Books Like for Teens Who Like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Elise Bryant’s debut YA novel features a young Black girl who loves to write, but develops a case of writer’s block when she gets into a fancy writing program. Caught in a love triangle and dealing with a strained friendship, she tries to find her way back to her own voice. Heads up for frequent profanity. Ages 14+

Theater nerd Riley Morris is in hot water. Her parents found out that she drove her friend to her concert (without a driver’s permit), and now she’s grounded and forced to work at her father’s game store. During an uncomfortable encounter with her ex, she gets caught up in proving that she’s moved on and claims to be dating her schoolmate and one of her dad’s employees, Nathan. Both teens make a fake dating plan to help them reach their own goals, but along the way, as they support each other’s interests and spend time together, real feelings begin to develop. This is a gratifying fake dating romance that blends gaming with theater for young teens. Ages 12+

I listened to an audio ARC of this book and really enjoyed it. Quinn loses the journal where she writes all of her most embarrassing confessions (including the fact that she did not get into Columbia like everyone thinks) and is forced to team up with the last person who saw it: schoolmate Carter Bennett. As the two work together to find it, they (especially Quinn) learn a lot about friendship, honesty, and being comfortable in your Blackness. Features some kissing and language. Ages 14+

17-year-old Rico has a lot on her plate. She works the afternoon shift at the Gas n Go and spends the rest of her free time looking after her little brother and trying to cushion the effects of her mom’s poor financial decisions on their family. But when the owner of a winning lottery ticket purchased from her doesn’t show up to claim the prize, Rico is forced to partner with her wealthy (and wildly attractive) classmate Zan to track the woman down and maybe get her to split her wins with Rico. Ages 13+

I loved the first two books in Tiffany Schmidt‘s Bookish Boyfriends series, but especially this delightful installment. This book is a contemporary re-imagining of Little Women, complete with an older sister, a sweet love interest, and lots of classic literature. Ages 12+

Zahra Khan is a new high school graduate who’s saving up for college—which she’s had to defer because her mom can’t afford to send her just yet. Her mother, though? She thinks their family’s way out is an arranged marriage to a wealthy family. Too bad the family’s son Harun Emon doesn’t care for Zahra. Zahra herself is falling for a new waiter in the cafe where she works. So Harun and Zahra band together to make their parents call off the courtship. But we all know that love doesn’t quite play by the rules, don’t we? This is a romantic, feel-good Pride and Prejudice retelling. Ages 12+

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet. This is an utterly delightful rom-com. Heads up for frequent profanity. It’s also on Amazon Kids+ Ages 13+

People-pleaser Sadie Wen’s worst nightmare comes true when her vent email drafts are accidentally sent–many to her high school rival Julian Gong. I loved seeing Sadie figure out how to be true to herself as she grapples with the fallout of her emails and the slow-burn romance that develops between her and Julius in this funny, spirited release. Heads up for mild, infrequent profanity. Ages 12+

Lia and Beckett come from rival families in the magic (performance magic, not fantastical) industry, so when her grandmother disappears and asks Lia to compete in a contest with the men in Beckett’s family, the two are forced to come face to face–and soon sparks begin to fly. I love how this book explores a unique subject (magic tricks) and the relationship Lia and Beckett form throughout the story. This is perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, love stories with plenty of family drama, and a serious side of humor. Ages 12+

I just adored this new young adult novel about high schooler Aisha, who, nudged by the writing prompt of her college admission essay, decides to change her life by stepping outside her comfort zone. Her manifesto includes many bucket list items, but mostly revolves around Brian Wu, the boy she’s loved since childhood. The earnest voice, longing, and complete relatability in this novel make it a winner in my book—not to mention the sweetest love interest! Hand to fans of To All the Boys and fans of YA with awkward, messy, and ambitious female leads. Ages 12+ (some mild language).