Books like 'Afterlife'
Readers who enjoyed Afterlife by Julia Alvarez also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary literary-fiction realistic family latinx-mc grief poc-mc social-commentary historical-fiction aging
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Big Chicas Don't Cry by Annette Chavez Macias
Rated: 5.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFour cousins navigate love, loss, and the meaning of family over the course of one memorable year in this heartfelt family drama.Cousins Mari, Erica, Selena, and Gracie are inseparable. They aren’t just family but best friends—sharing secrets, traditions, and a fierce love for their abuelita. But their idyllic childhood ends when Mari’s parents divorce, forcing her to move away... -
![Finding Billie Romano by Jean Grainger]()
Finding Billie Romano by Jean Grainger
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author wants to take you to Ireland for a story that will leave you wanting more long after you turn the last page... Twenty-five year old Billie Romano is struggling. She is grieving the death of her beloved dad and nothing in her life is going right... -
![All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir]()
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"Contains the following content: drug and alcohol addiction, physical abuse, Islamophobia, mentions of repressed sexual assault, tense exchange with law enforcement, death."--Preliminaries... -
![When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff]()
When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life... -
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![Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow]()
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city...Categorized as:
realistic family poc-mc friendship social-commentary children-books fiction children -
![The Book Club by Roisin Meaney]()
The Book Club by Roisin Meaney
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA tragic accident leaves the tight-knit book club in the small seaside town of Fairweather reeling. Then stranger Tom McLysaght arrives in the community, and the members of the club find their lives changing in ways they never could have imagined. None of them realise that Tom is hiding a secret... -
![I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley]()
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence... -
![Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar]()
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election, about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth about the people and country she loves.As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras churns louder and faster...Categorized as:
historical-fiction realistic politics latinx-mc social-commentary family poc-mc young-adult -
![Because by Mo Willems]()
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction poc-mc realistic book children children-books contemporary -
![Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham]()
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA fresh, fun, and "thought-provoking" New York Times bestseller about the American electoral college and why every vote counts from bestselling and award-winning duo Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham...Categorized as:
friendship historical-fiction poc-mc politics realistic social-commentary book children -
![Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin]()
Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPart of the Penguin 60s series, issued to celebrate 60 years of Penguin books. This collects "Sonny's Blues", "The Rockpile" and "Previous Condition", all taken from Going to Meet the Man (Penguin, 1991)...Categorized as:
family grief historical-fiction literary-fiction poc-mc politics realistic social-commentary -
![Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi]()
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh grade Syrian-American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle-school.Seventh grade begins and Kareem’s fall should be off to a great start. But he’s already fumbled it...Categorized as:
realistic family historical-fiction friendship poc-mc social-commentary grief politics -
![The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans]()
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe award-winning author of Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self brings her signature voice and insight to the subjects of race, grief, apology, and American history.Danielle Evans is widely acclaimed for her blisteringly smart voice and x-ray insights into complex human relationships...Categorized as:
family grief historical-fiction literary-fiction poc-mc politics realistic social-commentary -
![A Hope For Emily by Kate Hewitt]()
A Hope For Emily by Kate Hewitt
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLooking back, I wish I could find my way back to that moment. I’d snatch it and hold onto it and live in it for the rest of my life, if I could. When Emily could still throw her arms around me. Oh God, just give me that moment, or one like it again. That’s all I want...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction realistic literary-fiction friendship domestic-drama fiction drama -
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![The Beach Babes by Judith Keim]()
The Beach Babes by Judith Keim
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOld friends are the best…Catherine “Cate” Tibbs, Brooke Ridley, and Amber Anderson, friends since they were awkward thirteen-year-olds who named themselves “The Beach Babes,” are about to face their 40th birthdays. Because they haven’t been able to get together for some time, Cate arranges for them to rent a house along the Gulf Coast of Florida for a long weekend... -
![Her First Palestinian by Saeed Teebi]()
Her First Palestinian by Saeed Teebi
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElegant, surprising stories about Palestinian immigrants in Canada navigating their identities in circumstances that push them to the emotional brink.Saeed Teebi’s intense, engrossing stories plunge into the lives of characters grappling with their experiences as Palestinian immigrants to Canada... -
![I Am Not a Number by Lisa Heathfield]()
I Am Not a Number by Lisa Heathfield
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe powerful and heart-wrenching new novel from Lisa Heathfield, award-winning author of Seed and Paper Butterflies. Perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Louise O'Neill and Lisa Williamson.The Traditionals have been voted to lead the country, winning people over with talks of healing a broken society, of stronger families and safer streets. They promised a happier future for everyone... -
![Hot Cocoa Hearts by Suzanne Nelson]()
Hot Cocoa Hearts by Suzanne Nelson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEmery Mason hates the holidays. She’s so over tinsel, secret santas, and excessive cheer. To make matter worse, her parents are forcing her to work—as an elf!—in their Santa photo booth at the mall. Then she meets Alejandro Perez, who works at the hot cocoa shop next door... -
![True Biz by Sara Nović]()
True Biz by Sara Nović
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsTRUE BIZ (adj./exclamation; American Sign Language): really, seriously, definitely, real-talkTrue biz? The students at the River Valley School for the Deaf just want to hook up, pass their history finals, and have politicians, doctors, and their parents stop telling them what to do with their bodies...Categorized as:
literary-fiction realistic social-commentary family friendship fiction contemporary disability -
![Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club by Benjamin Alire Sáenz]()
Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWinner of the 2013 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction!Benjamin Alire Sáenz's stories reveal how all borders—real, imagined, sexual, human, the line between dark and light, addict and straight—entangle those who live on either side. Take, for instance, the Kentucky Club on Avenida Juárez two blocks south of the Rio Grande. It's a touchstone for each of Sáenz's stories...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction latinx-mc literary-fiction poc-mc realistic 21st-century anthologies -
![Pieces of You by Tablo]()
Pieces of You by Tablo
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEpik High leader Tablo's short stories weave together the secrets and anxieties of youth, whispering words of solace to a lost generation... -
![I Promise by LeBron James]()
I Promise by LeBron James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close... -
![Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill]()
Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMolly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry... -
![Fantasy House by Ruth Hay]()
Fantasy House by Ruth Hay
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new women's fiction novel in the Home Sweet Home series by Ruth Hay! The perfect harmony of six women sharing a home is disrupted with the unexpected arrival of a fourteen-year-old girl--a long-lost relative who turns everything upside down. Companionship and female friendship are central to this story of mystery, travel, family and drama... -
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![Thousand Star Hotel by Bao Phi]()
Thousand Star Hotel by Bao Phi
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThousand Star Hotel confronts the silence around racism, police brutality, and the invisibility of the Asian American urban poor.From “with thanks to Sahra Nguyen for the refugee style slogan”:They give the kids candy to bet.My daughter loses the first four rounds,she’s a quiet wire as they take her candy away, piece by piece.When she finally wins, I ask if she wants to play again...Categorized as:
poc-mc social-commentary historical-fiction family fiction contemporary poc-author book -
![The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll): A Picture Book by Winsome Bingham]()
The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll): A Picture Book by Winsome Bingham
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) is a powerful, full-color picture book story celebrating a journey crucial to our the walk to vote—a perfect read aloud.My granny is taking me on THE WALK.“Because leaders are not born,” she says. “They’re made through molding and modeling.”“What’s the walk?” I ask.“You’ll see...Categorized as:
social-commentary politics family realistic poc-mc historical-fiction children-books fiction -
![No Honour by Awais Khan]()
No Honour by Awais Khan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA young woman defies convention in a small Pakistani village, with devastating results for her and her family. A stunning, immense beautiful novel about courage, family and the meaning of love, when everything seems lost… In sixteen-year-old Abida’s small Pakistani village, there are age-old rules to live by, and her family’s honour to protect... -
