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An irresistible story about an ordinary Japanese-American girl who discovers that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan! Which means outspoken, irreverent Izumi Tanaka is literally a princess! In a whirlwind, Izzy travels to Japan and finds herself caught between worlds—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will she crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?
Hey friends! I don’t know about you, but I am feeling the summer vibes already, even if the season hasn’t technically started yet! I’m enjoying the farmer’s market, flowers, and all of the time I can steal away to read in the hammock!
To celebrate this unofficial start to summer, I thought I’d share some of my favorite recent books set in summer, plus some that are on my summer TBR!
Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson
Nala is looking forward to a fun summer hanging out with her friends and cousin Imani, watching shows and movies and eating ice cream. When she heads to an open mic night with Imani, she meets Tye, and she falls hard. The only problem? Tye is really into community activism and organization, and Nala sort of lets him believe she’s far more into those things than she really is. As their summer love progresses and her relationship with Imani falters, Nala will have to learn that the most radical love is self-love.
Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen
Codi and her two best friends Maritza and JaKory think their summer will be just like the last one (boring), so Maritza and JaKory come up with a plot to find love. Codi is less outgoing and not as certain about their plan, so she refuses to attend a party with them, only to have to come and bail them out later. But doing so connects Codi with Ricky, another queer teen, and they hit it off. Soon, Codi is fully absorbed into Ricky’s friend group and she has a new crush…but she hasn’t told her best friends about any of it. I loved that this book is about identity beyond coming out, and it portrays large friend groups so well.
With You All the Way by Cynthia Hand
Just days before her family leaves for a week-long trip to Hawaii, Ada finds out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Devastated, she’s dragged along on the family trip with her know-it-all older sister and eager younger sister, and a distracted mom. Worst of all? Their dad stays behind at the last minute. Ada knows this can’t be good for the family, but things go from bad to worse when she witnesses her mom having sex with another man. Suddenly Ada’s week in paradise is full of secrets and big questions about what the future holds.
Kings, Queens, and In Betweens by Tanya Boteju
Nima is a biracial teen lesbian who has had been struggling since her mom walked out on her and her dad. At the start of the summer, she and a friend head to their small town’s summer festival where Nima walks into a tent with a drag performance, and her life is changed. She connects with a queen named Deirdre, who takes Nima under her wing, and meets Winnow, a beautiful girl and drag king performer that makes her heart sing. As Nima enters into this exciting and complex world, she has to find the confidence to be herself, and face her own hurt.
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Lara has had a crush on Chase all throughout high school, and now her summer seems to be coming together perfectly when Chase finally notices her, too. But the only thing that is holding her back? The sudden reappearance of Jasmine, a fun and beautiful girl that she spent a perfect summer with, one that Lara hasn’t ever been able to banish from her mind. Chase could be Lara’s…but Jasmine is proving to be quite the distraction.
Not Our Summer by Casie Bazay
Becca and KJ are two estranged cousins who haven’t seen each other in ages, until they meet again at their grandfather’s funeral. Grandpa left them each an inheritance, but it comes with strings attached—they have to complete Grandpa’s bucket list, which entails them road tripping across the country. Together. They aren’t at all pleased about this development, but this summer of bucket lists and exploration gives way to a deeper understanding of each other and the feud that tore their family apart, and hopefully a way to mend that rift.
What are you reading this summer? I’d love to know! Hit me up on Twitter or Instagram!
Happy reading!
Tirzah
