Summer is my favorite season. It’s the time of possibilities, of sunshine, warmth and adventures. I love a good ya book set in summer so much, because it always seems to be filled with these endless possibilities, this time to reinvent yourself and more. I never really did a summer-themed ya books list on the blog, so I thought today could be that day!
In my book recommendations today, you’ll find stories about summer vacation going right -or wrong. Mostly wrong. Books about finding yourself, about daring to try, taking a chance, summer romance, family vibes and more. There’s a little bit of everything for every mood here, so… I hope you’ll find a book you love there!
You might also be interested in my sister’s wonderful post: Why are YA books always set in summer?
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Summer-Themed YA Books Recommendations
Between You, Me and the Honeybees, Amelia Diane Coombs
Josie’s passionate about beekeeping, the family’s business, but her mother is set on sending her to college. The arrival of the family’s long time rivals’s son makes this an even more complicated summer… An incredible contemporary about following your heart, falling in love, with great mother/daughter vibes and complex friendships.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Alex Approximately, Jenn Bennett
When Bailey moves to her father’s in California, she’s hesitant to tell her online crush she’s now living in the same town. When she lands a summer job at the local museum, she starts falling for Porter, its security guard and wonders… should she even tell her online crush where she is? A You’ve Got Mail retelling with adorable banter and romance, a book you’ll certainly read with a smile on your face.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This, Rachel Lynn Solomon
Quinn and Tarek’s families have been in the wedding business together for so many years… What’s another summer together ? Especially after the last time, when Quinn confessed her crush to Tarek via email ? More than a summer romance, We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This is about following, or not, your parents’ expectations and your dreams, about mental health (depression and OCD) and it’s just so, so good.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Girl Out of Water, Laura Silverman
Instead of spending the summer surfing, Anise is forced to go to Nebraska to help out her aunt after an accident. Between caring for her younger cousins and falling for Lincoln, a charismatic skater, Anise starts questioning where her own home really is and what really matters.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han
Belly’s always looking forward to summer, spending her days at the beach with Jeremiah and Conrad. This summer, however, promises to be different… An entertaining story about love, heartbreak and family!
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Loveboat Taipei, Abigail Hing Wen
When Ever’s parents send her to Taiwan for the summer, they don’t expect her to be thrown into a summer more about clubbing, drinking and having fun than learning Mandarin and calligraphy. A highly entertaining story about figuring out who you are, finding love and what you want vs. your parents’ expectations.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
My Life Next Door, Huntley Fitzpatrick
The Garretts are nothing like Samantha and her mother: they’re a loud, chaotic, big family living next door. When Samantha falls for Jase, one of the Garretts, they embark on a secret summer romance, but it won’t be without its dramas… This is a great, character-driven contemporary with a healthy romance, family drama and friendships.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Second Chance Summer, Morgan Matson
After receiving tragic news about her father’s health, Taylor and her family decide to spend the summer together in their summer house by the lake. Surrounded by friends she hasn’t seen in years, Taylor’s summer might just be one of second chances. A very emotional story about family, friendships and second-chances.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
We Were Liars, E. Lockhart
This is a book you should go into as blindly as possible. This is a story about a rich family on an island in the summer, this is a story with a twist that feels like getting hit by a bus.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
When Dimple Met Rishi, Sandhya Menon
Dimple’s ready to spend the summer at an aspiring web developer program, to be away from her mother’s expectations of her to find the “perfect husband”. Rishi’s excited at the idea of attending the same program…to woo his future wife, according to his parents. When the two finally meet… An adorable story about an arranged marriage not without its complications…and a lot of awkwardness and fun!
