Raina Telgemeier is one of the most beloved creators in children's graphic novels, known for turning everyday growing-up moments into stories that feel funny, honest, and deeply relatable. Books like Smile and Sisters blend memoir, humor, and emotion in a way that connects strongly with young readers.
If you enjoy reading books by Raina Telgemeier, these authors are well worth exploring next:
Jennifer L. Holm writes believable, engaging characters who feel instantly familiar to young readers. Her stories balance humor and heart while exploring friendship, family, and the small but important challenges of everyday life.
Fans of Raina Telgemeier will likely enjoy Sunny Side Up, about a girl named Sunny who spends the summer at her grandfather's retirement community in Florida and slowly uncovers difficult family truths.
Matthew Holm, often working with his sister Jennifer, brings warmth, humor, and lively artwork to stories about childhood's awkward, funny, and memorable moments. His books have an easy charm that makes them especially inviting for middle-grade readers.
A great place to start is Swing It, Sunny, a funny and heartfelt continuation of Sunny’s story from Sunny Side Up.
Victoria Jamieson writes with warmth and sincerity about finding your place, building confidence, and working through friendship struggles. Her stories are emotionally grounded while still feeling energetic and fun.
Readers who appreciate Telgemeier’s thoughtful style should try Roller Girl, in which Astrid discovers roller derby just as one of her closest friendships begins to shift.
Shannon Hale brings emotional honesty and humor to stories about identity, self-expression, and the challenges of fitting in. Her writing has the same openness that makes Telgemeier’s books feel so personal and recognizable.
Telgemeier fans should definitely pick up Real Friends, a graphic memoir about Hale’s own childhood and the messy, meaningful experience of learning what friendship really is.
Cece Bell creates stories that are funny, heartfelt, and refreshingly genuine. Her books focus on embracing who you are, even when life feels complicated or isolating, and her illustrations add plenty of personality.
Readers who love Raina Telgemeier should enjoy El Deafo, Bell's witty and moving graphic memoir about hearing loss, self-acceptance, and discovering confidence.
Svetlana Chmakova is a strong pick for readers who enjoy graphic novels about middle school, friendship, and all the awkwardness that comes with growing up. Her books capture familiar social dynamics with humor and compassion.
In Awkward, she explores the anxieties and excitement of navigating middle school, from fitting in to figuring out where you belong.
Jerry Craft writes realistic graphic novels about school, identity, and friendship with an easygoing style that still leaves room for depth. His stories are funny and accessible, but they also handle serious issues with care.
His graphic novel New Kid follows Jordan as he adjusts to a new private school and faces questions about belonging, expectations, and staying true to himself. It’s an excellent choice for Telgemeier fans looking for another heartfelt read.
If you love books with a funny, highly readable style, Lincoln Peirce is a great author to try. He created the popular Big Nate series, centered on a mischievous but likable sixth grader and his daily adventures.
Peirce’s expressive illustrations and strong comic timing make ordinary middle school moments feel especially entertaining.
Dav Pilkey brings wild humor, fast pacing, and a huge sense of fun to his books. His stories are especially appealing to readers who enjoy graphic novels that are playful, imaginative, and full of energy.
Dog Man is a standout pick, combining silly adventures with themes of friendship, kindness, and bravery. While his tone is goofier than Telgemeier’s, the warmth underneath will still appeal to many of the same readers.
Kazu Kibuishi is an excellent choice if you want graphic novels that mix emotional depth with fantasy, mystery, and adventure. His storytelling feels expansive, but the relationships at the center still carry real emotional weight.
In the beautifully illustrated Amulet series, Emily journeys through magical worlds while facing danger, loss, and difficult choices. Like Telgemeier, Kibuishi writes about family, resilience, and growing up, just in a more fantastical setting.
Gene Luen Yang writes thoughtful graphic novels that combine strong storytelling with sharp insight into identity, belonging, and self-discovery. His work often speaks to readers who connect with honest, character-centered stories.
American Born Chinese is a standout, offering a smart and memorable exploration of culture, identity, and fitting in, all told with humor and heart.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka shares the vulnerable, difficult parts of growing up with the same openness that makes Telgemeier’s work so powerful. His graphic novels are approachable, even when they take on heavier themes such as family hardship, grief, and resilience.
His memoir, Hey, Kiddo, tells the story of being raised by grandparents while navigating complicated family realities. It’s honest, moving, and especially rewarding for readers ready for something a little deeper.
If you enjoy the everyday humor and emotional insight in Raina Telgemeier’s books, Terri Libenson is a natural next choice. Her work often combines illustrations with diary-style writing to capture middle school friendships, embarrassments, and insecurities.
Invisible Emmie explores friendship and self-confidence through Emmie’s story, with a voice that feels authentic, funny, and true to adolescence.
Kayla Miller creates warm, inviting graphic novels filled with realistic emotions, everyday school experiences, and believable friendships. Like Telgemeier, she has a talent for showing the quieter moments of growing up with sensitivity and charm.
Her book Click explores fitting in, making choices, and managing changing friendships in a way many young readers will immediately recognize.
Hope Larson focuses on character-driven stories about friendship, family, and identity, making her a strong match for fans of Raina Telgemeier. Her illustrations and pacing give her books a gentle, reflective feel.
In All Summer Long, Larson captures the subtle changes that come with a summer of shifting friendships and family dynamics, making it a rewarding pick for readers who like graphic novels with emotional nuance.
