced into servitude, Amal must navigate a world that feels unfair while holding onto her hope and determination.
The story paints a vivid picture of Amal’s resilience and courage as she faces a system stacked against her.
Marie Myung-Ok Lee writes stories full of heart and depth, often exploring family and identity. Her novel “Finding My Voice” tells the story of Ellen Sung, a Korean American teenager navigating high school in a small, predominantly white town.
Ellen faces struggles at school with racism and at home with parental expectations. The book captures her journey of self-discovery as she tries to balance her own dreams with the pressures around her.
It’s thoughtful and relatable, especially for readers interested in stories about cultural identity and belonging.
Aida Salazar is an author who writes heartfelt stories about young people navigating challenging moments. Her book, “The Moon Within,” tells the story of Celi Rivera, a girl experiencing the changes of adolescence while grappling with her family’s cultural traditions.
As she faces her first period, her mom insists on a traditional Mexican moon ceremony, something Celi feels unsure about sharing with her friends. The story captures Celi’s struggles with identity, friendships, and self-acceptance.
For anyone who loves Thanhha Lai’s emotional and personal storytelling, Salazar offers something intimate and relatable.
Pam Muñoz Ryan is a talented author who writes stories that explore identity, family, and culture. One of her popular books, “Esperanza Rising,” follows a young girl named Esperanza who is forced to leave her privileged life in Mexico after tragedy strikes.
She and her mother move to California, where they face the challenges of working on a farm during the Great Depression. The story brings out themes of resilience, hope, and finding strength in unexpected places.
Ryan’s writing speaks to readers who enjoy emotional journeys and deeply rooted cultural experiences.
Andrew Clements is an author known for writing stories about kids navigating school and life in thoughtful ways. One of his well-loved books, “Frindle,” is about a boy named Nick, who decides to invent a new word for a pen: “frindle.”
The idea spreads fast, causing a stir at his school and beyond. The story shows how small ideas can grow into something bigger, especially when one creative kid follows through with confidence.
Thanhha Lai is an author known for writing heartfelt stories that draw from her own Vietnamese heritage. Her book, “Inside Out & Back Again,” tells the story of Hà, a young girl who flees Vietnam with her family during the war and begins a new life in America.
The story captures Hà’s struggle with a new culture, a new language, and the loss of everything she knew. The book paints a vivid picture of resilience and identity through Hà's voice, which is written in short, poetic chapters.
Erin Entrada Kelly is a writer who captures the everyday struggles and triumphs of young people, connecting deeply with readers who appreciate heartfelt, layered stories.
Her book “Hello, Universe” tells the story of four kids whose lives unexpectedly intertwine when one of them gets trapped in a well. There’s Virgil, a shy boy overshadowed by his louder family, and Kaori, his quirky friend who believes in signs and destiny.
The group bands together to help him, showing how friendship and courage can change everything. If you liked Thanhha Lai’s way of portraying young characters navigating their worlds, Erin Entrada Kelly might feel like a good fit for you.
Grace Lin is an author and illustrator who creates stories inspired by Chinese culture and folklore. One of her books, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” follows Minli, a young girl who sets out on a journey to change her family’s fortune.
Along the way, she crosses paths with characters like a talking goldfish and a dragon who can’t fly. The story weaves together adventure and myth, offering readers a rich and vibrant tale.
Rukhsana Khan is a writer who crafts stories with heartfelt depth, offering insights into diverse cultures and experiences. Her book, “Wanting Mor,” follows Jameela, a young girl in post-Taliban Afghanistan.
After her mother’s death, Jameela faces abandonment by her father and ends up in an orphanage. Through her journey, the story shows her strength and resilience as she tries to hold onto the lessons her mother taught her.
It’s a moving tale that explores themes of loss, survival, and hope.
Matt de la Peña writes heartfelt stories that explore the struggles and triumphs of young people. In his book “Mexican WhiteBoy”, he tells the story of Danny, a half-Mexican teenager who feels caught between two worlds.
The book follows Danny as he leaves his private school for the summer to connect with his father’s side of the family, confronting questions about identity and belonging.
Baseball plays a big role in the story, as Danny’s extraordinary pitching talent helps him form bonds and face his insecurities.
Kelly Yang is an author who tells stories about resilience and finding a place to belong. One of her most popular books, “Front Desk,” follows Mia Tang, a ten-year-old girl who helps her immigrant parents run a motel.
Mia has big dreams of being a writer, but her days are filled with managing the front desk and hiding secrets to protect her family. The book gives a heartfelt look into the immigrant experience, touching on themes of hope and courage.
Readers who enjoy Thanhha Lai’s focus on family and identity will appreciate Yang’s storytelling.
Rita Williams-Garcia writes stories that feel real and heartfelt, often showing complex family dynamics.
In her book “One Crazy Summer,” three sisters from Brooklyn are sent to California in the 1960s to spend the summer with their mother, who is distant and caught up in the Black Panther movement.
The story is filled with moments of discovery as the girls learn about their mother’s world and history. It’s full of emotion and gives a strong sense of a specific time and place.