Teen
The Ultimate YA Summer Reading List
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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Out-of-This-World Reads:
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Aurora Rising
A group of misfits embarks on a wild-goose chase across the galaxy in this high-speed space thriller that’s impossible to put down. Monsters, conspiracies, and friendship — this book has it all.
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Skyward
More than anything, Spensa wants to become a pilot and defend her planet against the frequent attacks from alien starfighters. When she discovers the wreckage of an old battleship, she realizes that her dreams might be within reach.
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Nyxia Uprising
The much-anticipated finale to the Nyxia Triad series is finally here. Dive back into a galaxy filled with conspiracies, betrayals, and more twists than a pretzel. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, this summer is the perfect time to binge-read the trilogy.
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When You're Feeling Romantic:
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Field Notes on Love
Hugo just got dumped. Mae is an aspiring filmmaker. The two meet for the first time when they head off on a cross-country train trip together. Heartwarming and authentic, it’s the perfect read for a relaxing summer afternoon.
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Night Music
This forbidden romance between a self-made YouTube star and the daughter of a celebrated composer is sure to light up any summer. Music-lovers, in particular, will adore this symphonious rom-com set against New York City's classical music scene.
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If I'm Being Honest
In an effort to win her boyfriend back, Cameron decides to become a nicer person and make amends with people she's hurt. Loosely based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, this is a delightfully sweet and positive tale of redemption, self-discovery, and true love.
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Her Royal Highness
When Millie moves to a private boarding school in Scotland, she finds herself stuck with a high-strung princess for a roommate. The girls' initial dislike of each other gradually changes into friendship — and maybe something more.
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Books to Give You All the Feels:
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Hope and Other Punchlines
When Noah recognizes Abbi as "Baby Hope" from a famous photo taken during the September 11 terrorist attacks, he feels like fate brought them together. With some convincing, Abbi agrees to help Noah find answers about that tragic day and the photo that made her famous.
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How It Feels to Float
If you're looking for a moving story that explores themes of mental illness, grief, and love, pick up a copy of How It Feels to Float and follow Biz as she navigates a tumultuous coming-of-age. This heart-wrenching novel will stay with you long after you finish reading.
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Bridge of Clay
The five Dunbar brothers haven't seen their father in eight years. When he reappears and asks for help building a bridge, only the middle brother, Clay, agrees to go with him. Unforgettable and touching, Bridge of Clay is a must-read.
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Lovely War
Greek mythology and historical fiction collide in this lush and heartbreaking novel. In an attempt to assuage Hephaestus's anger over her infidelity, Aphrodite tells him about the lives of four young people as they fall in love during World War I.
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Reads to Keep You Up All Night:
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The Things She's Seen
A ghost, a grief-stricken father, and a mystery combine into a fantastical tale filled with secrets. This fast-paced thriller takes readers on a journey through a small Australian town and the darkness hiding beneath its surface.
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Two Can Keep a Secret
Put on your crime-solving cap and get swept away in this thrilling whodunit about a girl, a boy, and a string of unsolved murders. As threats and hints pile up, you'll be burning the midnight oil trying to finish the book before dawn.
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Four Dead Queens
When Keralie steals a package from Varin, they uncover a conspiracy to murder the nation's four ruling queens. The two teenagers combine forces to find answers about the deaths of the queens — and try to stay alive in the process.
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More Great Summer YA Reads
Looking for summer reading ideas for younger kids? Check out our 2019 lists for Kids Ages 3 – 5, Ages 6 – 8, and Ages 9 – 12.