In case you haven’t noticed we love reading books here at Wealth of Geeks, which is exactly why we’ve pulled together a list of the best Young Adult and Middle-Grade books to read this summer.
I still remember the thrill of going to the county library to check out which books were on their Summer Reading list or checking out which books Borders (RIP to my fave bookstore) had highlighted on the teen reading list. And who could forget racking up points for free Pizza Hut pizza by participating in the Book It Program?
Whether you’re looking for a new book to read at home or something fun to take with you on your upcoming summer vacation, we have you covered with a list of some of the coolest new books. While these titles are all Young Adult and Middle-Grade books, they’re perfect for adult readers looking for stress-free stories or something to share with the younger readers in their life.
24 Young Adult Books That Are Perfect for Your Summer Reading List
Superheroes
Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms by Mackenzi Lee
The Guardians of the Galaxy movies only brushed the surface of the complex relationship between these sisters. Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms is a riveting sci-fi adventure that strips away the layers and gets to the heart of what caused the animosity between Gamora and Nebula — Thanos. (Amazon)
Catwoman Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas
It's been two years since Selina Kyle last set eyes on Gotham City…and now that Batman is gone…Selina is back! Or at least, Holly Vanderhees is. As Gotham's newest socialite, she'll put her old talent for picking pockets to new use while rubbing shoulders with the city's finest citizens. But her past is catching up to her, and she is running out of time… If you read the novel, you won’t want to miss out on this gorgeous graphic novel. (Amazon)
Nubia: A Real One by L.L. McKinney
From the witty and powerful voice behind A Blade So Black, L.L. McKinney, and with endearing and expressive art by Robyn Smith, comes a vital story for today about equality, identity, and kicking it with your squad. When Nubia’s best friend, Quisha, is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia will risk it all—her safety, her home, and her crush on that cute kid in English class—to become the hero society tells her she isn’t. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Poison Ivy Thorns by Kody Keplinger
There's something unusual about Pamela Isley–the girl who hides behind her bright red hair. When cute goth girl Alice Oh comes into Pamela's life after an accident at the local park, she makes her feel like pulling back the curtains and letting the sunshine in. But there are dark secrets deep within the Isley house. Secrets that could turn deadly. (Amazon)
Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Anderson
Princess Diana of Themyscira believes that her 16th birthday will be one of new beginnings-namely, acceptance into the warrior tribe of the Amazons. But her birthday celebrations are cut short when rafts carrying refugees break through the barrier that separates her island home from the outside world. When Diana defies the Amazons to try to bring the outsiders to safety, she finds herself swept away by the stormy sea. Cut off from everything she's ever known, Diana herself becomes a refugee in an unfamiliar land. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki
When someone from Starfire's past arrives, Mandy must make a choice: give up before the battle has even begun, or step into the unknown and risk everything to save her mom. I am Not Starfire is a story about teenagers and/as aliens; about knowing where you come from and where you are going; and about mothers. (Amazon)
Flash Facts by Mayim Bialik
Everyone’s favorite Scarlet Speedster is here to answer all your burning questions! Barry Allen, with the help of some of his close friends, will take readers on an exciting journey that examines everything from the vast expanse of our galaxy to the smallest living organism known to man. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Mystery of the Meanest Teacher by Ryan North
After angering a number of hostile spirits in England, 13-year-old magician Johnny Constantine has to find a way out of the country. Persuading his parents to send him to America, John arrives at the Junior Success Boarding School in Salem, Massachusetts. But once there, he finds himself to be something of an outcast. And he is also convinced that his homeroom teacher really has it in for him. Worse, he's convinced that she's really a witch. (Amazon)
Fairytales
Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson
Inspired by Disney’s upcoming live-action Cruella, this novel is set in London during the summer of 1967. Sixteen-year-old Estella is an ambitious and talented girl with a dream of becoming a fashion designer, but her life makes that dream almost unattainable. She’s an orphan on the run, living on the streets with her partners in crime Jasper and Horace, making a living as a petty thief. A chance encounter sends her into the upper echelons of society, changing her life forever. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
After graduation, Cindy returns home to Los Angeles and finds herself launched into the limelight when her stepmother and executive producer of the Bachelor-style series Before Midnight needs a contestant ASAP. As it turns out, being a plus-size woman on a reality dating competition makes a major splash that she hadn’t anticipated. Cindy also didn’t anticipate finding true love in the process. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Go the Distance: A Twisted Tale by Jen Calonita
Part of Disney’s A Twisted Tale series, Go the Distance picks up after the events of Hercules with a delightful twist. After Hercules proves he's a true hero and regains his godship, all seems right in the world. That is until Zeus tells Meg that she can't be with Hercules because she's a mortal. Luckily, Hera has a solution, offering Meg a chance to prove herself worthy of a spot on Mt. Olympus — as a god. All Meg has to do is complete a mysterious quest. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Rebel Rose by Emma Theriault