![The Golden Oldies Guesthouse by Dee MacDonald]()
The Golden Oldies Guesthouse by Dee MacDonald
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings‘Dee MacDonald’s books are so heart-warming...Categorized as:
aging family literary-fiction friendship domestic-drama humor womens-fiction fiction -
![Shrink to Fit by Dona Sarkar]()
Shrink to Fit by Dona Sarkar
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLosing weight is the solution to all basketball-star Leah Mandeville's problems, or so she thinks. Getting superthin a) help her jump shotb) make her look like America's Next Top Modelc) get the attention of the high school hottie who ignores any girl with a little junk in the trunkAnd it's working, isn't it? Her boo is now crushing on her. Everyone says how good she looks... -
![Heartbreak of a Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner]()
Heartbreak of a Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLong live the Queen of Hip Hop Lit! Nikki Turner is back with another explosive, page-turning sequel to her #1 bestselling novels A Hustler’s Wife and Forever a Hustler’s Wife. Yarni Taylor is a successful corporate attorney who wants nothing more than for her husband, Des, to renounce his hustlin’ ways and commit to his life as a pastor—especially after someone tries to kill him... -
![Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields]()
Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA young biracial girl looks around her world for her color. She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word for herself—honeysmoke.For multiracial children, and all children everywhere, this picture book offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own self-identity...Categorized as:
realistic family social-commentary poc-mc children-books fiction children contemporary -
![Does My Body Offend You? by Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt]()
Does My Body Offend You? by Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA timely story of two teenagers who discover the power of friendship, feminism, and standing up for what you believe in, no matter where you come from. A collaboration between two gifted authors writing from alternating perspectives, this compelling novel shines with authenticity, courage, and humor.Malena Rosario is starting to believe that catastrophes come in threes... -
![Electric God by Catherine Ryan Hyde]()
Electric God by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHayden Reese once believed he could have it all -- and once, he almost did: a wife and a daughter he adored, and a child on the way. But little by little, a chain of heartaches stripped him of all he loved -- and a flash of violence changed his destiny... -
![Caitlin's Lucky Charm by Lisa Schroeder]()
Caitlin's Lucky Charm by Lisa Schroeder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFour best friends, one lucky bracelet, and an utterly charming new middle-grade series!Caitlin would stay at summer camp forever if she could. Her new best friends in the world, Hannah, Mia, and Libby are there... -
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![The Celebrants by Steven Rowley]()
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Big Chill for our times, celebrating decades-long friendships and promises--especially to ourselves--by the bestselling and beloved author of The Guncle. It's been a minute--or five years--since Jordan Vargas last saw his college friends, and twenty-eight years since their graduation when their adult lives officially began... -
![Cenzontle by Marcelo Hernández Castillo]()
Cenzontle by Marcelo Hernández Castillo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn this lyrical, imagistic debut, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo creates a nuanced narrative of life before, during, and after crossing the US/Mexico border... -
![Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos]()
Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHer last name may mean "kings," but Ana Maria Reyes REALLY does not live in a castle. Rather, she's stuck in a tiny apartment with two parents (way too lovey-dovey), three sisters (way too dramatic), everyone's friends (way too often), and a piano (which she never gets to practice). And when her parents announce a new baby is coming, that means they'll have even less time for Ana Maria...Categorized as:
realistic family latinx-mc poc-mc friendship middle-grade contemporary children-books -
![A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp]()
A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom two Pura Belpré award-winning creators comes the charming story of a girl who learns about a beloved family tradition and the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown.Today is Corina’s birthday, and she’s excited to wear the biggest crown with the most beautiful flowers picked from her abuela’s garden... -
![Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta]()
Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.Belén Dolores Itzel del Toro wants the normal stuff: to experience love or maybe have a boyfriend or at least just lose her virginity. But nothing is normal in East Oakland... -
![The Impossibility of Us by Katy Upperman]()
The Impossibility of Us by Katy Upperman
