You might be used to scrolling your phone’s social media apps and liked, reshared, and posted to your heart’s content, or you might have watched your favorite movies and shows. While there’s nothing wrong with that, why not try doing something else than constantly looking down your phone all day? How about a summer reading list?
There are plenty of books for teens out now or are coming soon! Set aside your phone or any gadget for a while and enjoy some reading time.
Here are some books you could add to your summer reading list.
1. Kent State
Kent State centers around the Kent State University shooting that took place in 1970. Deborah Wile makes use of some artistic license by writing the novel in a free-verse format, though it still goes through what happened at the time.
Several points of view take the spotlight — from the Vietnam War facing protest to the fights taking place between the student protestors and the Ohio National Guard. The survivors from the event recall what went wrong at the time of the controversial incident.
2. Layoverland
Gabby Noone’s novel revolves around Beatrice searching for the cause of her death at 17. It also focuses on our protagonist in an afterlife setting that’s just a waiting room for the dead. While everyone else sticks around to determine if they’d go to heaven, Beatrice instead goes over what could have caused her death from a car crash. She witnessed how the things she does affect everyone else in this story.
3. This Boy
Lauren Myracle wants readers to learn about how mixed students feel with high school. Paul Walden shares his four-year experience in a manner that’s both humorous and serious. You could think of this as Paul acting self-deprecating for the sake of making his readers laugh. Despite the mixed attitude, Paul does not hold back. He discussed the struggles that a high school student goes through, from the haunting nature of social issues to the effects done from drug use and losing loved ones.
Source: Shutterstock4. Loveboat, Taipei
This novel is perfect for any teenage Taiwanese American readers out there. However, it’s still a great read even if you’re not in that specific ethnicity. Loveboat, Taipei is written by Abigail Hing Wen. It features some of the most exciting stories found in this list with its mix of fun, drama, and culture. Readers are introduced to Chien Tan, a worldwide cultural program that several teens learn from along with the rest of Taiwanese history.
5. 19 Love Songs
19 Love Songs consists of short stories from some of the older works of its author, David Levithan. Its primary focus (or focuses) are LGBT characters that go in detail with what goes through their minds while they go through their tense desires. While it may have bits of profanity and sex, the main point of the book is to share a message that readers can relate with. That is to never be afraid of their sexual orientation while also remembering that identities are not different from each other when it comes to love.
6. Incendiary (Book 1)
Written by Zoraida Cordova, Incendiary goes over a world reminiscent of Spain. A woman uses her powers to protect those around her when her town’s king decides to wreak havoc left and right. It’s more than a violent story, however. It encourages readers to learn more about the Inquisition-era of Spain.
7. The Perfect Escape
Two teens, Nate Kin and Kate Anderson, face off against zombies in a contest to win a buttload of cash. In the game, they shoot robotic zombies with stun guns and a few other weapons. To make things a little more interesting, the author creates a bit of tension between Nate and Kate. The story also has a strong use of language and drug references here and there. Suzanne Park’s book is one where readers will debate whose side they’re on.
8. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Holly Jackson introduces readers to Pippa. She is a senior student working on a project about the murder of a student from five years ago. Her detective work will determine if the death of the same student is connected to the suicide of a boyfriend that also took place around the same time. With suspects including students, staff members, and some outsiders, Pippa will reveal their dark secrets as she brings all the dots together.
9. Yes No Maybe So
If you’re familiar with the New York Times, you might have come across Becky Albertalli or Aisha Saeed. They worked together to create the teen novel Yes No Maybe So. This book puts a teenage couple in a setting where political campaigns are everywhere. Jamie Goldberg and Maya Rehman are both from different racial backgrounds, but they still make for a great team and perhaps even more.
Source: Shutterstock10. Saving Savannah
Tonya Bolden’s latest novel takes place after WWI, where the main character Savannah steps into several movements that took place at the time. From the protests that occurred to the harsh treatment of black people, this novel feels like an autobiography. But that’s not a bad thing.
11. Jane Anonymous: A Novel
When a stalker kidnapped Jane, she described what it’s like to be in isolation for so long. She narrated how her stalker and kidnapper drugged. Thankfully, the novel gives readers advice on what to do when they’re in danger. In sum, Laurie Faria Stolarz’s new book crosses between being dark with the topic of stalkers/rape and reminding you to not let your guard down.
12. Just Breathe
You’ll shed a few tears as you dig into Cammie McGovern’s emotional novel. Terminal illnesses are no laughing matter. But its couple, one with cystic fibrosis and the other with chronic depression, are willing to stick together.
13. Chosen: Slayer, Book 2
Kiersten White’s latest chapter in the Chosen: Slayer series is reminiscent of many supernatural TV shows. Its characters were killing demons and vampires, as well as keeping the interactions tense throughout the book. Even Nina, the protagonist of the series, has moments where her guilt haunts her and how she protects her friends.
14. Verona Comics
The name of Jennifer Dugan’s novel may sound like an actual comic imprint. But it’s actually a novel that involves a couple that met in a comic shop. The story’s not quite as smooth in terms of content. The two teens come from families that are against each other, and they also become victims of a car accident.
15. Be Not Far From Me
Author Mindy McGinnis depicts her novel’s main character, Ashley Hawkins, as a no-nonsense girl. However, she suddenly does a 180 the moment she sees her boyfriend having sex with another girl. Upon witnessing the intercourse, she departs from everyone to the extent that she’s suddenly lost in the woods. When her ankle breaks from a fall, Ashley uses what little survival skills she’ll need to stay alive until she’s rescued.
From fiction suited to teens to romance that tugs the heart of today’s youth, these 2020 releases should not be missed if you’re hooked on reading in the summer. You’ll even want to set your phone and game controller aside if some of these books keep you interested regularly.
