My favorite things about summertime are pools, books, and sun. I love them all individually but prefer when they are combined. While searching for a summer read through my many YA and middle-grade books… I thought: “hey, I should share which books I love for a good summer read!”
I almost exclusively read Young Adult (YA) and middle-grade books and the books listed below are from these two categories. These books are the ones that I return to in the summer, when I need something happy and filled with the joys that only youth and sun can bring. I hope maybe you can find that summer sweetness between the pages of one of these books.
Descriptions by me. Click the GOODREADS link to learn more.
THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY (series)
BY JENNY HAN
Finding this book was like someone had peered into my head and figured out my ideal summer. An East Coast beach house with family, friends, sweet tea, and the looming complications of growing up. Sweet and soulful in a way only Jenny Han knows how to capture.
VIEW ON GOODREADS
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KEEPING THE MOON
BY SARAH DESSEN
Sarah Dessen has many books that personify teenage summer… but this one is my personal favorite. Colie’s struggle to find her voice is only amplified when she is sent to live with her wacky aunt for the summer. Landing a job at a local cafe, Colie finds true friendship and blossoms in a way only Sarah Dessen can capture so perfectly.
VIEW ON GOODREADS
A lot of Sarah Dessen books can be read by a pool or on the beach during summer. If you want more I suggest That Summer and Along For The Ride.
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THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS (series)
BY ANN BRASHARES
Four best friends, three travel plans, one summer, and one very magical pair of traveling pants. This book captures the depths of teenage female friendship in the best way.
VIEW ON GOODREADS
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.STAY SWEET
BY SIOBHAN VIVIAN
An adorable girls-only run ice cream shop in a lake town, WWII sweethearts, change, and that bittersweet summer before college. Stay Sweet is filled with a lot of fun and is a perfect summer beach or pool read.
VIEW ON GOODREADS
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THIS ONE SUMMER (graphic novel)
BY MARIKO & JILLIAN TAMAKI
Everything scary and beautiful about being caught in the middle of adulthood and childhood during the long pause of summer. The artwork is beautiful and the relationships are so pure and honest.
VIEW ON GOODREADS
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Be Afraid
BY VERA BROSGOL
A truly wonderful tale about summer camp and struggling to fit in. Plus there is a surprise guinea pig!! Vera Brosgol is an absolute master! The illustrations are not only incredibly beautiful but they tell the story so exceptionally well. What a book!
VIEW ON GOODREADS
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Happy Reading!
