The Best YA Books to Read This Summer from the 2021 Summer Reading Guide

Summer is the perfect time to dive into exciting, heartwarming, and thought-provoking young adult books. Whether you love historical fiction, contemporary adventures, or high-stakes fantasy, this 2021 Summer Reading Guide Young Adult Books category has the perfect book for you. From a daring adventure aboard the Titanic to a fierce competition for survival in an apocalyptic world, these books explore identity, resilience, love, and the courage to chase your dreams.

The 4 Best Young Adult Books

These captivating YA reads feature strong protagonists, thrilling adventures, and themes of self-discovery and resilience.

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

A gripping historical adventure set aboard the doomed Titanic.

Val has a third-class ticket and a plan—she’s sneaking aboard the Titanic to reunite with her twin brother, Jamie. With dreams of joining the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, she hopes to impress the right people in New York. But when disaster strikes, Val must fight against the odds to survive.

A beautifully written historical novel with a daring heroine, sibling bonds, and heart-racing tension, perfect for fans of Code Name Verity and The Downstairs Girl.

You can get a copy of Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee on Amazon.

From Little Tokyo, With Love by Sarah Kuhn

A heartfelt contemporary adventure about identity and belonging.

Rika has always felt like an outsider—a half-Japanese girl raised by her aunts after her mother’s death. But when she meets famous actress Grace Kimura at a festival, she begins to suspect that Grace might be the mother she never knew. With the help of Hank, a charming and unexpected ally, she embarks on a wild journey across Los Angeles to uncover the truth.

A joyful, romantic, and adventurous story about family, culture, and self-discovery, perfect for fans of found-family narratives and loveable heroines.

You can get a copy of From Little Tokyo, With Love by Sarah Kuhn on Amazon.

The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons

A tender and empowering sports romance.

Spencer, a biracial transgender teen, is starting over at a new school and finally feeling safe enough to be himself. But when a school rule forces him to reveal his gender identity to keep playing on the soccer team, he must decide whether to fight for his rights or blend into the background. Meanwhile, he’s falling for a teammate whose ultra-religious family has no idea he’s gay.

A powerful, hopeful, and heartwarming story about love, acceptance, and the courage to stand up for yourself.

You can get a copy of The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons on Amazon.

Girls at the Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson

A breathtaking, high-stakes fantasy set on the brink of an apocalypse.

In a world destined to flood, only a few people are guaranteed survival. When Natasha, a skilled aerialist in the Flyers, learns that her people won’t be saved, she’s forced to compete for the King’s hand—the only way to secure a future for her troupe. But as secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Natasha must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect those she loves.

A fierce, feminist adventure with powerful world-building, Girls at the Edge of the World is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Grace Year.

You can get a copy of Girls at the Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson on Amazon.

Which YA Book Will You Read First?

Have you read any of these books? Which one are you adding to your summer reading list? Let’s chat in the comments!