15 Authors Similar to Jodi Picoult

In this article, we’ll look at 15 authors similar to Jodi Picoult who also tackle complex moral dilemmas and weave emotional tales that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Whether you’re looking for your next favourite book or simply want to expand your reading list, you’ll discover fresh voices that resonate with Picoult’s signature style.

15 Authors Similar to Jodi Picoult

1. Sue Monk Kidd

Writing Style & Themes:
Sue Monk Kidd is known for her deeply emotional character-driven novels that explore themes of family, identity, resilience and the complexity of human relationships, qualities that align with Jodi Picoult’s storytelling. 

Her books often feature strong female protagonists, historical backdrops and rich lyrical prose.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Secret Life of Bees
• The Invention of Wings
• The Book of Longings

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Readers who appreciate Jodi Picoult’s focus on strong complex female characters and thought-provoking themes will be drawn to Sue Monk Kidd’s deeply immersive storytelling and emotionally resonant narratives.

Sue Monk Kidd’s Website: https://suemonkkidd.com

2. Kristin Hannah

Writing Style & Themes:
Kristin Hannah crafts emotionally powerful multi-layered stories centred around love, loss, resilience and complex family dynamics. 

As an author like Jodi Picoult, she explores morally challenging situations and the bonds between women, often weaving in historical or dramatic elements.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Nightingale
• The Great Alone
• Firefly Lane

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Kristin Hannah’s novels, like Jodi Picoult’s, have a strong emotional core and delve into difficult life choices, deep relationships and personal transformation, making them a perfect fit for fans of character-driven poignant storytelling.

Kristin Hannah’s Website: https://kristinhannah.com

3. Ann Napolitano

Writing Style & Themes:
Ann Napolitano writes deeply introspective novels that explore human relationships, grief, survival and personal growth. 

Like Jodi Picoult, her stories tackle emotional and ethical dilemmas with sensitivity and depth.

Notable Books/Series:

• Dear Edward
• Hello Beautiful
• A Good Hard Look

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Fans of Jodi Picoult’s emotionally charged narratives will appreciate Ann Napolitano’s ability to capture raw human emotions, particularly in the face of tragedy and transformation.

Ann Napolitano’s Website: https://www.annnapolitano.com

4. Kathryn Stockett

Writing Style & Themes:
Kathryn Stockett’s writing is deeply immersive focusing on historical and social issues much like Jodi Picoult’s novels that tackle moral dilemmas. 

Her work often highlights themes of race, injustice and resilience.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Help

Why Readers Will Love Her:
If you enjoy Jodi Picoult’s ability to explore social issues through compelling well-drawn characters, Kathryn Stockett’s thought-provoking storytelling will resonate deeply.

Kathryn Stockett’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1943477.Kathryn_Stockett 

5. Emma Donoghue

Writing Style & Themes:
Emma Donoghue blends literary fiction with emotionally gripping narratives often exploring survival, trauma and human connection. 

Like Jodi Picoult, she excels at creating tension-filled stories that keep readers engaged while tackling challenging topics.

Notable Books/Series:

• Room
• The Wonder
• Haven

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Emma Donoghue’s skillful character development and exploration of difficult life circumstances make her a great choice for fans of Jodi Picoult’s emotionally intense storytelling.

Emma Donoghue’s Website: https://www.emmadonoghue.com

6. Ann Brashares

Writing Style & Themes:
Ann Brashares is known for her emotionally rich character-driven novels that explore themes of friendship, love and personal growth. 

As a writer like Jodi Picoult, she delves into the complexities of relationships and the emotional impact of life-changing decisions.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series
• My Name is Memory
• The Whole Thing Together

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Readers who enjoy Jodi Picoult’s ability to explore deep emotional connections will appreciate Ann Brashares’ heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters navigating love and loss.

Ann Brashares’ Website: https://annbrashares.com

7. Nicholas Sparks

Writing Style & Themes:
Nicholas Sparks is famous for his emotionally intense romances that often involve personal struggles, deep love and heart-wrenching choices. 

Like Jodi Picoult, he creates powerful emotional narratives that explore themes of fate, tragedy and redemption.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Notebook
• A Walk to Remember
• The Last Song

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Jodi Picoult’s emotionally charged storytelling and strong character development will be drawn to Nicholas Sparks’ heartfelt tales of love, loss and hope.

Nicholas Sparks’ Website: https://nicholassparks.com

8. Alice Sebold

Writing Style & Themes:
Alice Sebold writes gripping emotionally intense novels that explore trauma, survival and resilience. 

Like Jodi Picoult, she tackles difficult subjects with deep emotional insight, crafting stories that stay with readers long after they finish.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Lovely Bones
• Lucky
• The Almost Moon

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Readers who appreciate Jodi Picoult’s thought-provoking and emotionally powerful storytelling will find Alice Sebold’s work equally compelling, especially in how she handles trauma and healing.

