Here's a list of ten Young Adult novels that I believe are must reads and are perfect for summertime reading.
"99 Days" by Katie Cotugno
This novel deals with the realities of relationships and the consequences of our choices. Set in the summer, this novel follows Molly in the aftermath of the choices she made earlier in the year, and although it revolves around a teenage girl, Molly's, relationship with two brothers, this novel speaks truths that apply not only to teenage relationships, but to older adults as well. This novel deals with loyalties and what it means to own up to your mistakes and what it means to make peace and move on. It is a perfect read for the summer and it reminds us what love means and how tricky it can be sometimes.
"The Siren" by Kiera Cass
Even if you don't read much fantasy, there is a perfect balance between fantasy and reality in this novel. The Siren follows the life of a young, well you guessed it, Siren, who was saved in a boat wreck and now must serve the sea. This novel deals with love and differences that have the power to keep two people apart. It also addresses sacrifice and what it truly means to make a sacrifice. This read is perfect for those who love a little adventure and a lot of drama.
"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
This novel is perfect for young readers and older readers alike. It deals with the lives of a privileged family and the dark secrets that their personal vacation island holds. Cady returns to the island two years after an accident, and slowly she begins to realize that her life has changed more than she could even imagine. This read is perfect for readers who like suspense. It keeps you guessing until the very end.
"Since You've Been Gone" by Morgan Matson
This novel follows the lives of two best friends who are seemingly polar opposites. After Sloane disappears, Emily must step out of her shell in order to find the girl that completes her. This novel deals with love, change, and the lengths that someone will go to for the ones that they love.
"My Life Next Door" by Huntley Fitzpatrick
This novel deals with the realities of life. It circles around two neighboring families of totally different backgrounds and the love that blossoms between two teenagers. Their relationship is not an easy one and hits many bumps along the way including a secret that has huge impact in both of their lives. It is perfect for readers who love "forbidden" love, and it shows how differences don't matter as much as we think they do.
"The Boy Most Likely To" by Huntley Fitzpatrick
This novel revolves around the same family as "My Life Next Door Does." It deals with the realities of the pressure that expectations put on us and how people are capable of turning around their lives for the better. It shows that a family down on their luck can still survive despite their circumstances. This read is great for those who prefer more realistic fiction story lines that deal with the realities that many people face in life.
"The Tenderness of Thieves" by Donna Freitas
After tragedy strikes Jane and her family Jane is ready for a perfect summer, free of the worries she faced the past winter. Jane meets a boy that she never thought would notice her and her summer seems like it is going well, until her past is brought up and a huge secret is revealed. This read is perfect for people who like a little bit of mystery.
"All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
This novel deals with the all to real struggles of depression and mental illness. While it is not set in summer, "All the Bright Places" follows the lives of two teenagers that are both struggling with depression and other life happenings. Violet helps Finch feel like he is truly Awake and Finch helps Violet heal from an accident that forever changed her life. This is a must read for those who are drawn to more realistic teen fiction that deals with real life problems and struggles.
