Books Like...

Emmy and Oliver were childhood best friends until Oliver was abducted by his father, causing a ten-year separation. When Oliver returns, the story delves into the challenges of reconnecting after such a long gap, exploring themes of friendship, family, and the impact of crime on a community. The narrative, told from Emmy's perspective, navigates the complexities of rebuilding relationships and dealing with the aftermath of Oliver's abduction, all while uncovering truths and secrets that shape their lives.

The book beautifully portrays the evolution of Emmy and Oliver's friendship as they navigate the complexities of their past and present. With a blend of romance, coming-of-age emotions, and heartache, the novel follows their journey as they face the consequences of Oliver's father's actions. Through well-developed characters and a heartfelt narrative, the story captures the essence of love, family, and the struggles of growing up in the face of adversity.

"The Start of Me and You" by Emery Lord follows the story of Paige Hancock, a high school junior who is still grappling with the loss of her boyfriend in a drowning accident. Determined to move on and redefine herself, Paige creates a list of goals for the year, including joining a club, being more social, and dating her crush, Ryan Chase. As Paige navigates through her grief and strives to find herself, she forms strong bonds with her group of girlfriends, faces family challenges, and discovers the importance of friendship and self-discovery. The book portrays a heartfelt coming-of-age story with relatable themes of love, loss, and personal growth, all woven together with a touch of humor and pop culture references.

The writing style of Emery Lord in "The Start of Me and You" is praised for its easy-going nature and engaging storytelling. The book delves into Paige's journey of facing fears, overcoming guilt, and embracing her true feelings, all while exploring the dynamics of family relationships, friendships, and teenage romance. With well-developed characters, realistic dialogues, and emotional depth, the novel offers a blend of heartwarming moments, relatable struggles, and a focus on the power of self-discovery and genuine connections.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson is a coming-of-age story that follows Emily after her best friend, Sloane, mysteriously disappears for the summer, leaving behind a list of challenges for Emily to complete. As Emily embarks on this list, she forms new friendships, faces her fears, and discovers her true self. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on character growth and self-discovery, creating a heartwarming and relatable narrative that resonates with readers.

Anna and the French Kiss follows the story of Anna Oliphant, who is sent to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. The book beautifully captures Anna's experiences as she navigates a new country, makes new friends, and develops as a person. The plot revolves around Anna's interactions with her classmates, especially Etienne St. Clair, a charming and complex character, and the challenges they face in their relationships.

The writing style of Stephanie Perkins in this book is described as simple yet beautiful, with deep and relatable characters. The story is a modern love story that delves into themes of young love, self-discovery, and friendships. The setting in Paris adds a whimsical touch to the narrative, making readers feel like they are walking the streets of the city alongside Anna.

Arthur and Ben have a chance meeting at a New York City post office, sparking an interest that leads to a budding relationship. The story follows their journey of trying to find each other in a bustling city, facing challenges of miscommunication and the looming end of summer. The alternating points of view between the characters, written by the two authors, provide a satisfying and realistic portrayal of a not quite perfect relationship worth working on.

The book is a charming and light-hearted gay romance, focusing on the development of a relationship between two high school boys without the typical coming out or societal homophobia themes. The plot revolves around a sweet and wholesome love story set in NYC, with supportive friends and family, and occasional references to Broadway and Harry Potter, creating a feel-good and relatable narrative.

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.

'Starry Eyes' by Jenn Bennett is a contemporary young adult novel that follows the story of Zorie and Lennon, two old friends turned enemies who find themselves on a camping trip together in Northern California. As they navigate through challenges in the wild, they must confront their past misunderstandings and hurt feelings, ultimately rediscovering their friendship and possibly more. The book combines elements of romance, adventure, and family drama, with a focus on themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Bennett's writing style vividly captures the beauty and challenges of hiking through mountains in California, while also delving into complex relationships and personal growth.

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.

"Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli is a sequel in the Creekwood series, focusing on Leah, a bisexual character navigating high school drama and self-discovery. The story delves into Leah's struggles with her sexuality, friendships, and the changes that come with senior year, all while maintaining Albertalli's trademark humor and teenage realism. Readers are taken on a journey through Leah's internal monologue, her overthinking tendencies, and her interactions with friends, including beloved characters from the first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

Leah's narrative follows her journey of self-acceptance, revealing her anxieties, insecurities, and the complexities of teenage relationships. captures the essence of high school life, prom drama, and the challenges of transitioning to college, all through the lens of Leah's snarky yet relatable voice. With themes of friendship, coming out, and growing up, "Leah on the Offbeat" offers a blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments, making it a compelling read for fans of the series.

In "Wildwood Dancing" by Juliet Marillier, the story follows Jena and her four sisters who have a secret portal to the Other Kingdom, where they dance with magical creatures every full moon. Set in Transylvania, the girls face challenges as their father's illness forces them to navigate a power struggle with their cousin Cezar, while also dealing with love, betrayal, and the mysteries of the Other Kingdom. The novel blends elements of fairy tales like The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Frog Prince with Transylvanian myths, creating a rich and enchanting world that captivates readers through its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters.