Spring Break is next week, April 11-15, and whether you’re heading somewhere warmer than upstate New York or staying close to home, there’s plenty of time for a good read! Here are some popular picks for Beach Reads — no travel required!
The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody — Ryn, eighteen, trapped by a massive blizzard in the Denver airport, meets some unique characters who help her cope with survivor’s guilt on the first anniversary of her best friend’s death. “Enjoyable light romance with emotional baggage—call it an early winter beach read” (Kirkus Reviews). Get the Audiobook
The Disappearance of Sloane Sullivan by Gia Cribbs — A teenage girl in a witness protection deals with high school life, a shifting identity, and the consequences of a single, challenging decision. “While there are enough twists to fill the Lifetime movie this novel resembles…Cribbs excels at depicting complicated relationships and vulnerable characters. A solid beach read filled with love triangles and high stakes” (Kirkus Reviews).
Everything All At Once by Katrina Leno — When her struggles with anxiety worsen in the aftermath of a family death, Lottie is bequeathed a series of letters from her late aunt, a best-selling author, who leaves instructions to help Lottie overcome her fears and explore her own literary voice. “Told from Lottie’s point of view and through a series of letters written to Lottie from her aunt, this is a compelling novel and a wonderful story about loss, anxiety, love, and the importance of a life well lived. The perfect beach read for any teen” (School Library Journal). Get the eBook
Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss — Lacey Barnes has dreamed of being an actress for as long as she can remember. So when she gets the opportunity to star in a movie alongside one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, she doesn’t hesitate to accept the part. But Lacey quickly learns that life in the spotlight isn’t as picture perfect as she imagined. “Fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen will enjoy this lighthearted, wholesome romantic comedy” (School Library Journal). Get the Audiobook
The Girl Least Likely by Katy Loutzenhiser — Leading a double life as Sabrina, a funny-girl alter-ego that frees her to explore who she really is and what she really wants, teen stand-up comic Gretchen is torn between two boys as she learns to be her truest self. “A self-aware, meta rom-com with all the tropes delightfully delivered. Don’t mind the snowy setting — this is a charming, sunshiny beach read” (Kirkus Reviews). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings — Seventeen-year-old Lea Lane must navigate a complex web of friendships and relationships after she and her mother move into the guest cottage of the fabulously wealthy West family in Honolulu. “Wryly funny, generous-hearted, garnished with sun, surfing, and shave ice–a genuinely literary beach read” (Kirkus Reviews).
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland — Seventeen-year-old Cricket Thompson is planning on spending a romantic summer on Nantucket Island near her long time crush, Jay — but the death of her best friend’s mother, and her own sudden intense attraction to her friend’s brother Zach are making this summer complicated. “This is a natural beach read, but will easily win Howland year-round fans, too” (Publishers Weekly).
The Perfect Boy by Hailey Abbott — Sixteen-year-old Ciara Simmons, ready for a steady boyfriend, heads to Santa Barbara to spend the summer with her dad, and meets AJ, a disc jockey at a local club who, unfortunately, seems more interested in his music than in pursuing a love life. “An easy and enjoyable beach read…with characters that are authentic” (Kirkus Reviews).
Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories, edited by Stephanie Perkins — Twelve short stories about summer love, including stories by Libba Bray, Veronica Roth, and Cassandra Clare. “An intelligent beach read with heart, soul, and sizzle” (Kirkus Reviews).
This Is W.A.R. by Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker — A murdered victim’s initials spell the secret rallying cry that spurs four very different teenaged girls to pool their considerable resources and deliver their particular brand of vigilante justice. “The rapid buildup of suspense makes this one a great summer beach read” (School Library Journal). Get the eBook
Triple Moon by Melissa De la Cruz — Twin witches (and Norse goddesses) Molly and Mardi Overbrook are sent to North Hampton for the summer where they must learn to control their powers before the White Council exiles them to Limbo. “De la Cruz…mixes an epic story cycle and ancient legends with a summer beach romance, supernatural mystery, and teens-gone-wild tale” (Kirkus Reviews).
True Love, The Sphinx, and Other Unsolvable Riddles by Tyne O’Connell — While on a class trip in Egypt, two teenaged best friends from an American private boys’ school and two teenaged best friends from a British private girls’ school meet each other, and must endure many misunderstandings on their path to true love. “Enough romance — both personal and in the details about Egypt — to fuel this light diversion” (Publishers Weekly).
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks — 1996 was the year that changed everything for Maggie Dawes. Sent away at sixteen to live with an aunt she barely knew in Ocracoke, a remote village on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she could think only of the friends and family she left behind . . . until she meets Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. Now 39 and facing a sobering medical diagnosis, Maggie recounts the story of a love that set her on a course she never could have imagined. “Perennially best-selling Sparks has a ready audience, but anyone looking for a sweet story will be enchanted” (Booklist). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares — A beautifully written novel about love, class differences, and betrayal playing out over the course of a fractured American family’s Long Island summer. “This is quintessential Brashares (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) — introspective questions of heritage are tied together, ultimately, by the bonds of family and the magic of summer” (Booklist). Get the eBook