I’ve always been a huge fan of contemporary young adult books, whether they take on darker topics or are more light and sweet. Although, of course, the following four novels deal with a range of issues, they’re also sweet and charming. I hope you enjoy these recommendations!
1.) THE NAMES THEY GAVE US BY EMERY LORD: I’ve always had a soft spot for summer camp books, and this one is no exception. It focuses on Lucy, a pastor’s daughter who seems to have a perfect life. She’s got great parents, a charming boyfriend, and a steady job at her church’s summer camp. One summer, though, that all changes. She breaks up with her boyfriend, her mom’s cancer comes back, and she takes on a new job at a summer camp for kids who have been through tough times. This book was light without being too light and dealt with a lot of important issues, like religion, LGBT+ topics, anxiety disorders, and teenage pregnancy, without getting too heavy. I really enjoyed this book!
2.) THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED BY BECKY ALBERTALLI: Practically everyone I know who loves YA has read Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, but I know way less people who have read Albertalli’s sophomore novel, which is a tragedy, because it’s so charming and cute. It focuses on Molly, a teenage girl who is all too familiar with unrequited love. As her twin sister, Cassie, falls head over heels in love with a cute new girl, Mina, Molly grows closer to Mina’s sweet and charming best friend, Will. It’s such a sweet and enjoyable read!
3.) EVERYTHING LEADS TO YOU BY NINA LACOUR: This is such a sweet and gorgeously written book! It’s a love letter to film, focusing on an aspiring set designer, Emi, who discovers a mysterious letter from a dead film legend that leads her to Ava, a relative of the famous actor. It’s both a love story in the literal sense (and one between two girls!) as well as a love story for film and family, and I really adored it.
4.) SAVE THE DATE BY MORGAN MATSON: I’ve always loved Morgan Matson’s cute and charming YA rom-coms, and this one is no exception! It follows Charlie Grant as her older sister gets married, which will bring the entire family together under one roof for the first time in several years. However, nearly everything goes wrong, and Charlie and her family are left to pick up the pieces. This was such a fun book!