At the start of the summer, I had all these grand plans of lists to share and updates to post… and then reality hit like a stack of overdue library books. Don’t get me wrong– I had a great summer, but it was a much busier summer than I predicted. Between family responsibilities, work, and my out-of-control review calendar (Yep, I’m still struggling to say yes to fewer books. It was much easier before I knew so many irresistible books were coming out!), most of my glorious plans went out the window.
Now that school is back in session, I’m ready to catch up a bit on things I missed. One such thing was a most-anticipated summer release post. Obviously, now that summer is done, I’ve read my summer books. The good news is that instead of telling you about books I haven’t read yet that might be amazing, I’m here to talk about the books that lived up to my anticipation. Here are 24 of the best young adult books I read from summer 2023.
Best Young Adult Books I Read From Summer 2023
Andy and the Extroverts by Jessica K. Foster
What you need to know: Concerned about Andy’s isolation and refusal to make new friends, her parents force her to attend leadership camp. There, Andy must navigate actual outdoor activities and enthusiastic camp counselors… without her morning coffee. This delivered all the fun summer camp vibes I was looking for.
Published: May 16, 2023 | My Review
Limitless Roads Café by Samantha Picaro
What you need to know: When the café where Kinsey works faces permanent closure, she reluctantly teams up with her former best friend and the girl who landed a prized internship in order to plan a fundraiser to keep the café’s doors open. A main character with autism by an author with autism. I loved the commentary on ableism and the centering of multiple characters with disabilities. Great summer job vibes.
Published: May 30, 2023 | My Review
Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes
What you need to know: After the tragic loss of her perfect boyfriend, Hart, Ruby can’t figure out how to move on. When a cosmic mix-up leaves Hart’s soul trapped inside the body of the school bully, he’s determined to find a way to convince Ruby to give him another chance. The cover copy compared this one to YOU’VE REACHED SAM by Dustin Thao. A sweet second-chance-at-love story.
Published: June 6, 2023 | My Review
Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
What you need to know: When Wren overhears a boy being bullied for getting catfished, she decides to pretend to be the girl he was supposed to meet. Fake dating, secrets, summer romance, dogs… what’s not to love in Kasie West’s latest novel?
Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review
Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
What you need to know: Torn between spending the summer in NYC with her dad or in LA with her mom, Natalya lives out both lives and summer romances in alternating chapters in the book. A SLIDING DOORS rom-com perfect for a poolside afternoon.
Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review
Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills
What you need to know: An overworked baker’s apprentice with an outdated magical skill, a bounty hunter with a perfect memory for details, a troll with zero patience for nonsense, and a prince known for his well-intentioned follies embark on a quest to unmask a plot against the crown. Something about this book gave me THE PRINCESS BRIDE vibes in the best way. My top favorite book of the summer!
Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review
You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
What you need to know: At a theme park celebrating slasher films, a true killer strikes, leaving Charity and her friends scrambling to escape before the killer strikes again. Honestly, is there anything Kalynn Bayron can’t write? I ate this one up in one sitting.
Published: June 20, 2023 | My Review
Ode to My First Car by Robin Gow
What you need to know: After Claire totals her first car, she feels adrift. In letters to her car, she shares her blossoming feelings for her best friend and her quest for romance and autonomy from her watchful parents. A powerful novel in verse.
Published: June 20, 2023 | My Review
The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade
What you need to know: A missing sister returns, but her behavior is… odd. Casey can’t figure out if Sutton is playing a game or truly processing trauma. Unraveling her sister’s secrets takes Casey on a journey into a darkness she may not be ready to face. A brilliant debut on sisterhood, family connections, and power. Another summer favorite for me.
Published: June 27, 2023 | My Review
Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story by Sarah Myer
What you need to know: A Korean-American girl adopted by white parents faces bullying and racism growing up in a mostly white, rural Maryland town. Evocative illustrations and honest storytelling make this one a must-read.
Published: June 27, 2023 | My Review
A Song of Salvation by Alechia Dow
What you need to know: A reincarnated god tasked with saving her people, a pilot filling the void of familial rejection with dangerous missions, and a podcast celebrity who’ll do anything to speak truth to power embark on a quest to save the universe from total destruction. Dow’s writing is always immersive, and her stories engaging. This one is no exception!
Published: July 11, 2023 | My Review
A Warning About Swans by R. M. Romero
What you need to know: SWAN LAKE meets THE LAST UNICORN by way of the Brothers Grimm. A girl with a cloak that transforms her into a swan who must guide spirits to their resting place. A boy who will use her power to make dreams real. An artist who paints truths no one else can see. A lush, fantastic novel in verse by the author of THE GHOSTS OF ROSE HILL.
Published: July 11, 2023 | My Review
All That’s Left to Say by Emery Lord
What you need to know: Leave it to Emery Lord to write a book that turned me inside out emotionally and kept me coming back to every page for more. Powerful, raw, and honest. Have your tissues ready.
Published: July 18, 2023 | My Review
Clementine and Danny Save the World (And Each Other) by Livia Blackburne
What you need to know: A teen blog writer and a boy trying to save his family’s tea shop. Rivals to lovers romance. This one pretty much had me at “You’ve Got Mail with a YA twist.”
Published: July 18, 2023 | My Review
House of Roots and Ruin (Sisters of the Salt #2) by Erin A. Craig
What you need to know: The youngest sister from HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS leads this perilous journey to an estate tangled with dangerous, disturbing secrets and a slowly blossoming tale of first love. I liked this one better than the first book in the series.
Published: July 25, 2023 | My Review
The Reunion by Kit Frick
What you need to know: Four teens gather in a family reunion at a Mexican resort. One of them will not make it home afterward. Filled with secrets and lies, this one kept me on my toes until the very last page.
Published: August 29, 2023 | My Review
Guardians of Dawn: Zahra by S. Jae Jones
What you need to know: A girl with forbidden magic may be the only one who can stop an outbreak of demon possession among her people. A beautiful East Asia-inspired fantasy landscape with fantastic characters. I loved it!
Published: August 29, 2023 | My Review
Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph
What you need to know: Five friends with secrets they’re desperate to keep. An unknown person poised to reveal them. Great stakes and tension with characters I enjoyed. A good pick if you’re looking for a Halloween read.
Published: August 29, 2023 | My Review
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
What you need to know: Tired of her talent being overlooked, Laure makes a deal with an ancient god of blood– all of her in exchange for the power she needs to rule the Paris ballet. I enjoyed seeing the tense horror elements blended with the high-stakes, high-pressure ballet world. This author is either a former dancer or did their research really well!
Published: August 29, 2023 | My Review
Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu
What you need to know: A young inventor joins a colony on Mars working with a pioneering Artificial Intelligence scientist. There, she falls for an AI and begins exploring questions of freedom and autonomy. Breathtaking illustrations and a moving story.
Published: August 29, 2023 | My Review
What Were Your Favorite Young Adult Books of Summer 2023?
So, these are simply the best young adult books I read from summer 2023. What are yours? Did you read any great books over the summer this year? Are there great books I should add to my reading list? Leave a comment and let me know!