Teen
The Ultimate YA Summer Reading List — 2018 Edition
by Dena McMurdie
I take full advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures that come with summer. After all, summer is the perfect time to lounge on the beach, on the patio, or at the park with a book.
Whether you’re hoping to discover some fabulous debuts or read a new story from a favorite author, there is no shortage of good YA titles to read this summer. With ten school-free weeks at your disposal, it’s the perfect time to catch up on all that reading you couldn’t do during the busy school year. Here are some of the best YA books to read this summer.
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Books to Explore the Extraordinary:
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Ash Princess
If you loved Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, you won’t want to miss this young adult fantasy novel. With an evil tyrant, a captive queen, and a love triangle that’s oh-so-delicious, this book has everything you need in a riveting weekend read.
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Children of Blood and Bone
Get ready for the instant bestseller that won over the hearts of readers everywhere. This West African-inspired fantasy is full of magic, vivid characters, and a star-crossed romance that will keep you glued to every intense page.
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The Evolution of Claire (Jurassic World YA Novel)
Claire Dearing is a young college intern at the not-yet-open Jurassic World theme park. In addition to dealing with deadly prehistoric beasts, Claire also tackles the rumors, romance, and mystery that prevail at the park. This prequel novel is a must-read for any “Jurassic World” fan!
(On Sale: 6/26/2018) -
The Smoke Thieves
From the author of the Half Bad trilogy comes a new YA fantasy full of dark magic, forbidden romance, alliances, and betrayals. Perfect for A Song of Ice and Fire fans, this novel centers on five characters whose destinies intertwine in surprising and magical ways.
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Reads to Keep You Up All Night:
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The Disappearance of Sloan Sullivan
If thrillers are your thing, snatch up this fast-paced mystery. A life on the run, secret identities, forbidden romance, and more twists than a bag of pretzels will have you checking over your shoulder as you read. This addictive novel will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
(Available: 5/29/2018) -
Genuine Fraud
If you’re in the mood for a summer read that will blow your mind, then look no further. Genuine Fraud is a gritty thrill ride that will have you questioning everything. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the story takes a turn that will leave you reeling.
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Nyxia
Divergent meets Illuminae in this high-stakes science fiction thriller that’s quickly becoming a reader favorite. It’s about a group of teens competing for the chance to mine a substance called Nyxia on a newly discovered planet. The sequel, Nyxia Unleashed will be published this July.
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Undead Girl Gang
When three girls die under suspicious circumstances, Mila decides to use her amateur witch skills to investigate. She accidentally brings all three girls back to life and launches an uproarious and creepy campaign to find their killer.
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Books to Make You Laugh:
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Always Never Yours
Utterly binge-worthy, this is a story about the theater, a girl, and her hilarious yet heartbreaking love life. Every boy she dates falls head-over-heels in love with someone else, but Megan is not giving up. Witty banter and endearing characters make this high school romance a delight to read.
(On Sale: 5/22/2018) -
Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
For teens that enjoy true stories about family, sisterly bonds, and ’90s trivia, Sara Saedi’s memoir will strike a chord. At 13, Sara learns that she’s an illegal immigrant in the United States. Along with the fear of deportation, Sara also deals with regular teen drama like prom dates and unibrows.
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Royals
If you're looking for a lighthearted romp, snag this tale of romance and mayhem from the author of Rebel Belle. With a royal prince, his mischievous younger brother, a secluded castle, and girl who refuses to follow the rules, this is a book you don’t want to miss.
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The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik
A teenage boy’s life turns upside down after an incident with hypnosis in this strange and charming novel. You'll love this weird, geeky, remarkably funny tale with loads of pop culture references and enough twists to keep you guessing what might happen to Noah next.
(On Sale: 5/22/2018)
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Reads to Give You All the Feels:
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The Beauty That Remains
Music, loss, and love collide in this heart-wrenching novel. For three teenagers suffering from heartache and grief, the things they love no longer provide the respite from life they long for. Keep a box of tissues handy when you read this debut.
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I Have Lost My Way
When three lost teens meet in New York City, they find comfort in each other. Gayle Forman's newest novel is a quick, heartfelt read that will restore your faith in the magic of human connections and relationships.
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More Great YA Reads for Summer
Which YA books are you looking forward to reading this summer? Tell us about them in the comments!