Did you see a bunch of news outlets printed a summer reading list that the journalist used AI to write, and it turned out most of the books didn’t exist? Yeah.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather get book recs from a friend over what a computer or marketing exec thinks I “should” read. So here is a list of my favorite books that I think make for good summer reading. But first,
A quick writing update:
I have started querying literary agents with one of my picture book manuscripts, while simultaneously revising THAT Type of Love Story (again). There’s not much else to say. So let’s move on to books that you can read right now!
I’m not going to bother putting down a summary for each book. You can easily look that up if the cover or my one-sentence thought intrigues you. I’m grouping them into categories and focusing on middle grade and young adult, since that’s what I write.* I hope you find something new to check out and enjoy this summer!
Favorite Authors
These are summer-centered books by authors I automatically read whatever they publish.
Places We’ve Never Been (YA) by Kasie West is one of my favorite of hers. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but I related to this main character the most and it’s a summer road trip, so perfect for seasonal mood reading.
Never Saw You Coming (YA) is Erin Hahn at her best, challenging purity culture through the main character’s gap year and search for herself.
This Might Get Awkward (YA) is the delicious sort of cringe to read lake-side. Kara McDowell hits the mark in this “While You Were Sleeping” retelling.
The Getaway List (YA) is a summer set in New York right after the main character graduates high school. Emma Lord takes her prose wildly to the edge of conventional and makes you laugh and smile the whole way.
Get Lost in a Series
When you want to get sucked into a new world, check these out.
Truly Devious (YA) is a murder mystery series (5 books) I binged on audio. The reader is perfect. Fair warning: the most recent book was published in 2022, so I thought it was the last book in the series. It does not end like it’s the last book, however.
The Inheritance Games (YA) sucked me in immediately with puzzles, romance, and, of course, a race for a massive inheritance. (6 books, so far)
Belladonna (mature YA) is a lush, dark fantasy world that was dreamy to get lost in. (3 books)
Seafire (YA) is a trilogy about a band of female pirates. My feminist heart couldn’t get enough.
If You Need a Scare
I don’t usually read thrillers, but these are two I couldn’t pass up because of the setting and the gorgeous covers.
Under the Surface (YA) takes place in the catacombs of Paris. I had nightmares. Need I say more?
Lies Like Wildfire (YA) is about a wildfire that burns out of control in California. It’s the story my anxiety wouldn’t let me pass up. And made me put down several times.
For the Poetic
I adore a beautiful novel-in-verse such as these.
Wave (MG) will rip your heart out.
Sunrise Nights (YA) is a story of yearning that takes place over several years at summer camp.
An Appetite for Miracles (YA) is a heart-wrenching tale of love and generational healing.
Clap When You Land (YA) is the type of drama that novels-in-verse are supposed to be.
For the Visual
Getting into graphic novels? These are tops.
The Cardboard Kingdom (young MG) is fantastic for sparking summer-boredom creativity. Each book in the series takes place in a different season.
Continental Drifter (MG) is a gorgeous story about being Thai American and finding your place.
Next Stop (MG) features a bus tour while working through tough family issues.
Mexikid (MG) is an award-winner for a reason: it’s beautiful, laugh-out-loud humorous, and tender all at once.
Across a Field of Starlight (YA) is an inventive sci-fi tale featuring a nonbinary main character.
A First Time for Everything (cross between MG and YA) is a graphic memoir about Dan Santat’s school trip to Europe in the ’90s. He delivers.
Travel (literally or fictionally)
Who doesn’t love to be swept away by a new place?
Lei and the Fire Goddess (MG) is the perfect adventure to read together as a family before you visit Hawai’i. (2 books)
Braver (MG) is an epic journey through Tasmania with both lovable and scary animal characters.
The Paper Girl of Paris (YA) is a blend of historical and contemporary. You’ll fall in love with Paris through this one. (Jordyn Taylor has a similar novel coming soon set in Rome.)
Unnecessary Drama (mature YA) is downright hilarious and set in Melbourne. Nina Kenwood could also go in the first category for me—she’s a gem of an author.
Ex Marks the Spot (YA) takes the main character on a summer trip to Taiwan in search of her family history, with her enemy and potential inheritance to liven things up.
The Summer of Broken Rules (YA) takes you to Martha’s Vineyard for an annual game of assassin.
Let me know if you’ve read any of these or plan to pick them up. I always love to chat about books and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
*If you’d like adult romance recommendations, reply and let me know!
May you find relaxation as we move into summer.
Love, Heidi
