From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming fantasies, we’ve curated a list of seven must-read books for those long summer days. All of the summer reading books recommended are available in the school library, including a reading log.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther is a young-adult romance novel about 18-year old Meredith Fox, who returns to Martha’s Vineyard for her cousin’s wedding, her first trip back since her sister’s death. To honor her sister, Meredith agrees to play the family game Assassin, but her focus is disrupted when she forms an alliance with Wit, one of the charming groomsmen, leading to a summer romance amidst grief and family traditions. This blooming romance between Meredith and Wit feels like a heartfelt Taylor Swift song and a warm summer day on the beach.
Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews is a gothic horror standalone about Evandar, an orphan who inherits a mysterious, isolated estate with a carnivorous garden after his guardian’s death. Evandar is set on solving the mystery of his guardian’s murder, and he navigates dark family secrets, a deadly garden, and an obsessive relationship with his childhood best friend. I devoured C.G. Drews, Don’t let the Forest In, and when I saw their new equally unsettling botanical horror novel, I knew I had to read it. The eerie atmosphere and lush, yet chilling descriptions kept me hooked from the start. This haunting and deeply emotional novel is perfect for readers who enjoy dark, suspenseful stories with an unreliable narrator.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Payton is a Victorian-inspired fantasy-romance, the first in a duology. Ivy Benton, the main character, enters a competition for the hand of a fae prince in an attempt to save her family from ruin, all while navigating fae queen Mor’s wicked games. Queen Mor has tricked her way to the throne, and to maintain the illusion of benevolence, she grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire. The Rose Bargain is perfect for fans of The Selection Series by Kiera Cass and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. This book was the perfect whimsical and charming read, with swoon-worthy characters and unpredictable plot twists.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a contemporary fantasy novel about Linus Baker, a caseworker for magical youth, who was sent to investigate an orphanage on Marsyas supposedly housing six dangerous children. This book is known for its uplifting story of found family, love, and acceptance, blending humor into the serious tones of belonging and prejudice, while featuring an LGBTQ+ relationship. The charming island setting, uplifting fantasy escape, and found family make this book the perfect summer read.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman is a young-adult dystopia that thrusts readers into a world gripped by a deadly pandemic. All Better Now takes place after COVID-19, where the world is locked down by another pandemic, caused by a virus called Crown Royale. It behaves like a virus, spreading quickly and seizing lives, but those who contract it experience long-term contentment. Soon after infection, recoveries find stress, greed, and any other negative feelings gone. This story follows three compelling characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways to shape humanity’s future. In all of Shusterman’s novels, he makes you question what side of humanity you would be on, All Better Now will have you re-examining your morals, life choices, and relationships. Neal Shusterman’s dystopias are perfect for fans of The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven is a fantasy-romance about two souls, Evelyn and Arden, who are cursed to be reincarnated and fall in love, only for Arden to kill Evelyn before her eighteenth birthday. The story follows Evelyn as she struggles to break the curse before her fast-approaching birthday, attempts to remember her past lives, and resisting her fated love for Arden. This time-bending novel is perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab. The most intriguing part of this story was the mystery between Arden and Evelyn, the alternating chapters between the present time and past lives illustrate their tragic love story that spans lifetimes.
Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming shares the intriguing story of lost dreams, betrayal, and murder in Jonestown. This non-fiction biography focuses on the Jonestown Massacre, exploring how Jim Jones manipulated his 900 followers into committing “revolutionary” suicide. This book delves into the Peoples Temple, detailing the betrayal and tragic end of the community’s dream in the South American jungle. I appreciated Fleming’s choice of focusing on a few victims/survivors; she did a compelling job of showing how ordinary people can fall for a cult, illustrating the slow process Jim Jones used to manipulate followers.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a psychological thriller focusing on the wealthy, dysfunctional Sinclair family on their private summer island. The protagonist, Cadence, tries to remember her “mysterious accident” during her 15th summer, involving her cousins and friend Gat. The author’s use of descriptive imagery was creative and underlined the Sinclairs family greed and privilege. A TV series based on the book was released on Prime Video on June 18, 2025. The show has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 62%, with some viewers praising the “surprisingly good teen-drama”. I recommend reading We Were Liars, so you can fully appreciate the intended impact of its major twist.
