Books Like...

Madeline Whittier, a teenager with SCID, is confined to her house due to her severe immunodeficiency disorder. Her life changes when Olly, the boy next door, moves in and they start developing a friendship that challenges the limits of her sheltered existence. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and the desire for freedom, all depicted through a unique and heartwarming story with some unexpected twists. The plot unfolds through a mix of journal-style entries, texts, and illustrations, capturing the essence of teenage emotions and relationships in a compelling and engaging manner.

"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell is a heartwarming story set in the 80s about two misfit high school students, Eleanor and Park, who form an extraordinary love bond despite coming from different worlds. The book beautifully captures the emotions of young love, friendship, and bravery as the characters navigate through their struggles at home and in school. Written in alternating voices, the novel engages readers with realistic dialogue, achingly believable characters, and poignant moments that explore themes of first love, adolescence, and overcoming challenges.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel powerfully written in verse, following the story of Xiomara, a young Dominican American girl from Harlem struggling with cultural, religious, and emotional conflicts. Xiomara finds solace in expressing herself through poetry as she navigates her teenage years, dealing with family expectations, first love, and finding her own voice. The book is written in a diary-like format, with each poem resembling an entry from Xiomara's point of view, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and empowerment through her words.

Evie, the protagonist of "Instructions for Dancing" by Nicola Yoon, is a disillusioned teen who has lost faith in love due to her parents' broken marriage. However, her life takes a magical turn when she gains the ability to see the entire past, present, and future of couples just by witnessing their first kiss. As Evie navigates through different love stories and her own emotional turmoil, she meets X, a boy who challenges her cynicism and helps her rediscover the beauty of love. The novel weaves together themes of family, love, self-discovery, and the acceptance of life's uncertainties, all set against a backdrop of ballroom dancing and heartfelt relationships. The writing style is described as touching, emotional, and engaging, with a mix of light-hearted moments and profound reflections on the complexities of relationships.

'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han tells the story of Lara Jean, a high school student who finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions when the love letters she wrote to her past crushes are unexpectedly sent out. As Lara Jean navigates the aftermath of her letters being exposed, she is faced with fake relationships, unexpected feelings, and the complexities of high school life. The book is described as a light, fun read with a focus on family dynamics, sisterly love, and innocent romance. Readers praise the book for its relatable characters, engaging first-person narrative, and its ability to capture the challenges and experiences of teenage life.

The novel "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfa Katouh is a heartbreaking story set amidst the Syrian Revolution. The plot revolves around Salama, a Pharmacy student who is torn between loyalty to her country and the conviction to survive amidst the war. The story is a poignant portrayal of the pain, hunger, poverty, and death experienced by the Syrian people during the war. The writing style is described as realistic, offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters facing unimaginable circumstances in war-torn Syria.

Salama's relationship with Khawf, the physical embodiment of her fear, is highlighted as a realistic and unique aspect of the story. The narrative takes the readers back and forth between the characters' current struggles and their previous lives, providing a deep insight into the impact of war on individuals. The novel is praised for being an eye-opener, offering a raw and unapologetically sad yet hopeful depiction of life in a war-torn country.

'Love From A to Z' by S.K. Ali is a heartwarming love story that follows the lives of two teenagers, Zayneb and Adam, as they navigate their cultural backgrounds, personal struggles, and budding romance. Set in the port city of Doha, Qatar, the novel beautifully intertwines themes of love, social justice, and Islamophobia. Zayneb, a headstrong Pakistani Caribbean teenager, and Adam, a kind Chinese Canadian boy who converted to Islam, form a deep connection through their shared experiences and mutual understanding of the challenges they face.

The book delves into the daily struggles of Muslim teens living in Western cultures, addressing themes such as microaggressions, Islamophobia, friendship, and family dynamics. Through the characters of Zayneb and Adam, readers witness a slow-burning romance that is realistic, touching, and filled with innocence. As the two teenagers navigate their personal obstacles and grow together, the novel offers a poignant portrayal of love, diversity, and resilience in the face of adversity.

"Frankly in Love" by David Yoon is a young adult novel that follows the story of Frank Li, a Korean American high school senior navigating the complexities of first love, family expectations, cultural identity, and friendship. Frank finds himself in a fake dating scheme with Joy Song to appease their parents while secretly pursuing their true romantic interests. The book delves into themes of race, heritage, family dynamics, and coming of age, blending lighthearted rom-com elements with deeper emotional explorations. Yoon's writing style balances humor, honesty, and relatability, capturing the authentic voice of teenage characters facing real-life challenges and growth.

'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven is a young adult novel that follows the story of Finch and Violet, two teenagers who meet on the ledge of a bell tower at school. Their unlikely friendship leads them on a journey to discover the natural wonders of Indiana, but also helps them uncover deeper truths about themselves and each other. The book delves into themes of mental illness, grief, and the complexities of teenage emotions, portraying a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Niven's writing style intricately weaves together the characters' struggles and emotions, creating a narrative that is both moving and thought-provoking.

Finch and Violet's relationship evolves from a chance meeting on the bell tower to a profound connection that helps them navigate their personal challenges and find reasons to live. The book explores the depths of their characters, portraying their vulnerabilities, fears, and moments of hope with raw honesty. Niven's storytelling captures the essence of teenage emotions and the complexities of mental health issues, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.

Love & Gelato follows the story of Lina, a young girl who travels to Italy after her mother's death, where she uncovers secrets about her mother's past through a journal and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Italy, the book intertwines themes of love, grief, family, and adventure as Lina navigates through her emotions and relationships while exploring the enchanting country. The writing style is described as whimsical and engaging, transporting readers to Italy alongside the protagonist and immersing them in the story's emotional depth and romantic allure.