This summer, immerse yourself in a world of captivating stories hand-picked for young adults. From thrilling mysteries and heartwarming romances to epic fantasies, this curated list offers a diverse literary escape. These selections, chosen with insights from a teenage perspective, delve into themes of self-discovery, intricate relationships, and significant societal issues, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience for every young reader seeking adventure within the pages of a book.
Dive into Engaging Narratives: A Deep Look at Featured Young Adult Novels
This summer, a mother and her teenage daughter, Jayla Lavender, embark on a shared literary journey, curating a captivating selection of young adult novels perfect for leisurely days. Their recommendations blend travel narratives, budding romances, and summer-themed tales, ensuring a vibrant and varied reading experience.
Exploring 'The Payback Girls' by Alex Travis (2025)
In the high-stakes environment of private school, Alex Travis's The Payback Girls plunges readers into a compelling narrative of three young Black women—Meghan, Bria, and Robin—who discover they've been dating the same individual. Their complex bond deepens amidst a shocking incident involving Nate, leading to a suspenseful quest for truth. This Young Adult thriller fearlessly addresses significant themes such as classism, racial identity, socioeconomic disparities, and emergent sexuality, making it a powerful and relevant read for adolescents who appreciate narratives of justice and solidarity.
Unveiling 'The Design of Us' by Sajni Patel (2024)
Sajni Patel’s The Design of Us transports readers to a picturesque Hawaiian setting where workplace rivals, unexpectedly on vacation together, navigate the complexities of a fake relationship. This story champions South Asian representation and female empowerment within professional spheres. The lush tropical backdrop coupled with profound character development makes this novel an irresistible read. Jayla particularly admired its "grumpy x sunshine" romantic trope and the rich tapestry of diverse characters, highlighting its broad appeal.
Tuning into 'Love Radio' by Ebony LaDelle (2022)
Ebony LaDelle's Love Radio presents a unique romantic dynamic where Prince, a Detroit radio show host, uses his own relationship advice to win over Dani in a mere three dates. Despite Dani's initial reluctance towards romance and Prince's personal challenges, his unwavering belief in love drives the narrative. This collaborative read between mother and daughter highlighted a refreshing reversal of traditional romantic roles, with the male protagonist passionately pursuing the ideal of love.
Embracing 'Love Is a Revolution' by Renée Watson
Renée Watson’s Love Is a Revolution delves into the transformative journey of Nala, a homebody whose relationship with activist Tye Brown is built on a small fabrication. As her feelings deepen, Nala confronts the truth, learning profound lessons about self-acceptance and personal activism. The narrative celebrates self-love, strong friendships, and features diverse body types, ensuring a rich and relatable experience. Jayla particularly connected with Nala's journey of self-discovery, finding inspiration in her evolution.
Journeying into 'So Let Them Burn' by Kamilah Cole (2024)
Kamilah Cole’s So Let Them Burn explores the aftermath of heroism. Five years after saving her island, divinely gifted Faron Vincent attends a peace summit where her sister, Elara, falls for an enemy. Tasked by the gods to eliminate Elara, Faron seeks an alternative path. This captivating fantasy adventure, alongside its sequel, This Ends in Embers, promises a riveting exploration of destiny and defiance, enchanting readers with its intricate world-building.
Discovering 'Picking Daisies on Sundays' by Liana Cincotti (2023)
Liana Cincotti’s Picking Daisies on Sundays unfolds a tender, slow-burn romance as Daniella's childhood crush re-enters her life following a past confession. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City's fashion industry and literary world, this college-set fake-dating story beautifully weaves in relatable teenage experiences such as navigating college applications, pondering future aspirations, and the intensity of first crushes.
Dreaming with 'Kisses and Croissants' by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau (2021)
Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau’s Kisses and Croissants invites readers into Mia's Parisian summer, where her ballet aspirations intertwine with an exploration of French romance and family history. Accepted into a prestigious ballet program, Mia finds herself enchanted by the city of love, balancing her professional ambitions with a burgeoning relationship and uncovering ancestral secrets. This enchanting tale is ideal for those who cherish romantic atmospheres and the elegance of dance.
