What better time to pick up a few good books than during two whole months of warm weather and zero academic responsibilities? Summer break is the perfect opportunity for middle and high schoolers to dive into the books they didn’t have time to read during the school year. No more reading and analyzing texts chosen by their schools; instead, they can enjoy books that truly interest them and don’t feel like another homework assignment.
Let’s take a look at some amazing coming-of-age books that tweens and teens won’t be able to put down this summer!
Frazzled Series by Booki Vivat
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Frazzled is a three-book series about an anxious heroine attempting to survive middle school and all the troubles that come with it (yucky school lunches included). While these books aren’t exactly graphic novels, they do feature many drawings and doodles that add to their humor and positive spirit. This series is sure to make you laugh while also reminding you that it’s okay to feel uncertain and that every issue can be overcome with resilience. Additionally, the author, Booki Vivat, has extra Frazzled content on her website for tweens to enjoy!
“If you’re open to something on the lighthearted side with a lot of lively illustrations to go with, I would totally recommend reading this book!” – Author Clairs Lam
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Trigger Warning: This book contains triggering topics such as body shaming, bullying, food-related abuse, and racism.
Age Range: 10 – 13 years
Starfish takes us through the story of Ellie, a middle schooler who’s been body-shamed for years. Ellie finds sanctuary in the pool, where she feels weightless and free to take up all the space she wants. In this novel-in-verse, Ellie embarks on her journey towards self-acceptance and confidence. This book teaches young readers of lessons crucial in today’s body-shaming world, including the importance of body positivity and empathy.
“Once readers start, it will be difficult for them to put this book down. Ellie’s story is heartbreaking and raw at times, and Fipps paints a realistic picture of bullying in a world that equates thinness with beauty.” – School Library Journal
Bad Best Friend by Rachel Vail
Age Range: 10 – 13 years
Rachel Vail’s Bad Best Friend brings us realistic middle school experiences that many may find relatable. After Niki’s best friend chooses a popular kid over her in gym class, Niki has to figure out who her real friends are. While dealing with those issues, she also has to juggle family struggles, such as her brother’s autism and her mother’s denial of the fact. Overall, Bad Best Friend is a sweet story that emphasizes the importance of real friendship, supportive family, and self-discovery for middle schoolers.
“The conflicts, though numerous, do not make this a ‘problem’ novel but rather an insightful look at the dramas surrounding students in middle school. Readers will see good and bad elements of the many characters, just like real life, and will be curious to understand their behaviors.” – School Library Journal
Dungeons and Drama series by Kristy Boyce
Trigger Warning: This series contains triggering topics such as medical content, grief, death, and bullying.
Age Range: 12 – 17 years
The Dungeons and Drama series consists of two standalone YA romances revolving around Dungeons & Dragons. In Dungeons and Drama, theater kid Riley and game shop employee Nathan come up with a deal: he covers her shifts, and she flirts with him at his DND games to make his crush jealous. But things don’t go according to plan, and real feelings arise. Dating and Dragons follows Quinn, an avid DND player navigating a new high school and a new DND club. Things get complicated when she begins to harbor a crush on one of the members, but a club rule keeps them from dating. Both books offer fun, swoon-worthy stories perfect for romance and role-play lovers.
“Gamers and nongamers alike will find much to enjoy in this sweet romance.” − Kirkus Reviews
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Trigger Warning: This book contains triggering topics such as suicidal ideation, death, grief, and racism.
Age Range: 12 – 17 years
We Were Liars is perfect for teens who fancy psychological thrillers and summer vibes. The story follows a young woman struggling with memory loss as she tries to piece together what happened on her family’s private island two years ago. As the book unfolds, so do lies. Now is the perfect time to read this book, as the series adaptation will be coming out on Amazon Prime on June 18th. This mind-boggling story is one you won’t want to miss!
“If you like the sound of a story filled with family secrets and mystery, with a dash of romance, then I really recommend giving it a go.” – The Guardian
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Trigger Warning: This book contains triggering topics such as racism, ableism, abuse, bullying, and transphobia. Please read a full list of trigger warnings prior to purchasing.
Age Range: 13 – 18 years
Rowell’s Eleanor & Park is an iconic coming-of-age book that features organic characters and their realistic challenges. The novel is about two outcasts who first bond over their interest in pop culture. The story evolves into a beautiful tale about family issues, first love, and self-discovery. Eleanor & Park is the perfect read for teens who love a heartfelt romance with a hefty amount of angst.
“Eleanor and Park is a beautifully crafted masterpiece of a book. Rainbow Rowell has truly outdone herself and in my opinion this is her best writing so far.” – The Guardian
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Trigger Warning: This book contains triggering topics such as abuse, sexual assault, depression, and more. Please read the full list of trigger warnings prior to purchasing.
Age Range: 14 – 18 years
We simply could not make a list of coming-of-age books without featuring The Perks of Being a Wallflower because it truly deserves all the praise it gets. This novel is narrated through intimate letters written by Charlie, a shy wallflower in his freshman year of high school. Charlie tries to navigate adolescence and all the challenges that come with it while grappling with his tragic past. The valuable life lessons presented in this book and the beautiful writing make this a must-read book for every teen and young adult.
“Whatever your age, your sexuality, your journey, or your story, you WILL take something from this book. It has the power to resonate and leave an impact, regardless of who you are.” – Medium
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Trigger Warning: This book contains triggering topics such as racism, sexual assault, sexism, and more. Please read the full list of trigger warnings prior to purchasing.
Age Range: 16+
A Thousand Splendid Suns is an impactful and tragic story about resilience, love, and politics that will stick with you forever. The novel takes place in Afghanistan and spans from the Soviet occupation to the Taliban rule. Mariam and Laila, two women whose lives intertwine under tragic circumstances, are depicted as they navigate marriage, war, love, abuse, and sacrifice. Hosseini’s beautiful writing and intimate characterization are sure to leave you heartbroken yet hopeful.
“By the end you are not only left with a tear, but with a fire lit within. It is above all a story of hope and of life, the heroism that comes with love and the inevitable strife that comes with living. Inspirational, outstanding, every man and women must read this tale.” – The Guardian
There’s a book out there for every tween and teen, and these are just a few of our favorites. No matter what you choose to read, let’s make this a summer filled with great reads!
Want some more summer coming-of-age recommendations? Read our article: Summer’s Crucible: Exploring Self-Discovery in Coming-of-Age Stories.
If you’re looking for the next book on your TBR, check out our Adventures Beyond Pages: A Young Adult Journey collection!
