Hope Larson is a gifted graphic novelist and illustrator celebrated for her emotionally perceptive storytelling in middle grade and young adult fiction. She is known for graphic adaptations such as A Wrinkle in Time as well as original works like All Summer Long.
If you enjoy Hope Larson’s books, these authors are well worth exploring next:
Faith Erin Hicks is a Canadian cartoonist and writer whose graphic novels feature believable characters, sharp emotional insight, and a strong sense of place. If you like Hope Larson’s mix of warmth and honesty, Hicks is a natural next read.
Her graphic novel Friends with Boys follows Maggie, a girl leaving homeschooling behind as she begins high school for the first time.
While she deals with new friendships, shifting family dynamics, and all the uncertainty that comes with adolescence, she is also haunted by a ghost only she can see. The result is a funny, touching coming-of-age story with just the right hint of the supernatural.
Raina Telgemeier writes graphic novels that feel immediate, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. Readers drawn to Hope Larson’s authentic characters and emotionally grounded stories will likely connect with Telgemeier’s work too.
In her book Smile, she tells the story of her middle school years after a dental injury turns everyday teenage life into an even bigger challenge. Friend drama, braces, crushes, and growing self-confidence all become part of the journey.
Her expressive illustrations add humor and vulnerability, making the story especially memorable for anyone who remembers how awkward, painful, and occasionally hilarious adolescence can be.
Noelle Stevenson is a great choice for readers who enjoy Hope Larson’s balance of emotional depth and lively visual storytelling. Stevenson’s work is adventurous, funny, and full of characters who are far more complicated than they first appear.
In Nimona, Stevenson introduces a shapeshifting girl named Nimona, who becomes the sidekick of the supposed villain Lord Ballister Blackheart. Together, they turn familiar ideas about heroes and villains upside down.
The book is witty and fast-moving, but it also has real emotional weight. Beneath the chaos and humor is a thoughtful story about loyalty, identity, and the blurry line between good and evil.
Nidhi Chanani’s work shares the tenderness, introspection, and visual charm that make Hope Larson’s books so appealing. Her stories often blend family, identity, and a touch of wonder.
In her graphic novel, Pashmina, Priyanka Das finds a mysterious scarf tucked away in her mother’s old suitcase.
Whenever she wears it, she is transported from her life in America to a dazzling, dreamlike version of India. As Priyanka explores this magical world, she also begins uncovering family history and painful truths her mother has long kept hidden.
Chanani’s soft, inviting art pairs beautifully with a moving story about culture, belonging, and understanding where you come from.
Lucy Knisley is known for graphic memoirs that are warm, witty, and deeply personal. Readers who enjoy Hope Larson’s honest treatment of everyday life may especially appreciate Knisley’s reflective style.
Her book Relish: My Life in the Kitchen is a delightful blend of memoir, food writing, and illustration.
Through meals, recipes, and food memories, Knisley looks back on the experiences that shaped her—from childhood moments in the kitchen to her own adventures learning to cook.
The storytelling feels intimate without ever becoming heavy, and her expressive artwork makes the book both comforting and memorable.
Vera Brosgol creates graphic novels that are funny, emotionally sharp, and full of recognizable human awkwardness. Fans of Hope Larson’s character-driven stories may find a lot to love in her work.
Her book Be Prepared is an autobiographical graphic novel about young Vera’s time at a Russian summer camp in America. Hoping to finally fit in and make friends, she arrives with high expectations.
Instead, camp is uncomfortable, strange, and often far more challenging than she imagined. Brosgol captures that yearning to belong with humor and honesty, turning painfully awkward moments into something genuinely entertaining.
Jen Wang writes heartfelt graphic novels centered on identity, friendship, and growing into yourself. Her work will likely appeal to readers who appreciate Hope Larson’s emotional sensitivity and strong character development.
Readers who enjoy Hope Larson’s moving stories of young people and their emotional growth might appreciate Wang’s novel The Prince and the Dressmaker. This graphic novel follows Prince Sebastian, who secretly loves wearing dresses, and Frances, the gifted seamstress who helps bring his hidden life to light.
Their relationship is at the center of the story as both characters chase their dreams while navigating expectations, secrecy, and public pressure.
With graceful artwork and a sincere, compassionate approach to identity, Wang delivers a story that is both charming and emotionally satisfying.
Sarah Andersen is a cartoonist and illustrator best known for humorous comics about anxiety, introversion, and the small absurdities of everyday life. Her style is lighter than Hope Larson’s, but fans of honest, emotionally observant storytelling may still find her work very appealing.