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
The Summer of Chasing Mermaids, Sarah Ockler
Far from her home in the Carribean, Elyse accepts her friend’s invitation to spend the summer in an Oregon seaside town…to forget about the boating accident that took her voice away. She’s hoping for a quiet summer until she meets Christian, a notorious playboy that challenges her to raise her voice despite everything…An amazing, empowering contemporary finding yourself, with a great characters and romance.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Since You’ve Been Gone, Morgan Matson
Right before what was supposed to be the best summer, Emily’s best friend disappears, leaving her a to-do-list. Determined to find her friend again, Emily starts following her clues, getting out of her comfort zone a little more at each item on the list…I love this contemporary about remembering YOU matter, what YOU can do on your own. Plus it has an ADORABLE romance.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
I’ll Meet You There, Heather Demetrios
Skylar’s determined to go to art school after the summer…until her mother loses her job. After losing his leg in Afghanistan, Josh is back to his hometown a different person. The two meet working at a quircky motel and, slowly, develop a friendship…A very emotionally charged, intense contemporary about love, loss, survivor’s guilt and your own dreams. I love it.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
The Square Root of Summer, Harriet Reuter Hapgood
This story follows Gottie, a seventeen-years-old in the summer after her grandfather’s death. As she struggles with her grief and her changing relationship with her best friend, she discovers that she’s losing time in the present, falling down wormholes into her own past… A bold mix of sci-fi and contemporary about grief and heartbreak.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
How To Make A Wish, Ashley Herring Blake
All Grace wants is to escape to music school in the fall and to survive her emotionally abusive mother and her new boyfriend… her ex boyfriend’s father. Then she meets Eva, a girl haunted by her own ghosts… An incredible story about family, friendship, romance, with great bisexual representation!
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
The Unexpected Everything, Morgan Matson
Andie’s summer is all planned out: get into medical school, spend time with her best friends but NOT with her Dad…until it all falls apart. An unexpected job as a dog walker, an adorable love interest, strong friendships you won’t forget: The Unexpected Everything is such a perfect summer read.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
You’d Be Mine, Erin Hahn
Superstar Clay Coolidge has to convince Country’s sweetheart Annie Mathers to join his summer tour…if he doesn’t want his label to drop him. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight ever since her parents died…but she agrees to go. When the fans start expecting them to have a relationship, things start to get a little complicated. A perfect summer book with amazing, passionate characters you’ll fall for.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Meet Me At Midnight, Jessica Pennington
Sidney and Asher have a tradition: every summer at the lake, they’re determined to win against each other for best prank ever. When their shenanigans gets them kicked out of their houses, they decide to team up to get their summer back… A hate-to-love romance with summer by the lake feels that’s so much fun to read!
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
You Say It First, Katie Cotugno
Meg has her life plan ready for her, until she makes a call from her summer job at at a voter registration call center and gets Colby on the line. Reeling from a family tragedy, Colby doesn’t answer in the best way, but from there starts a long-distance friendship…An amazing book about grieving, family, figuring it all out and more.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
You Have A Match, Emma Lord
When Abby signs up for a DNA test, she doesn’t expect to find about a…secret sister, only a year and a half older than her. To find out more about each other, they decide to meet at summer camp…A fun, Parent-Trap like story with friendships, best friends to lovers, family complications and a lot of fun!
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Panic, Lauren Oliver
Panic started out as a little game in the summer, something to keep them busy in this small town. Until it turned into something bigger, more dangerous, but with an impressive cash prize, too…A thrilling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
The Way You Make Me Feel, Maurene Goo
When Clara takes a prank too far, she’s sentenced to spending the summer with her father, helping out at the food-truck business with her classmate and archnemesis, Rose…This book has impressive character growth, wonderfully developed friendships and family vibes you’ll love!
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, Morgan Matson
Three months after the loss of her father, Amy’s mother decides to move them from California to Connecticut and asks her daughter to drive the family car all the way down, accompanied by the son of a family friend. The road trip across country won’t be without it load of surprises… A feel-good, giving-you wanderlust kind of book with great characters.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Peaches, Jodi Lynn Anderson
The three main protagonists in Peaches couldn’t be more different, but all of them got into trouble and sentenced to a summer peach picking at an orchard. This is a lovely read with a great focus on friendships.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Small Town Hearts, Lillie Vale
Babe’s excited about the summer ahead, working as a barista and being with her two best friends before they leave for college…But everything changes with a kiss, an ex-girlfriend and a quiet, cute artist coming to the sleepy coastal town… An adorable contemporary that’ll make you smile and yearn for the beach.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
Wanderlost, Jen Malone
Aubree’s ready for a relaxing summer…until she’s talked into taking her sister’s place at her summer job, leading a group of senior tourists through Europe. A lovely read about stepping out of your comfort zone, guaranteed to make you feel all the travel-feels.
☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
You might also be interested in: 10 YA Books I Can’t Stop Thinking About
📌 Pin 26 Summer-Themed YA books on Pinterest!
Did you read any of these books? Do you want to?
What are some books that made you tear up, cry, sob, gave you all the emotions? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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Kristin @ Kristin Kraves Books says
I’m so ready for all the summery reads! I cannot wait to read We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh I can’t wait for you to read it, it’s SO good! 😀
confessionsofayareader says
I think I’ve read 7 of those. I usually don’t pay much attention, but I tend to enjoy reading summer books. Great list!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Me neither! I usually realize after a little while -or when I compiled this list, for instance, just how many summer books there are that I read ahah 🙂
Maria @ The Character Study says
We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This sounds so cute and fun (and the cover is really pretty)
I read My Life Next Door a few years ago and I don’t remember anything except that I had a great time. I also read Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour not too long ago. I jumped in without expectations and it was fantastic!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
It was SO lovely, I hope you’ll give it a try! 🙂 And yay! I read both of these books a long time ago and really enjoyed them 🙂 Thank you so much!
tasya @ the literary huntress says
I’ve read a couple of books from this list, but there are still many others on my TBR! I always love summer stories about adventure or those that set in a beach/lake houses 😀
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh yay! I love these kind of stories SO much as well 😀 thank you!! <3
Books Teacup and Reviews says
I haven’t read any of these but now I’ll add some on my TBR. Great list!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so much!! 🙂
anovelglimpse says
I love that you included books that have been around for a while. I see so many I loved on your list.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ah yay, I’m so happy to hear that 😀
Melina Elisa says
I say this every time, but you honestly always get me to add more books to my TBR list! There are a lot of books from this list that I have read and loved, so I know for a fact that other ones I’ve added to my ever-growing list will also be just as good. Great post Marie ! xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh this always makes me so, so happy, thank you Melina <3
Sam@WLABB says
So many good books up there. I read 22 of them, and I would say they made me feel quite a bit. Second Chance Summer will forever be one of my biggest ugly cry books. I feel a tear coming on just thinking about it.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh yes, I feel the same way about Second Chance Summer. I can’t remember a book that made me cry this much. Such a good read.
Doreads says
Your book recommendations are the best <3
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahhhh thank you so much, this means SO much <3 <3
Doreads says
Your recs are the best <3
emme @ a literary latte says
So many books to add to the list!! Morgan Matson books are my fave summer contemporaries and I always reread at least one each year! Second Chance Summer made me ugly cry though so maybe not that one haha
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh yay! I love Morgan Matson’s books so much, they always make me happy. Well, except for Second Chance Summer, we can agree on that 😂😂
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
Summer might not be my favorite season, but I love reading all the summer-themed books 😄 I’m especially excited for Between You, Me and the Honeybees, We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This and (finally) You Have a Match ❤ I also love that you included How To Make a Wish, I love that book so much and I wish more people would read it!! 🥰
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahhh yay! I hope you’ll be able to read all of these, Caro, they’re fantastic and I think you’ll love them 😀 I agree. How To Make A Wish is such a great book <3
Thank you so much!
Allessandra the (Not-So) Great says
I’m so happy to see Morgan Matson’s books here. Her summer contemporaries are always so fun to read; I enjoy my time reading them so much that I actually don’t mind how big her books can be.
I wanna try out Jenn Bennett’s works soon. I’ve heard nothing but good things about her books. 😊
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I love Morgan Matson’s books, they’re always SO great. <3 I hope you'll love Jenn Bennett's books, I love them ALL so much! :)
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I loved so many of these summery reads. Summer can’t come soon enough for me. 🙂
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
YAY we agree on that ahah 😀
Margaret @ Weird Zeal says
Oh you’re getting me in the mood for summer! 😀 I’ve read almost none of these, but I love the sound of Alex Approximately, I’ll Meet You There, The Square Root of Summer, and Small Town Hearts. Thanks for adding to my summer tbr!!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahhh yay, I’m so happy I could make your TBR grow! I hope you’ll enjoy these 😀
Jayati says
Thank you for all the recommendations! I absolutely adored so many of the books that you’ve mentioned – Small Town Hearts, Second Chance Summer (basically all Morgan Matson books), My Life Next Dorr, and I could go on! I’m currently adding all the books I haven’t read to my Tbr so thanks again! Can’t wait to read them!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you, so happy you enjoyed them!! 😀
ashley @ socially awkward bookworm says
Great recommendation list, Marie! I seriously need to finally read Morgan Matson’s books. I own them all, no more excuses! haha.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so much Ashley! Ahhhh yes you should, they’re all amazing! <3