YA Summer Reads: 20 Young Adult Books to Add to Your Beach Bag

Get ready to dive into the ultimate roundup of best YA summer reads and summer reads for young adults that are perfect for soaking up the sunshine, or cozying up at home… this season.

As the school year wraps up and those long, sun-drenched days call our names, it’s time to stock up on books that’ll keep you company through every adventure. These carefully curated picks are hitting shelves just in time for summer, and let me tell you, they’re some of the best YA beach reads out there. 

Each story promises to whisk you away on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and pure escapism. 

These YA summer books tackle everything from life-changing friendships to raw emotions that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. They capture that vibrant summer energy we all crave while delivering transformative narratives that resonate deeply.

So grab your shades, find a comfy spot, and dive into these must-reads—they’re guaranteed to be the perfect companions for your summer adventures or staycations. Trust me, your summer TBR pile just got a whole lot better!

Hands down to one of the best YA beach reads you’ll want to grab this summer. This book is everything: poignant, beautifully written, and packed with all the feels.

It’s a story about first loves, second chances, and those defining moments that stick with you forever. Carley Fortune totally nails the balance between nostalgia, heartache, and hope, making it feel like you’re reliving your own summer memories. Percy and Sam’s connection?

Absolutely electric. If you’re into emotional, character-driven romances (YA summer books fans, I’m looking at you), this one’s going to hit differently. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how the people and places from our past shape who we become, and honestly, it’s perfect for your summer TBR pile.

This witty, slow-burn rom-com is an absolute delight, blending humor, heart, and a whole lot of charm.

Emma and Justin’s journey through love, family, and self-discovery against a Minnesota summer backdrop is just chef’s kiss . It’s sharp, funny, and full of emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of YA summer books or anyone who loved Beach Read or The Love Hypothesis .

With endearing characters and a plot that keeps you hooked, this book is pure summer magic. This best YA beach reads are guaranteed to make your summer unforgettable.

This book is pure gold: sparkling, witty, and packed with all the humor and heart you’d expect from Emily Henry. It’s a rom-com that perfectly balances laugh-out-loud moments with those raw, emotional reflections on love, identity, and second chances.

Daphne and Miles? Total opposites, but their chemistry is absolutely irresistible. The way their differences make their connection even more compelling had me hooked from page one. And the small-town charm? Chef’s kiss! If you’re into YA summer books that feel like a warm hug but also leave you thinking about life and love, this one’s for you.

If you loved Beach Read (also by Emily Henry—duh, she’s amazing) or The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, this book will 100% steal your heart. It’s got all the things we adore in summer reads for young adults : quirky, slow-burn romance, sharp wit, and characters so endearing you’ll feel like they’re your new best friends.

Christina Lauren absolutely nails it with this sparkling rom-com that dives into class disparity, love, and loyalty—all wrapped up in an enemies-to-lovers story that’ll have you hooked from the start.

Anna and West’s electric chemistry and razor-sharp banter are everything you could want in a romance. Seriously, their journey through wealth, vulnerability, and authenticity feels so real it’s like you’re living it alongside them.

If you loved The Unhoneymooners this book is your next obsession. It’s clever, heartfelt, and full of swoon-worthy moments that make it a must-read for fans of young adult summer books .

Add it to your TBR pile ASAP—it’s the perfect combo of humor, heart, and depth.

Let me tell you, The Seven Year Slip is pure magic—a tender, whimsical romance that feels like a warm hug for your soul. Ashley Poston weaves an enchanting tale about grief, healing, and finding the courage to love again, all through Clementine’s journey of self-discovery and her captivating connection with a time-crossed stranger.

The blend of wit, wisdom, and heartfelt moments is just chef’s kiss. This book reminds us how powerful second chances can be, and let me tell you, the emotional depth will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Fans of The Dead Romantics or The Light We Lost will absolutely adore this one. It’s the kind of YA summer book that makes you believe in the beauty of human connection—and trust me, you’ll want to savor every word.

Perfect for those lazy summer afternoons when you just want to get lost in something truly special.

Okay, who else gets excited when Ali Hazelwood drops a new book?

Love, Theoretically is exactly what you’d expect from her: witty, heartwarming, and packed with STEM-inspired slow-burn goodness. Elsie and Jack’s rivalry-turned-attraction is EVERYTHING. Their laugh-out-loud banter, relatable struggles, and undeniable chemistry make this one impossible to put down. And Jack? Oh, he’s grumpy but endearing in the best way possible.