Set in 1789, with France on the brink of revolution, Belle takes on the difficult responsibility of becoming queen and navigating the dark political intrigue of a country in turmoil. While the Enchantress’ curse may be broken, the fires of change are burning throughout Paris and it’s only a matter of time before the rebellion arrives on their doorstep to interrupt their happily ever after. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Disney Chills Series by Vera Strange
Disney Chills is a middle-grade anthology horror series that teaches readers moral lessons, through chilling means. Each book in the series focuses on a child making a deal with Disney Villains like Ursula, Dr. Facilier, or Captain Hook, and each time they must pay a terrible price they pay for having their wishes granted. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they’ve been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them. Sixteen-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia makes the desperate decision to flee, and finds herself hiding in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her stepsisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all–and in the process, they learn that there’s more to Cinderella’s story than they ever knew. (Amazon)
Mouse Watch and Mouse Watch: Underwater by J. J. Gilbert
You’ve heard of the Rescue Rangers, now meet the Mouse Watch. Around the globe, exceptional mice live in the shadows. Under the direction of famed mouse inventor Gadget Hackwrench, they work together as a team to solve big problems using small gadgets. They’re mice after all. These highly trained, nearly invisible critters have one mission — to save the world. Join Bernie and her rat compatriot Jarvis as they fight against some big adversaries. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Delphine and the Silver Needle by Alyssa Moon
When Delphine, a young orphaned dressmaker mouse living in the walls of Cinderella’s château, stumbles upon an enormous secret, it upends everything she thought she knew: The magical tailor mice of legend really existed. Racing to stay ahead of King Midnight, the fearsome leader of the rats who is bent on harnessing age-old magic, Delphine embarks on an epic quest to uncover the truth about the past. (Amazon)
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Star Wars: Test of Courage by Justina Ireland
When a transport ship is abruptly kicked out of hyperspace as part of a galaxy-wide disaster, newly-minted teen Jedi Vernestra Rwoh, a young Padawan, an audacious tech-kid, and the son of an ambassador are stranded on a jungle moon where they must work together to survive both the dangerous terrain and a hidden danger lurking in the shadows. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Star Wars: Race to Crashpoint Tower by Daniel José Older
The Republic Fair is coming! Visitors from all over the galaxy are traveling to the planet Valo for a massive, awe-inspiring festival celebrating the Republic. While his fellow Valons prepare for the fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is hiding out in his favorite place: a dingy garage filled with mechanical parts and tools. But when a security alarm goes off on the nearby hilltop nicknamed Crashpoint Peak, he ventures out with his trusty droid V-18 to investigate. There he discovers that someone has knocked out Valo's communications tower—a frightening sign that Valo, and the Republic Fair, are in danger. Sure enough, as Ram races to warn the Jedi, the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack! It's up to Ram to face down the enemy at Crashpoint Tower and send a call for help to the Republic. Luckily, he's about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Star Wars: Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland
Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh has been summoned to Coruscant, but with no idea of why or by whom. She and her Padawan Imri Cantaros arrive at the capital along with Jedi Master Cohmac Vitus and his Padawan, Reath Silas—and are asked to assist with the property dispute on the frontier. But why? What is so important about an empty patch of space? The answer will lead Vernestra to a new understanding of her abilities, and take Sylvestri Yarrow back to the past…and to truths that will finally come out of the shadows. (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie
A young pilot named Ettian risks everything to save his best friend—the man he trusts most and might even love—only to learn that Gal is secretly the heir to a brutal galactic empire. Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs? (Amazon)
Check out our full review here.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus. A flying demon feeding on human energies, a secret society of so-called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down, and a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw. (Amazon)
Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story. Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming. A human or demon? A princess or monster? (Amazon)
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. And of course, the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. (Amazon)
Hollow Crown Series (Incendiary and Illusionary) by Zoraida Córdova
The Hollow Crown series is set in a lushly drawn world inspired by Inquisition Spain. It’s a thrilling fantasy adventure with a magical heroine that embarks on a dangerous journey in order to bring justice to the kingdom. It’s the perfect series for fans of enemies to lovers, looking for an epic fantasy that’s equal parts love and revenge. (Amazon)
What titles are on your Summer Reading List?
Maggie Lovitt is a writer at Wealth of Geeks where she covers her favorite topics: Star Wars and pop culture nerdery.
In her free time, she is also a novelist, screenwriter, actor, and member of the Screen Actors Guild.