Here’s a great book list for upper grades. Don’t forget to send me summer selfies of you and your family reading!
The Ultimate YA Summer Reading List
by Dena McMurdie
Photo credit: Westend61/Getty Images
With the weather warming up and summer break looming, it’s time for everyone to get their hands on some good books. Even with jobs, friends, and vacations your teen is likely to have a lot of down time during the summer months. What more enjoyable way to spend those warm afternoons than with a book? Whether you are shopping for your teen or you’re a fan of YA yourself, this is a list of must-read books for this summer and the next.
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Good for a Laugh:
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Holding Court
The ultimate book for summer break, Holding Court is a hilarious teen read about a bad summer job, awkward moments, a tights-wearing crush, and … dead bodies. This light, outrageously funny read will have you laughing until your sides hurt. It’s perfect for an afternoon at the beach or a day by the pool.
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Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
If you somehow missed this blockbuster series when it first hit shelves, summer is the perfect time to catch up. This funny book accurately captures teen life, from steadfast friendship to young love. It’s a feel-good read with surprising depth and perception.
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Escape From Reality:
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The Glittering Court
In order to escape an arranged marriage, Adelaide disguises herself as her maid and enters the Glittering Court — a program to turn peasant girls into ladies. Adelaide’s upper-class identity is difficult to conceal and someone inevitably figures her out. With vivid characters and a forbidden romance, this is the start of a new series by the author that brought us The Vampire Academy.
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Lady Midnight
You’ve devoured all six books in the Mortal Instruments series and binge-read The Infernal Devices books and Tales From the Shadowhunter Academy. You watched the TV show with the same spellbound obsession you have for the books. There’s no question you’re a Shadowhunter — but with the show wrapped up for the season, how are you supposed to survive the summer? Lucky for you, Ms. Clare just kicked off a new series with her newest Shadowhunter novel, Lady Midnight.
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The Winner’s Kiss
Arin and Kestrel are back in the final installment of The Winner’s Curse trilogy. If you haven’t read these books yet, consider yourself lucky you can read them all at once. This series is action-packed and boasts a brilliant heroine that manipulates people, courtrooms, and politics.
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All the Feels:
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Remember to Forget
Wattpad sensation Ashley Royer tells the story of Levi, who hasn’t spoken since his girlfriend died. In desperation, his mother sends him to live with his father in America where he meets Delilah — a girl who gets Levi to open up. Brimming with deep emotions and flawed characters, this book will make you want a box of tissues nearby while you read.
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Everything, Everything
Maddy is allergic to just about everything. How does a girl that can’t leave home experience the world? Leave it to the cute boy moving in next door. This super sweet and triangle-free romance has great characters and a deeper underlying message.
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All the Bright Places
When a girl and boy meet in the bell tower of their school, they form an unlikely friendship. This book’s energetic and intelligent writing is a must-read for fans of The Fault in Our Stars. It’s one you’ll definitely want to read before it hits the big screen next year.
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Reading All Night Long:
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We Were Liars
Lies, suspense, and love abound in a riveting teen novel about a group of four friends. If possible, try to go into this bestseller without researching what it’s about, because you definitely won’t want to spoil it. Find somewhere comfortable and start reading — you won’t be able to stop!
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The Eye of Minds
If your teen loved The Maze Runner series, make sure to get your hands on James Dashner’s next sci-fi thriller. It takes readers deep into a society of powerful technology, hackers, and games that have real-world consequences, blurring the lines between real life and virtual reality.
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A Fierce and Subtle Poison
The house at the end of the street is cursed — at least, that’s what the señoras in the town where Lucas spends his summers say. A vivid foray into Puerto Rican superstition, magic, and mystery, this is a book that will grip you from the first sentence and keep you turning pages all night long.
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Throne of Glass
This is one bandwagon you need to get on, even if you have to sprint to catch up. The Throne of Glass series features a fantastical world full of deadly games, assassins, and royal intrigue. Fast paced and gritty, this series requires stamina (lots of late nights await!) and is not for the faint-hearted.
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Illuminae
If you thought the science fiction wave was over, think again. When their planet is invaded, Kady and Ezra are forced to evacuate, but their biggest threat doesn’t necessarily come from the enemy. Told through documents, files, and interviews, this book is the start of a new series that will keep you glued to the page.
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Young Love:
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Tell Me Three Things
As the new girl at a prep school, Jessie feels horribly out of place. When she gets an anonymous offer of help via email, she takes a chance and accepts. This sweet, mysterious romance will keep you guessing until the end.
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On the Fence
A tomboy, a summer job, and the boy next door make this romance the perfect summertime read. Charlie has always been more comfortable playing sports with her brothers than flirting with boys. Light and cheerful, On the Fence is about finding your place, facing your fears, and taking a chance.