If you’re a fan of The Love Hypothesis or Beach Read , this book will feel like coming home. Ali Hazelwood has this incredible ability to balance humor and emotional depth, and she does it flawlessly here.

This is hands-down one of the best YA beach reads of the season, and it’s perfect for readers who love smart, slow-burn romances with plenty of heart.

If you’re looking for a teen rom-com that’s equal parts charming and hilarious, Better Than the Movies is IT!

Lynn Painter delivers a modern twist on classic romantic films, complete with all the banter, slow-burn tension, and unexpected chemistry you could ever want. Liz Buxbaum’s attempts to win over her crush, Michael, take a surprising turn when she starts developing feelings for Wes, her childhood nemesis. Cue the enemies-to-lovers vibes! This book is packed with humor, heart, and relatable teen angst, making it a total win for fans of Kasie West or Jenn Bennett.

It’s one of those summer reads for young adults that reminds us love isn’t always like the movies—and sometimes, that’s even better.

Niarah Holloway’s journey through anxiety, climate change, and her blossoming connection with the ever-optimistic Mac Torres is just so relatable and heartwarming.

Jade Adia has crafted a story that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant, packed with vulnerability, resilience, and warmth. It’s one of those YA summer books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

If you’re into character-driven tales like The Sun Is Also a Star, this one’s for you. It’s a poignant coming-of-age story that explores identity, self-discovery, and what it means to find light even in the darkest moments. Honestly, this book feels like a warm hug for your soul—and trust me, you’ll want to add it to your list of summer reads for young adults .

Macy Queen’s journey through grief, love, and self-discovery is so authentic and uplifting—it’s impossible not to root for her as she learns to embrace life’s unpredictability.

Sarah Dessen has this incredible ability to create narratives that feel real and raw while still leaving you hopeful.

Fans of emotional YA tales like The Sky Is Everywhere will absolutely adore this book. It’s all about growth, connection, and finding joy in unexpected places—basically, the perfect young adult summer book to curl up with this season.

This one’s such a delightful surprise—The Wedding People is witty, tender, and brimming with emotional depth. Phoebe Stone’s weekend at a luxurious Newport inn takes an unexpected turn when she forms a bond with the bride herself.

What starts as a serendipitous encounter becomes a journey of self-reflection, challenging assumptions and transforming how both women view themselves and their lives. Alison Espach blends humor and poignancy beautifully, crafting a narrative that feels both sharp and heartfelt.

Fans of The Dutch House or Lessons in Chemistry will appreciate the wit and wisdom here. This book reminds us of the beauty of human connection and how small moments can lead to healing.

It’s the kind of read that leaves you thinking long after the final page—and honestly, it’s one of those summer reads for young adults (and beyond!) that you won’t want to miss.

Along for the Ride is such a gem—this book is like a warm summer breeze that sweeps you away into Auden’s world.

She’s this super relatable, bookish teen who spends a transformative summer in a beach town with her dad’s new family. At first, she’s all about staying in her comfort zone, but then she meets Eli, another insomniac who becomes her late-night adventure buddy.

Together, they rediscover what it means to have fun, build friendships, and even open their hearts to love. It’s one of those YA summer books that feels so cozy and heartfelt, like stepping into the light after being stuck in the shadows. If you loved The Truth About Forever or Since You’ve Been Gone , this coming-of-age story will totally resonate with you.

Sarah Dessen nails the balance of warmth, humor, and poignancy, making it the perfect read for anyone looking to embrace life’s little joys and second chances.

Let me just say—House of Vampires and Flame is EVERYTHING if you’re into dark fantasy with a side of steamy romance.

This book follows Barbie as she disguises herself to survive in a perilous school ruled by ruthless heirs. When Killian, the brooding and dangerous heir, discovers her secret, things get intense.

Meg Xuemei X delivers a seductive mix of danger, deception, and slow-burn tension that’ll keep you glued to the pages.

Fans of From Blood and Ash or Crave will absolutely eat this up—it’s got morally gray characters, high-stakes drama, and a fierce heroine whose wit and resilience shine through every twist and turn.

Add it to your list of young adult summer books if you love antiheroes, forbidden love, and stories packed with intensity. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down.

This urban fantasy is an absolute blast, blending action, humor, and heart in ways that are impossible not to love. Jessie’s journey of self-discovery is messy, magical, and utterly captivating as she confronts her past while navigating new dangers alongside her quirky crew.

K.F. Breene does SUCH a great job weaving emotional depth into high-stakes adventures, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. With its sassy heroine, slow-burn romance, and supernatural intrigue, this book is perfect for fans of The Guild Hunter Series or The Hollows Series .

If you’re into complex relationships, spellbinding adventures, or just want something wildly entertaining to dive into, this is the best YA beach read you didn’t know you needed.

Okay… for those of you who still haven’t read the Throne of Glass —this fantasy adventure is hands down one of the most gripping stories I’ve ever read.

Celaena Sardothien is a fierce, skilled assassin competing in a deadly contest to win her freedom in a land ruled by tyranny. Sarah J. Maas masterfully blends action, mystery, and romance, creating a richly detailed world full of intrigue and rebellion.

The dynamic between Celaena, Crown Prince Dorian, and Captain Chaol adds layers of complexity that make this book impossible to put down.

If you’re a fan of An Ember in the Ashes or Shadow and Bone , this novel will blow your mind. It’s empowering, unforgettable, and packed with twists that’ll leave you breathless. This is the ultimate summer read for young adults.

This darkly enchanting tale is pure magic, blending mystery, romance, and a touch of danger in the most intoxicating way.

Emilia’s quest to avenge her twin sister’s murder leads her straight into a web of secrets tied to the princes of Hell.

Kerri Maniscalco crafts a lush, atmospheric world where danger and desire collide, keeping you on edge with every page. Fans of Hush, Hush or A Court of Thorns and Roses will adore this book—it’s got morally complex characters, forbidden magic, and slow-burn romance that’ll leave you breathless.

It’s one of those YA summer books that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. If you’re looking for a story brimming with suspense, seduction, and unforgettable twists, this is it.

Local Woman Missing is an absolute rollercoaster of a psychological thriller—you won’t be able to put it down!

Mary Kubica takes us deep into the mystery of three women’s disappearances in a quiet town, only to drop a jaw-dropping twist when one mysteriously returns after eleven years. The tension? Unrelenting. The secrets? Dark and twisted.

Kubica expertly weaves together unreliable perspectives and shocking revelations, keeping you guessing until the very last page.

If you loved The Silent Patient or Big Lies in a Small Town , this book is right up your alley. It’s one of those gripping summer reads for young adults (and beyond) that dives into missing persons, suspense, and the darker sides of human nature.

Lucky Son of a Gun is SUCH a fun ride—this action-packed addition to The Demon Accords series has everything: humor, danger, heart, and a whole lot of supernatural shenanaws.

Meet Mack Sutton, your average guy trying to survive in the extraordinary College Arcane, where supernaturally gifted students dominate. But don’t underestimate him—Mack’s sharp wit and knack for survival make him anything but ordinary.

Alongside his sister Jetta, he navigates a world filled with werewolves, vampires, and mages, uncovering secrets that challenge what it truly means to be “ordinary.”

Fans of The Dresden Files or Supernatural will absolutely adore this underdog story. John Conroe crafts a tale so thrilling and entertaining, it’s perfect for longtime fans of the series or newcomers looking for a fresh, magical adventure. 

The Last Cuentista is a sci-fi gem that’s as poignant as it is thrilling. This story follows Petra Peña, a girl who wakes up from cryosleep to find Earth’s history and humanity’s memories at risk of being erased by the oppressive Collective.

Armed with her abuelita’s stories and her own fierce courage, Petra becomes humanity’s last hope to preserve its identity and legacy in a terrifying new world. Donna Barba Higuera blends cultural heritage with pulse-pounding adventure, creating a narrative that celebrates the power of storytelling, resilience, and hope.

If you’re a fan of A Wrinkle in Time , this book will steal your heart. It’s one of those young adult summer books that inspires readers with themes of memory, identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Set in 1961 Berlin, just as the Berlin Wall divides families and lives overnight. Twelve-year-old Gerta finds herself separated from her father and brother, living under the oppressive East German regime. But when she deciphers a secret message from her dad urging her to dig an escape tunnel, Gerta must summon every ounce of bravery to reunite her family.

Jennifer A. Nielsen brings the Cold War era to life with vivid detail and raw emotion, making Gerta’s courage and determination feel so real you’ll cheer her on every step of the way.

If you loved The War That Saved My Life , this book is a must-read. It’s one of those summer reads for young adults that reminds us of the unbreakable bonds of family and the resilience of the human spirit.