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5 Young Adult Picks For Your Summer Reading List

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Sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable literary journey with these five young adult fiction books this summer 

With the sun scorching high in the sky and the sound of waves crashing against the shore, every bibliophile needs a worthy read while sinking their toes in the sand. Indeed, there’s no better time to settle in for a day of reading. And if you’re looking for some page-turning young adult fiction to add to your list of must-reads, then look no further.

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Below are five books for some adventure and romance to kick off your summer. Whether you want to start with the love troubles of Belly Conklin with her childhood friends or witness the adventures of Poppy and Alex on their summer trips, we’ve got some recommendations that will make you gasp, laugh, and feel like you are being transported into different places during vacation.  

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Looking for a summer read that will transport you back to the time of your own summer experiences filled with new loves, heartbreaks, and YOLO moments? Look no further than Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. This YA novel follows the story of Belly, a young girl who experienced the most transformative summer of her life. As you read through the pages, you’ll notice how the story seamlessly blends coming-of-age, romance, and self-discovery, making it a heartwarming summer novel that will resonate with Gen Z readers. And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, the novel has also been adapted into a series of the same name, where you can stream to experience even more the realest summer there could be.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Sunkissed by Kasie West 

Next on the list is a young adult romance novel that will have you falling in love on the beach this summer. Immerse in the pages of Sunkissed by Kasie West with its charming characters, Avery and Brooks. Avery is a teenager who hopes for a picture-perfect summer. Just when she was close to giving up the fun in this season, she will meet a handsome staff named Brooks in a remote family camp. Together, they embark on a journey to figure out a disastrous encounter and find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never imagined. With themes of trust, forgiveness, and following your dreams, this heartwarming novel is the perfect companion for your summer adventures.

Sunkissed by Kasie West 

Rules of Summer by Joanna Philbin

No, this book doesn’t contain a list of do’s and don’ts at the beach, but rather the story of Rory Mcshane written by Joanna Philbin. Join Rory on her journey towards self-discovery as she spends the summer in East Hampton as an errand girl for a wealthy family. With the strict set of rules that govern everything, from what to wear to who to date, Rules of Summer is a relatable novel that will have you hooked from the very first page to the last. 

Rules of Summer by Joanna Philbin

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Gather your beach-loving friends and organize a book club with Every Summer After by Carley Fortune as your featured read. With its compelling story of friends navigating their way through loss and healing, this novel is the perfect choice for a group discussion. As you bask in the sun and feel the sand between your toes, you and your friends can dive into the characters’ lives—analyzing their life choices and relating everything with your own. With its theme circling around friendship and first love, this story is sure to spark meaningful conversations at the beach. 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 

Are you feeling nostalgic for your wild and carefree summer romances from your 20s? Look no further than People You Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry to relive those memories. The novel tells the story of two best friends, Alex and Poppy, who have been taking annual summer vacations together for years. But after a falling out, they haven’t spoken in two years. Now, Poppy is determined to fix their friendship and convinces Alex to take one last trip together. As they take their one last vacation together, they reminisce about their past vacations and the people they met along the way, including the ones who may have been more than just friends. Through heartwarming moments, the two best friends explore the boundaries of their friendship and whether there is something more between them.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry