Young readers will fall in love with these books that have not only romance but a bit of drama thrown in. There is high school drama, small business owner drama, and even a winter rom-com in this mix of Young Adult reads.
Friends Like These
by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Random House Children’s Books, 384 pages, $18.99
When Jake convinces his girlfriend Jessica to go to Tegan’s end-of-summer party, Jessica reluctantly agrees to go. Then Tegan goes missing from the party and something embarrassing happens to Jessica. This book has themes of sexual assault, teenage sex, and high school drama. With twists and turns throughout the book, readers won’t want to put this one down.
How to Excavate a Heart
by Jake Maia Arlow
HarperCollins, 384 pages, $18.99
A sweet story about a woman named Shani who is getting over a breakup only to accidentally hit May with her mother’s car. A serendipitous relationship resumes as Shani and May find themselves snowed in together. This is holiday romance is perfect for fans of rom-com. Warning: has themes of sexual assault.
Star Beasts
by Stephanie Young and Allyson Lassiter
Oni Press, 208 press, $12.99
Loyal pup Bandit was living a pleasantly lazy ordinary life on Earth with his family when he was called up to join the Star Beasts, a top-secret group of creatures dedicated to protecting the planet and being a force for good in the wider universe. While Bandit is excited by his new mission, he has trouble fitting in with the other Star Beasts and also misses his home. However, when Khaos Krill, the evil emperor of Pluto, attempts to build a Novataur, a mythical monster said to be capable of destroying planets, Bandit has to work with a band of other Star Beasts to track down deadly galactic fossils and thwart Krill’s plan. Accompanied by a warrior turtle, a goldfish historian, a healing tiger, a techie iguana, and other brave beasts, Bandit sets out on a dangerous race across space to find the fossils and restore peace to the galaxy. Zany and full of fun-packed adventure, Stephanie Young and Allyson Lassiter’s Star Beasts explains the surprising real reason Pluto isn’t a planet anymore.
The Book of Us
by Shane Peacock
Cormorant Books, 216 pages, $15.95
When sixteen-year-old Noah is overheard by his girlfriend Miranda talking to another girl, he says something that deeply hurts her. Trying to win her back, Noah writes a book called The Book of Us, which documents his journey to understanding the harm his words have caused. Will this be enough to get Miranda back? Warning: this book has themes of the abuse of girls and women.