We KNOW you’re going to stuff twelve books in your suitcase to take on your summer vacay. We recommend adding eight more to your packing list. Here are the YA paperbacks to not miss out on this summer!
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Just be grateful you aren’t vacationing to The Halfway!
About the book: In this darkly seductive New York Times bestseller, three sisters discover they are not all that they seem in this twisty modern-day fairy tale by critically acclaimed author Krystal Sutherland.
Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
The fantasy series you need to get in on ASAP because book 2 is coming SOON!
About the book: In this blockbuster fantasy series, perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and Iron Widow, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they journey into a magical jungle to hunt down a vicious monster.
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Your summer needs a tense enemies-to-lovers romance. It just does.
About the book: Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi’s wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
We wouldn’t recommend visiting the Marital Empire for your summer vacation. But we WOULD recommend taking a book about escaping it with you.
About the book: When Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
The romance all of #BookTok has been raving about, this read is a MUST if you haven’t picked it up yet!
About the book: Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can’t remember exactly when the feeling took root—that desire to look, to move closer, to touch. Whenever it started growing, it definitely bloomed the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. Suddenly everything seemed possible.
Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
The cover alone, amiright?
About the book: In this YA contemporary queer romance from the author of Hot Dog Girl, an openly gay track star falls for a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen with a penchant for fixing up old cars.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Read it before you see it! The movie is in production NOW!
About the book: John Green, the award-winning, international bestselling author of The Anthropocene Reviewed, returns with a story of shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.
They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman
Summer murder mystery: check!
About the book: From rising star Jessica Goodman, author of They Wish They Were Us, comes a new fast-paced thriller about two sisters vying for the top spot on their cross-country team—the only way out of their stiflingly small town. But their dreams are suddenly thrown into peril when a new girl threatens to take away everything they’ve worked for . . . until she disappears.
Legend by Marie Lu
If this beloved classic dystopian isn’t on your shelf yet, this is your sign the time has come!
About the book: In Legend, what was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths . . . Until June’s brother is murdered, and Day becomes the prime suspect.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
It’s basically like bringing a group of friends on vacay with you.
About the book: No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he’s got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect—until the night someone takes things too far.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
We’ll be real with you: this book is going to make you cry. A lot.
About the book: Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies, war. As thousands desperately flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom. But not all promises can be kept . . .
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
And don’t forget to catch the new Netflix adaptation after you read!
About the book: Nights have always been Auden’s time, her chance to escape everything that’s going on around her. Then she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, and he becomes her nocturnal tour guide. Now, with an endless supply of summer nights between them, almost anything can happen. . . .
The Truth About Forever and Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Hint hint: two summer romances in one!
About the book: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen, here are two books about exploring emotions, forgiving those who have wronged you, and learning to be better than you ever thought you could be.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Trust us: just read this one. It’s beautiful.
About the book: The radiant, award-winning story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, Becky Albertalli, and Adam Silvera