Using Multiple Perspectives in Your Novel: Some Examples

Mar 4, 2024 | Novels

Selecting the strongest narrator for your novel is an important consideration. This decision is amplified when you are called to tell your novel from multiple perspectives. If you’re considering it, why not take a look at the below mentor texts? Thank you to authors and faculty members Meera Trehan and Sarah Kapit for this great list of novels that use multiple perspectives.

Book cover of Dig, by A.S. King

Dig

A.S. King

“This combination of masterly storytelling, memorable characters, and unexpected twists and turns make this book into an unforgettable, lingering read.”—School Library Journal, starred review

 

Cover of All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

All My Rage

Sabaa Tahir

“A deeply moving, intergenerational story. An unforgettable emotional journey.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Book cover of Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows

Leigh Bardugo

“Bardugo has created a wildly imaginative story of six young people who have been commissioned to pull off the greatest heist of all time.”—School Library Journal

Grounded

Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, S.K. Ali

“Saeed, Al-Marashi, Thompkins-Bigelow, and Ali write four relatable, well-developed characters from different backgrounds who represent the diversity of Muslim communities, seamlessly connecting their individual and collective stories into a single whole. A positive, engaging story centering Muslim kids.”—Kirkus Reviews

Book cover of Grounded

The View from the Very Best House in Town

Meera Trehan

“A thought-provoking look at bullying and social pressures through the eyes of its victims and of an inanimate, yet opinionated, mansion that will ring true with many readers.”—School Library Journal

Book cover for The View from the Very Best House in Town

We Dream of Space

Erin Entrada Kelly

“With short chapters focusing alternately on each sibling, Kelly establishes distinct and original characters . . . Kelly creates a crisp, moving portrait of family dysfunction and the resilience of the young.”—The Horn Book, starred review

Book cover of We Dream of Space
Book cover of So Done

So Done

Paula Chase

“The protagonists tell their stories in memorable voices that ring true to their characters. …both Mila and Tai are young women that readers will root for.”—The Horn Book

Book cover of Goodbye Stranger

Goodbye Stranger

Rebecca Stead

“The handing-down of advice and wisdom from older girls and women is a welcome theme throughout the book and far too rare in female coming-of-age stories; it’s just one of many reasons this astonishingly profound novel is not your average middle-school friendship tale.”—The Horn Book, starred review

Book cover of If This Gets Out

If This Gets Out

Sophie Gonzales and Cate Dietrich

“Dietrich and Gonzales keep the tension high and Ruben and Zach’s voices distinct in this friends-to-lovers romance that shines with passion and verve.”—Booklist

When Dimple Met Rishi

Sandhya Menon

“The strength of the story comes from its blending of Indian culture and values into a modern-day romance that scores of readers can enjoy. This novel touches on issues of identity while remaining light and fun.”—School Library Journal

Book cover of When Dimple Met Rishi

Second Chance Summer

Sarah Kapit

“Readers who enjoy nuanced character studies will be entranced, and those who think friendship is always a simple thing will be left with much to ponder.”—Booklist, starred review

Book cover of Second Chance Summer

Thank you to our faculty for this Guest Post!

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