Alice Sebold’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/316.Alice_Sebold 

9. Sara Gruen

Writing Style & Themes:
Sara Gruen writes beautifully descriptive and emotionally engaging novels often set against unique historical or animal-centered backdrops. 

Like Jodi Picoult, she focuses on deep human connections, ethical dilemmas and the resilience of the human spirit.

Notable Books/Series:

• Water for Elephants
• At the Water’s Edge
• Ape House

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Fans of Jodi Picoult’s blend of heartfelt emotion and ethical quandaries will appreciate Sara Gruen’s compelling storytelling and rich historical details.

Sara Gruen’s Website: http://saragruen.com

10. Liane Moriarty

Writing Style & Themes:
Liane Moriarty excels at crafting multi-layered suspenseful domestic dramas filled with secrets, relationships and unexpected twists. 

Like Jodi Picoult, she delves into complex moral dilemmas and family dynamics often through the lens of multiple characters.

Notable Books/Series:

• Big Little Lies
• The Husband’s Secret
• What Alice Forgot

Why Readers Will Love Her:
If you enjoy Jodi Picoult’s exploration of moral ambiguity, family dynamics and suspenseful storytelling, Liane Moriarty’s novels will captivate you with their sharp insights and compelling plots.

Liane Moriarty’s Website: https://www.lianemoriarty.com.au

11. Laurie Halse Anderson

Writing Style & Themes:
Laurie Halse Anderson is known for her powerful emotionally raw novels that tackle tough social issues such as trauma, mental health and personal resilience. 

As an author like Jodi Picoult, she writes deeply moving stories that spark important conversations.

Notable Books/Series:

• Speak
• Wintergirls
• Shout

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Fans of Jodi Picoult’s ability to address challenging topics with sensitivity and depth will appreciate Laurie Halse Anderson’s bold storytelling and complex relatable characters.

Laurie Halse Anderson’s Website: https://madwomanintheforest.com

12. Brit Bennett

Writing Style & Themes:
Brit Bennett’s novels explore identity, race, family and the weight of personal choices. 

Like Jodi Picoult, she crafts emotionally compelling narratives with thought-provoking social themes and multi-dimensional characters.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Vanishing Half
• The Mothers

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Readers who enjoy Jodi Picoult’s deep character studies and morally complex stories will find Brit Bennett’s writing to be both immersive and emotionally powerful.

Brit Bennett’s Website: https://britbennett.com

13. Christine Pride

Writing Style & Themes:
As an editor and author, Christine Pride writes thought-provoking fiction that examines race, identity and the complexities of human relationships. 

As a writer like Jodi Picoult, she focuses on emotional depth and social issues that challenge readers’ perspectives.

Notable Books/Series:

• We Are Not Like Them (co-written with Jo Piazza)
• You Were Always Mine

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Christine Pride’s ability to tackle contemporary social themes in a heartfelt and accessible way makes her a great choice for Jodi Picoult fans who enjoy compelling issue-driven storytelling.

Christine Pride’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18556336.Christine_Pride 

14. Joëlle Avelino

Writing Style & Themes:
Joëlle Avelino is primarily known as an illustrator and children’s book author with a focus on diversity, cultural heritage and inspiring stories. 

While her work differs in audience from Jodi Picoult’s, both share a passion for storytelling that sparks conversation and reflection.

Notable Books/Series:

• Powerful Women: Inspired by Women Who Shaped the World
• I Am Nefertiti (illustrator)

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Readers who appreciate Jodi Picoult’s exploration of identity and empowerment may enjoy Joëlle Avelino’s work, particularly those looking for meaningful stories for younger audiences.

Joëlle Avelino’s Website: https://www.joelleavelino.com

15. Mitch Albom

Writing Style & Themes:
Mitch Albom is known for his emotionally uplifting novels that explore themes of love, faith, redemption and the afterlife. 

Like Jodi Picoult, he writes thought-provoking books that resonate deeply with readers on a personal and emotional level.

Notable Books/Series:

• Tuesdays with Morrie
• The Five People You Meet in Heaven
• The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Jodi Picoult’s heartfelt philosophical storytelling will appreciate Mitch Albom’s ability to blend emotional depth with life-affirming messages.

Mitch Albom’s Website: https://www.mitchalbom.com

Last Word on Authors Like Jodi Picoult

In exploring authors like Jodi Picoult, we uncover a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with themes of family, love and moral dilemmas.

Writers like Kristin Hannah and Ann Napolitano deftly weave emotional narratives that keep readers engaged while challenging their perspectives.

Similarly, the works of Sue Monk Kidd and Emma Donoghue explore the complexities of human relationships, inviting us to reflect on our own lives.

Each of these talented authors similar to Jodi Picoult brings their unique voice to the table, making them perfect companions for anyone who appreciates Picoult’s thought-provoking style.