With so many amazing new Summer book releases, our #TBR pile is threatening to tip over. If you're looking for stories to transport you to new places during the hot Summer months, these YA books will be the perfect fit for a day at the beach or even an afternoon spent basking in the coolness of your AC.
Best Summer YA Books 2018
10 Exciting Summer YA Book Releases
My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows (Out June 26)
If you're a fan of classic literature, this follow-up to New York Times bestseller My Lady Jane should be at the top of your reading list. In this stand-alone novel, young Jane Eyre takes on a ghost hunting mystery along with hopeful author Charlotte Bronte and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood. When a teacher is murdered, it's up to Jane and her crew to investigate the case and find out what really happened. Through a twist of events, Jane will find that she has a higher calling than she had ever expected.
Royals by Rachel Hawkins
Daisy Winters enjoys spending her days working her job at the local Walmart, but in Royals, her world is about to be flipped upside down as she's forced to move into a castle in Scotland with her sister and her future brother-in-law, the Crown Prince of Scotland. Now being taught the ways of royalty and how to rightfully conduct herself in public, Daisy does everything she can to escape the pressures of the spotlight. But a new potential for love is on the horizon, and Daisy can't help but fall for the man she's trying her best to despise. Royals is the perfect Summer read for fans of Sarah Dessen.
Sea Witch by Sarah Henning (Out July 31)
Evie hasn't been the same since losing her best friend Anna, spending her days mourning her late friend in her small fishing town. But Evie's life quickly turns around when she meets a girl who closely resembles Anna, and before too long, the fast friends cross paths with two captivating princes, bringing with them the hope for newfound happiness. Before Evie knows it, she's been brought into a game of intense magic, but the consequences for saving both her new friend and her new love will be detrimental. A cross between Wicked and The Little Mermaid, this is the YA read you'll want to keep in your beach bag this Summer.
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson (Out May 22)
Gillian Flynn fans rejoice — this Summer YA release will give you major chills. Claudia's best friend, Monday, has vanished, but no on else seems to be worried about her whereabouts or finding the missing girl. Claudia knows that Monday wouldn't leave her to face the horrors of high school alone, and as she begins her search, it becomes clear that both Monday's mother and sister are keeping a big secret. Can Claudia come to her friend's rescue or is there something more sinister going on that will threaten to take her as well?
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Who Are You, Trudy Herman? by B.E. Beck
It's 1943, and Trudy Herman and her family have just been placed in a German-American Internment Camp in Texas. Spending two years facing injustice and summoning up the courage to stand up for herself and others, Trudy soon finds herself in Mississippi with her family and a tragedy surrounding the family's black housekeeper, leading to Trudy making a tough decision. This new YA novel is a true testament to what it means to be brave and do the right thing no matter what's going on in the world around you. If you're looking for an impactful read this Summer, you'll want to pick up Who Are You, Trudy Herman? ASAP.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen (Out July 31)
Justina Chen's latest novel dives into what it's like to live with an unexpected and life-altering allergy to sunlight — a condition that will shake up Viola Li's world forever. After returning from a trip abroad, Viola is suddenly unable to stand any natural sunlight, causing her parents to go into a frenzy of making sure their daughter doesn't leave the house. But the teen is still determined to have a normal life, and when she meets an intriguing new boy, she defies her parents' wishes for the chance to fall in love and live a full life.
The Leaving Year by Pam McGaffin (Out Aug. 14)
If you're looking to add a heartwarming read to your Summer #TBR pile, The Leaving Year will be your go-to read. Ida Petrovich is still trying to mend her broken heart after the mysterious disappearance and supposed death of her father. After overhearing a damaging conversation about the man she admired so greatly, she sets out on a journey to learn more. What's to follow is an adventure to Alaska where Ida learns about love, friendship, and finding meaning in even the darkest of times.
Sunny by Jason Reynolds
As the third book in Jason Reynolds's bestselling series, Sunny brings to life the determination of four young track stars as they try to figure out what they want from life. Sunny lost his mother before he ever got to meet her and ever since has been left to live with a father who he feels no emotional connection to. Only feeling like his father loves him for his track career, Sunny gives up his racing days to take up a new hobby in discus throwing, and with the new sport he flourishes into the man he wants to be. This new and heartfelt YA novel gives a voice to anyone who is young and unsure of what they want out of life.
From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon (Out May 22)
Twinkle Mehra knows that she will someday live her dreams of being a filmmaker, but in From Twinkle, With Love, that dream becomes a reality earlier than she had anticipated. Now directing a movie for the Summer festival and getting closer to her crush, Twinkle feels like she has it all. But as filming begins, she'll find her love life is about to get very complicated — falling for fellow movie nerd Sahil was not in her plans. Will her new shot at love get in the way of her dreams or can Twinkle find a way to really have it all?
Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (Out May 22)
Megan Harper has never gotten the happily ever after that she's always wanted as her exes find their real true love after they break up. Having to take on a required acting role before graduation, she hopes to get cast in a small part, but when she's cast as Juliet in the infamous Shakespeare play, she quickly becomes overwhelmed. Then she meets Owen, a hopeful playwright who will help Megan snag a new man if she helps him write his script. But soon Megan finds herself falling for this new boy who's unlike any of her past loves and embarking on a new adventure of romance and finding herself. This new YA novel is perfect for the hopeless romantic.