Summer Reading Starter Kit: Young Adult Novels

Lost in the Never Woods is a modern retelling of Peter Pan, where Wendy Darling must confront her past and team up with Peter to solve a series of child disappearances in her hometown. The story delves into themes of trauma, loss, and the challenges of growing up. It combines elements of fantasy and mystery, set against the backdrop of a small coastal town haunted by dark secrets.

Felix Ever After is a poignant and layered story about a Black, queer, and trans teenager grappling with identity and self-discovery while falling in love for the first time. The novel explores themes of transphobia, family dynamics, and the journey to self-acceptance. Through Felix's experiences, the book delves into the complexities of relationships and the importance of recognizing one's own worthiness of love.

In 'A Pho Love Story', Loan Le crafts a heartwarming tale of Linh and Bao, two teenagers from feuding families who own neighboring pho restaurants. As they navigate their blossoming relationship, they uncover the deep-seated reasons behind their families' animosity, leading to a journey of self-discovery and healing. The novel explores themes of identity, family expectations, and cultural heritage.

Solving for the Unknown is a sweet and emotional slice-of-life story about Vietnamese Americans Viet and Evie, who juggle family expectations with their desire to forge their own paths in college. As they navigate their lives, they find support and love in each other. The novel explores themes of identity, mental health, and cultural nuance.

I'll Give You the Sun is a heart-wrenching tale of twins Jude and Noah Sweetwine, whose lives are forever changed by a tragic event. The story alternates between their perspectives at different ages, exploring themes of family, art, and self-discovery. As they grow apart, they must confront their past and find a way to heal and reconnect.

In *Gearbreakers*, Zoe Hana Mikuta crafts a dystopian world where the tyrannical nation of Godolia uses giant mechanized weapons called Windups to maintain its oppressive rule. The story follows Eris Shindanai, a Gearbreaker rebel, and Sona Steelcrest, a cybernetically enhanced Windup pilot, as they navigate their roles in the war and develop feelings for each other. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a world dominated by violence and technology.

In 'Cemetery Boys', Yadriel, a 16-year-old trans boy, performs a ritual to prove himself as a brujo despite his family's resistance. However, he accidentally summons Julian Diaz, a ghost who refuses to leave until he resolves unfinished business. As they work together, Yadriel and Julian develop a deep connection. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and acceptance within a richly woven Latinx cultural context.

In 'Juliet Takes a Breath,' Gabby Rivera tells the story of Juliet Milagros Palante, a 19-year-old Puerto Rican lesbian from the Bronx. Juliet comes out to her family and then heads to Portland to intern with her favorite feminist author, Harlowe Brisbane. The novel explores Juliet's journey as she navigates her identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of white feminism and queer culture. It delves into themes of self-love, intersectional feminism, and the challenges of growing up, particularly for queer women of color. The book is praised for its honest portrayal of identity, relationships, and the struggles of finding one's place in the world.

In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.