12 Authors Similar To Judy Blume That Fans Will Love

The following 12 authors similar to Judy Blume offer stories that feel just as real, warm and full of heart.

Whether they’re navigating the complexities of friendships, family or personal growth, these writers capture the essence of growing up with humor and honesty.

Like Judy Blume, they understand the challenges and joys of youth, making their characters relatable and their stories unforgettable.

If you’ve ever found comfort or inspiration in Blume’s words, these authors will give you that same sense of connection, offering fresh perspectives while staying true to the emotions we all share as we grow.

Discover 12 Authors Similar To Judy Blume

1. Beverly Cleary

Writing Style & Themes:
Beverly Cleary’s stories are filled with warmth, humor and an honest look at childhood. 

Just like Judy Blume, she writes with deep empathy capturing the everyday thoughts and feelings of kids as they navigate school, family and growing up. 

Her style is simple but heartfelt, making her stories feel both timeless and real.

Notable Books/Series:

• Ramona the Pest
• Ramona Quimby, Age 8
• Dear Mr. Henshaw

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She makes childhood feel seen, turning small moments into something funny, emotional and unforgettable.

Beverly Cleary’s Website: https://www.beverlycleary.com

2. Betsy Byars

Writing Style & Themes:
Betsy Byars writes with quiet depth often focusing on kids who feel out of place or misunderstood. 

Like Judy Blume, she explores real emotions such as grief, loneliness and growth with tenderness and honesty. 

Her stories gently guide readers through tough moments while always leaving room for hope.

Notable Books/Series:

• Summer of the Swans
• The Pinballs
• Tornado

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She gives voice to kids who feel lost, showing them they’re not alone and that things can get better.

Betsy Byars’ Website: http://www.betsybyars.com/ 

3. Paula Danziger

Writing Style & Themes:
Paula Danziger captures the inner world of teenage girls with humor, honesty and compassion. 

Her books, like Judy Blume’s, don’t shy away from awkward truths, making readers feel seen and understood.

She blends wit with real-life issues in a way that feels refreshingly authentic.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Cat Ate My Gymsuit
• There’s a Bat in Bunk Five
• Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice?

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She writes like a best friend in a funny, honest and always on your side type of context. 

Paula Danziger’s Website: https://pauladanziger.com

4. Ann M. Martin

Writing Style & Themes:
Ann M. Martin is best known for her character-driven stories about friendship, family and growing up. 

Like Judy Blume, she explores emotional changes with honesty and warmth, especially through the lens of strong female friendships. 

Her writing feels familiar, comforting and real.

Notable Books/Series:

• Kristy’s Great Idea
• A Corner of the Universe
• Rain Reign

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She understands the deep bonds between friends and how those connections shape who we become.

Ann M. Martin’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21616.Ann_M_Martin 

5. Jerry Spinelli

Writing Style & Themes:
Jerry Spinelli blends coming-of-age stories with bold and unforgettable characters. 

Like Judy Blume, he digs into the complexities of growing up in terms of identity, loneliness and courage but adds a slightly quirky charm. 

His stories often mix light moments with deeper truths, making them both fun and meaningful.

Notable Books/Series:

• Maniac Magee
• Stargirl
• Loser

Why Readers Will Love Him:
He makes you laugh, think and feel deeply all in the same chapter.

Jerry Spinelli’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12696.Jerry_Spinelli 

6. Andrew Clements

Writing Style & Themes:
Andrew Clements is a master at turning everyday school life into something extraordinary. 

His books, like Judy Blume’s, focus on realistic characters and relatable situations. 

He highlights kids finding their voice, taking risks and learning who they are all in a language that feels natural and true.

Notable Books/Series:

• Frindle
• The School Story
• No Talking

Why Readers Will Love Him:
He takes simple ideas and turns them into powerful stories about courage and creativity.

Andrew Clements’ Website: https://andrewclements.com

7. Annie Barrows

Writing Style & Themes:
Annie Barrows writes with a light and playful tone that captures the joy and silliness of childhood friendships. 

Like Judy Blume, she understands how kids think and feel and her stories reflect their everyday adventures with humor and heart.

Notable Books/Series:

• Ivy and Bean
• Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go
• Ivy and Bean Bound to Be Bad

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She brings out the magic in ordinary moments with characters who feel like real friends.

Annie Barrows’ Website: http://anniebarrows.com/ 

8. Rebecca Stead

Writing Style & Themes:
Rebecca Stead writes thoughtful and emotionally layered stories that blend realism with a touch of mystery. 

Like Judy Blume, she explores friendship, change and growing up but with a quiet and introspective tone that stays with you long after.

Notable Books/Series:

• When You Reach Me
• Liar & Spy
• Goodbye Stranger

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She writes with heart and depth, giving quiet kids the space to feel deeply and be heard.

Rebecca Stead’s Website: https://rebeccasteadbooks.com

9. Kate DiCamillo

Writing Style & Themes:
Kate DiCamillo crafts stories filled with warmth, wonder and emotional truth. 

She writes about real feelings of grief, hope and friendship through the eyes of resilient young characters. 

Her storytelling is lyrical yet deeply grounded in real-life emotions.

Notable Books/Series:

• Because of Winn-Dixie
• Flora & Ulysses
• Raymie Nightingale

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She weaves heartache and hope into every page, reminding readers of their strength.

Kate DiCamillo’s Website: https://www.katedicamillo.com

10. Megan McDonald

Writing Style & Themes:
Megan McDonald writes with a quirky and energetic style that captures the ups and downs of being a kid. 

She focuses on strong and relatable young girls navigating friendships, moods and family life with lots of laughs along the way.

Notable Books/Series:

• Judy Moody
• Judy Moody Saves the World!
• Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She taps into the humor and drama of growing up in a way that’s lively, funny and real.

Megan McDonald’s  Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13589.Megan_McDonald 

11. Sara Pennypacker

Writing Style & Themes:
Sara Pennypacker blends humor and heart to capture how kids see the world.

Her stories focus on the emotional ups and downs of growing up, told with compassion and honesty. 

Her characters are spirited, sensitive and unforgettable.

Notable Books/Series:

• Clementine
• The Talented Clementine
• Pax

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She writes with warmth and wit, creating characters who feel instantly familiar and easy to love.

Sara Pennypacker’s Website: http://www.sarapennypacker.com/ 

12. Barbara Dee

Writing Style & Themes:
Barbara Dee tackles big and timely topics with sensitivity and honesty. 

She doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff such as bullying, consent and mental health but always through a lens that’s age-appropriate, compassionate and empowering for young readers.

Notable Books/Series:

• Maybe He Just Likes You
• Violets Are Blue
• My Life in the Fish Tank

Why Readers Will Love Her:
She writes brave and honest stories that help readers make sense of their feelings and their world.

Barbara Dee’s Website: https://barbaradeebooks.com

Final Word on the Authors Like Judy Blume

The authors like Judy Blume we’ve looked at above each bring something special to the world of children’s and young adult literature.

From Beverly Cleary’s timeless humor to Barbara Dee’s honest take on tough topics and from Ann M. Martin’s heartwarming friendships to Rebecca Stead’s thoughtful storytelling, each one carries forward the legacy of writing for young readers with empathy and authenticity.

These authors don’t just tell stories, they connect, comfort and help kids feel seen.

If her books left a mark on you, these writers are sure to spark that same feeling all over again.

Let us know in the comments below which of the above authors similar to Judy Blume you’ll read next or love the most.