Her book, Adulthood Is a Myth, turns ordinary adult struggles into sharply funny comic moments.
Whether she is joking about avoiding responsibility, replaying awkward conversations, or finding comfort in staying home under a blanket, Andersen captures feelings many readers instantly recognize.
Her comics are quick to read, easy to relate to, and full of personality.
Tillie Walden is a graphic novelist whose work is introspective, emotionally rich, and visually elegant. If Hope Larson’s quieter, more thoughtful stories are what resonate with you most, Walden is an excellent author to try.
Her graphic memoir Spinning reflects on her childhood and teen years as a competitive figure skater.
Walden writes candidly about pressure, isolation, and the challenge of understanding herself, including her sexuality, within a demanding environment. The artwork has a calm, intimate quality that deepens the emotional impact of the story.
It is a reflective and beautifully told memoir that lingers long after you finish it.
Ngozi Ukazu is a comic artist known for energetic storytelling, lovable characters, and a strong sense of community. Readers who enjoy Hope Larson’s accessible, emotionally grounded graphic novels may want to pick up her work.
Ukazu’s book Check, Please!:
#Hockey follows Eric Bittle, a former figure skater who joins a college hockey team and has to adjust to intense practices, loud teammates, and questions about who he is.
With bright artwork and plenty of wit, Ukazu explores friendship, teamwork, romance, and personal growth. The story is funny and warm, but it also has a sincerity that makes it especially easy to connect with.
Bryan Lee O’Malley writes graphic novels packed with humor, offbeat charm, and characters who feel flawed in familiar ways. If you enjoy Hope Larson’s visual storytelling but want something a little quirkier, he is a strong pick.
His graphic novel Seconds follows Katie, a talented young chef who finds magical mushrooms that allow her to rewrite past mistakes. Each attempt to fix her life, however, creates new problems she never saw coming.
As reality becomes increasingly strange, Katie has to confront the fact that not every regret can—or should—be undone. Seconds combines comedy, fantasy, and emotional insight in a way that feels both entertaining and surprisingly thoughtful.
Ali Fitzpatrick writes graphic novels that are gentle, emotionally observant, and easy to settle into. Readers who love Hope Larson’s focus on adolescence and everyday relationships may enjoy her work.
In Forever and Everything, a teenage girl named Abby moves to a small coastal town and finds herself dealing with friendship, first love, and family tension all at once.
As she uncovers old family secrets tied to the place, she is forced to think differently about both her past and her future. Fitzpatrick handles these changes with sensitivity, giving the story a quiet emotional pull.
It is an honest, approachable read for anyone who appreciates realistic coming-of-age stories.
Katie O’Neill creates gentle fantasy graphic novels filled with kindness, gorgeous artwork, and inclusive characters. For readers who enjoy the softer, more emotionally resonant side of Hope Larson’s work, O’Neill is an especially good match.
If you’re a fan of Hope Larson’s stories, you might enjoy O’Neill’s The Tea Dragon Society.
This graphic novel follows Greta, a young blacksmith apprentice who discovers the fading tradition of caring for tea dragons—small magical creatures that grow tea leaves from their horns and antlers.
As Greta learns more about the dragons, she also learns about friendship, memory, and the value of preserving traditions through community. The whole book has a calm, inviting atmosphere that makes it a pleasure to spend time in.
Mariko Tamaki is known for thoughtful coming-of-age stories that capture the uncertainty and emotional complexity of growing up. Readers who appreciate Hope Larson’s honest portrayal of adolescence may find her work especially compelling.
Her graphic novel This One Summer, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, follows Rose during her annual summer trip to Awago Beach. As she watches family tensions, changing friendships, and the dramas of the people around her, she begins to see the world with new eyes.
The novel beautifully conveys that in-between stage of life when childhood is slipping away but adulthood is still out of reach. Paired with evocative illustrations, it becomes a nuanced and memorable reading experience.
Leila del Duca is a comic artist and writer known for striking artwork and immersive storytelling. While her work leans more toward fantasy than Hope Larson’s, readers who value strong visuals and emotional stakes may still enjoy it.
Readers who enjoy Hope Larson might find del Duca’s graphic novel Sleepless appealing.
In Sleepless, del Duca introduces Lady Poppy, a woman in a royal court where loyalty and survival are constantly in conflict. At her side is Cyrenic, her guardian knight, whose magical condition keeps him from ever sleeping.
With romance, danger, and court intrigue woven throughout, the story offers a richly imagined setting and artwork that leaves a strong impression.
