Books Like...

Anise's world is turned upside down when her aunt is injured in a car accident, forcing her to spend the summer caring for her cousins in Nebraska. Despite her initial reluctance, Anise finds herself navigating through adolescent turmoil, self-discovery, and unexpected summer romance. The book captures the essence of Santa Cruz, portraying Anise as a young surfer girl haunted by her past but determined to pursue her passions and find her place in the world.

The story follows Anise's journey of growth and self-acceptance as she grapples with family responsibilities, friendships, and the complexities of teenage emotions. Through Silverman's writing, readers are drawn into Anise's world of normal everyday drama, relatable characters, and heartfelt moments that resonate with themes of resilience, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

'The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland' by Rebekah Crane follows the story of Zander, a teenage girl sent to a summer camp for troubled teens. Throughout the book, the characters, including Grover, Alex, and Cassie, all with their own struggles, form deep connections and grow together. The setting of the summer camp plays a significant role in the story, providing a backdrop for the characters' development and interactions. The writing style, told from the point of view of Zander, slowly reveals each character's story, showing their imperfections and growth over the course of the novel.

16-year-old Tessa is navigating life as the new girl at a prestigious fine arts school while dealing with the pressures of sharing her writing, romantic daydreams, and a love triangle involving popular boy Nico and her friend Poppy. The story delves into Tessa's struggles with anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the complexities of family dynamics, particularly her relationship with her disabled brother. Through Tessa's first-person narrative, the author weaves in themes of race, disabilities, and mental health, creating a story that combines teen romance with deeper issues young people face.

First & Then by Emma Mills is a contemporary young adult novel that follows the life of high school senior Devon as she navigates friendship, family, and love. When her cousin Foster moves in with her family and the star football player Ezra starts paying attention to her, Devon's world is turned upside down. The book explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and embracing change, all while incorporating elements of Jane Austen references and Friday Night Lights vibes. Through Devon's interactions with Foster, Ezra, and her best friend Cas, she learns valuable lessons about relationships and personal growth.

'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' by Maurene Goo follows the story of Desi Lee, a high school student with a penchant for planning and a lack of experience in the romance department. Desi, armed with her knowledge of K Dramas, creates a list to make the enigmatic Luca her boyfriend before high school ends. However, her well-intentioned plans lead to a series of mishaps, including dangerous situations and questionable decisions that challenge the boundaries between love and obsession. The narrative balances light-hearted comedic moments with introspective themes, exploring Desi's growth as she navigates the complexities of teenage relationships and self-discovery.

The book is characterized by its diverse cast, modern Orange County setting, and incorporation of Korean drama elements. Through Desi's endearing yet flawed character, readers are taken on a journey filled with humor, awkwardness, and genuine moments of vulnerability. Goo's writing style blends breezy storytelling with deeper reflections on love, identity, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality, offering a unique perspective on the teenage experience.

"Pumpkin" by Julie Murphy is the third and final book in the series that started with "Dumplin'" and includes "Puddin'". The story revolves around Waylon Brewer, a fat, femme gay hero in a small town in Texas. The book explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth as Waylon navigates through high school life, dealing with personal conflicts, relationships, and societal perceptions. The writing style is described as introspective, honest, and heartwarming, capturing the truth and feelings of being a big girl and providing a positive example of a modern family and community accepting and loving teens for who they are.

'What to Say Next' by Julie Buxbaum is a heartwarming story that follows the unlikely friendship between Kit Lowell, a popular high school girl dealing with the loss of her father, and David Drucker, a socially isolated student suspected to have Asperger's Syndrome. The plot revolves around Kit seeking solace in David's company as they navigate through grief, high school drama, and the complexities of teenage life. The book beautifully portrays the growth of their relationship, filled with humor, warmth, and unexpected twists, ultimately leading to a heartwarming and believable connection between the two characters.

The writing style of 'What to Say Next' is described as compelling, engaging, and uplifting, with a charming narrative that alternates between the perspectives of Kit and David. The author, Julie Buxbaum, skillfully captures the feelings and thoughts of the characters, making them relatable and real to the readers. The book delves into serious themes such as grief, neurodiversity, and family dynamics, while also incorporating lighter moments and humor, creating a well-rounded and emotionally resonant story.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The book follows Codi, a relatable protagonist navigating the challenges of adolescence, including questioning her sexuality and reevaluating her relationships with friends. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of teenage experiences, from parties and adventures to moments of self-reflection and growth, all while portraying the LGBTQ community with authenticity and care.

'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School' by Sonora Reyes is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that follows the journey of Yamilet, a Mexican high school student who navigates the challenges of being queer and coming out in a preppy Catholic school environment. The book beautifully captures Yamilet's experiences of struggling with religion, sexuality, and identity while facing the pressures of societal norms and family expectations. Through relatable characters, engaging plot twists, and a fairytale ending, the author weaves a story that resonates with readers on themes of love, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace one's true self.

The novel skillfully delves into the dynamics of coming out as a Mexican high schooler, shedding light on the intersectionality of identity, culture, and sexual orientation. Sonora Reyes artfully portrays Yamilet's journey of self-discovery and growth, tackling themes of generational traumas, homophobia, and the importance of embracing one's authenticity in the face of adversity. With a perfect blend of humor, emotion, and relatable experiences, the book offers a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the protagonist's world, evoking laughter, tears, and a sense of empowerment.

'Perfect on Paper' by Sophie Gonzales is a YA novel that follows the story of Darcy, a bisexual high school student who secretly runs a love advice system out of her locker. When caught by Alexander Brougham, the school's popular senior, she is blackmailed into helping him win back his ex-girlfriend. Despite their rocky start, Darcy and Brougham form an unlikely friendship that challenges Darcy's feelings for her best friend Brooke and her own understanding of herself. The book explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all delivered in a witty and authentic writing style that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.