Reflecting with 'Summer Sisters' by Judy Blume (1998)
Judy Blume’s timeless classic, Summer Sisters, delves into the intricate bond between two contrasting friends, Victoria Leonard and Caitlin Somers. Their journey from adolescence through adulthood is fraught with complexities, including betrayals and reconciliations, yet their nuanced friendship remains a testament to enduring connection. The novel’s portrayal of diverse backgrounds and unwavering loyalty deeply resonated with both mother and daughter.
Concluding with 'Fearless' by Lauren Roberts (2025)
Lauren Roberts's Fearless marks the thrilling conclusion to the Powerless trilogy, bringing Paedyn and Kai back to the Kingdom of Ilya for a pivotal decision that will shape their destinies. This fan-favorite fantasy dystopian romance, celebrated for its unique take on the action genre and compelling love triangle, captivates readers with themes of fate, unwavering love, and steadfast loyalty, ensuring a satisfying end to an unputdownable series.
Anticipating 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart (2014)
E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars masterfully unravels a psychological thriller set on a secluded private island. Cadence Sinclair Eastman, afflicted by memory loss after an incident during "Summer Fifteen," slowly uncovers dark family secrets and the truth behind the "liars." This gripping narrative exposes the hidden turmoil beneath a wealthy facade, proving that opulence does not shield one from complex problems and profound deceptions. The story's compelling mystery will keep readers engrossed, leaving them eager to uncover every shocking revelation.
Discovering 'Audre & Bash Are Just Friends' by Tia Williams (May 6, 2025)
Tia Williams's Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, a GMA Book Pick, quickly became a sensation among Young Adult readers. The story centers on Audre Mercy-Moore, the junior class president at an exclusive Brooklyn private school, and Bash, the new student capturing everyone's attention—except Audre's. When Audre's summer plans in Malibu are canceled, she enlists Bash's help to complete the "Experience Challenge" for her self-help book. The ensuing struggle to maintain professionalism adds a layer of delightful tension. This novel, from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, is a delightful read, particularly for fans of Jenny Han's works.
Revisiting 'We’ll Always Have Summer' by Jenny Han (2011)
Jenny Han’s We’ll Always Have Summer, the third installment in her popular Turned Pretty trilogy, offers a delightful continuation for fans of the Amazon Prime series. This book perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer, exploring themes of first crushes, early loves, and inevitable heartbreaks. The central drama of choosing between two brothers provides compelling tension, captivating teenage audiences. With the release of the Deluxe edition in Spring 2025, and Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty streaming on Prime, new and loyal readers alike can dive deep into Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad's intertwined lives.
Imagining 'If We Were A Movie' by Zakiya N. Jamal (2025)
Zakiya N. Jamal’s If We Were A Movie presents a heartwarming sapphic romance where adversaries find love amidst efforts to rescue a cherished Black-owned movie theater. Rochelle and Amira, initially academic rivals, discover an unexpected connection as they collaborate, navigating their burgeoning feelings against the backdrop of cinematic charm. This story highlights how shared purpose can ignite profound personal relationships.
Anticipating 'It’s You Every Time' by Charlene Thomas (May 6th, 2025)
Charlene Thomas’s It’s You Every Time beautifully intertwines themes of destiny, healing, and enduring love within a time-loop narrative. Sydney Michaels and Marcus Burke, two individuals who have faced significant life challenges, repeatedly relive their fateful first meeting. This novel offers a compelling read for romantics who believe in the power of love and healing to transcend temporal boundaries.
As a passionate advocate for literacy and the transformative power of narratives, I find immense joy in seeing young adults engage with such diverse and thoughtful literature. These books, carefully chosen for their depth and relatability, not only entertain but also serve as mirrors and windows into different experiences and perspectives. They spark conversations about complex social issues, foster empathy, and encourage self-reflection, which are invaluable for personal growth during formative years. By delving into these stories, teens are not just reading; they are exploring identities, navigating emotional landscapes, and building a stronger foundation for understanding the world around them. The shared reading experience, as evidenced by the mother-daughter duo, also strengthens familial bonds and creates lasting memories. It’s a powerful reminder that literature is a timeless gift that continues to enrich lives across generations.