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe last thing Elise wants is to start her senior year in a new town. But after her brother’s death in Afghanistan, she and her mother move from San Francisco to a sleepy coastal village.When Elise meets Mati, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Mati is new to town too, visiting the U.S. with his family... -
![Jumped In by Patrick Flores-Scott]()
Jumped In by Patrick Flores-Scott
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSam has the rules of slackerhood down: Don't be late to class. Don't ever look the teacher in the eye. Develop your blank stare. Since his mom left, he has become an expert in the art of slacking, especially since no one at his new school gets his intense passion for the music of the Pacific Northwest—Nirvana, Hole, Sleater-Kinney...Categorized as:
realistic friendship poc-mc family young-adult contemporary high-school coming-of-age -
![Light It Up by Kekla Magoon]()
Light It Up by Kekla Magoon
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTold in a series of vignettes from multiple viewpoints, Kekla Magoon's Light It Up is a powerful, layered story about injustice and strength--as well as an incredible follow-up to the highly acclaimed novel How It Went Down.A girl walks home from school. She's tall for her age. She's wearing her winter coat. Her headphones are in. She's hurrying.She never makes it home... -
![Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark]()
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsCelebrated children’s book author Agnes Lee is determined to secure her legacy—to complete what she knows will be the final volume of her pseudonymously written Franklin Square novels; and even more consuming, to permanently protect the peninsula of majestic coast in Maine known as Fellowship Point...Categorized as:
historical-fiction literary-fiction friendship family aging realistic fiction audiobook -
![When We Were Widows by Annette Chavez Macias]()
When We Were Widows by Annette Chavez Macias
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn this heartfelt story about finding love in loss, three widows are forced under the same roof, where they’ll need to overcome grief, anger, and old secrets to put their family back together.Since her husband’s death six months ago, Yesica Diaz-Taylor seems to be taking her grief in stride. Then an angry outburst at work shatters the illusion...Categorized as:
family grief latinx-mc literary-fiction historical-fiction poc-mc fiction womens-fiction -
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![Rain Rising by Courtne Comrie]()
Rain Rising by Courtne Comrie
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn inspiring debut middle grade novel-in-verse about Rain, who must overcome sadness after her all-star brother is badly beaten up at a frat party. Genesis Begins Again meets Brown Girl Dreaming in this powerful story of perseverance, family, and hope. "A gorgeous a necessary, cathartic, immersive healing experience...Categorized as:
realistic friendship poc-mc social-commentary grief family middle-grade mental-illness -
![In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari]()
In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsInspired by her own Iranian-American heritage, the acclaimed author weaves a beautifully crafted story of mothers and daughters, secrets and lies, and defying expectations—even when those choices come with an irrevocable cost...Categorized as:
historical-fiction literary-fiction family friendship fiction contemporary audiobook female-mc -
![No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib]()
No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsExit West meets An American Marriage in this breathtaking and evocative novel about a young Syrian couple in the throes of new love, on the cusp of their bright future…when a travel ban rips them apart on the eve of their son’s birth—from the author of The Girls at 17 Swann Street...Categorized as:
historical-fiction literary-fiction family politics poc-mc realistic romance fiction -
![Empty Set by Verónica Gerber Bicecci]()
Empty Set by Verónica Gerber Bicecci
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"Verónica Gerber writes with a luminous intimacy; her novel is clever, vibrant, moving, profoundly original. Reading it made me feel as if the world had been rebuilt." —Francisco Goldman"From the very beginning, Verónica Gerber set out to write a novel that would end up at a loss for words... -
![Where We Come from by Oscar Cásares]()
Where We Come from by Oscar Cásares
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe towns along the U.S.-Mexican border have dangerous reputations -- on one side, drug cartels; on the other, zealous border patrol agents -- and Brownsville is no different. But to twelve-year-old Orly, it's simply where his godmother Nina lives -- and where he is being forced to stay after his mother's sudden death...Categorized as:
literary-fiction social-commentary family latinx-mc poc-mc historical-fiction politics fiction -
![The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring]()
The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom debut author Shannon Bowring comes a novel of small town America that Pulitzer-winner Richard Russo calls, "measured, wise, and beautiful."It's 1990. In Dalton, Maine, life goes on. Rose goes to work at the diner every day, her bruises hidden from both the customers and her two young boys. At a table she waits, Dr...Categorized as:
literary-fiction family historical-fiction grief domestic-drama friendship fiction contemporary
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