Looking for something to pick up during the summer holidays but don't know where to start? Teen Advisory Board member, Bonnie Mai, has some great recommendations based on titles you already know and love. She says:

The sun is beaming and there's not a single thought about studying in my mind, school's out and it's time to go to the beach! For some, the weather has not been very summery, but these books will definitely put you in a shining mood, as they radiate the ultimate summer vibes! There's nothing like a great read while unwinding at the beach, so grab an iced drink, one of these books, and let your hair down because it's summertime! 

For fans of One of Us is Lying

All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban

I devoured One of Us is Lying in one sitting. I couldn't get enough of the mystery behind Simon's peculiar death. Like One of Us is Lying, All Your Twisted Secrets is a noteworthy debut. Our cast of characters includes a musical genius, popular athlete, a drug dealer, a queen bee, an outcast, and an entrepreneur geek. This Whodunit will have you on the edge of your seat as secrets are revealed and adrenaline is pumping. The explosive ending solidified my fondness for the book and makes it a perfect recommendation for those of you who enjoyed One of Us is Lying.

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For fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty

It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood

This homegrown debut, It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood is described as a “compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory”, which couldn’t be more true. Kenwood’s comedic writing immediately charmed me, the characters are truly such a delight. Natalie was relatable in the same way that Belly is. Both are slightly insecure, and introverted and experience the relatable everyday struggles of being a teenage girl. Natalie's third wheeling with Zach and Lucy (her two best friends) after they hook up leaves her feeling a little miffed, as she always imagined she would end up with Zach, reminded me actually of the same adorkableness that fuelled Belly and Conrad’s situation.

For fans of Heartstopper

Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganuchea

With the release of the new Netflix show, the popularity of the Heartstopper series has catapulted. We were first introduced to the adorable Nick and Charlie in Alice Oseman’s debut novel, Solitaire. For many years the pair have held a special place in our hearts and as the anticipation grows for Hearstopper Vol 5, you should check out Bloom. Apart from making me hungry while reading it, Bloom is such a splendid graphic novel. While Ari and Hector’s relationship ‘blooms’, the eeriness of their disorganised lives looms. This story is filled with scrumptious baking scenes, gorgeous illustrations, overall cuteness and, of course, romance! I especially loved the portrayal of Ari’s universal teenage struggle of not knowing what he wanted to do in life.

For fans of The Cruel Prince

Roar by Cora Carmack

Holly Black's The Cruel Prince is beloved by so many. A juicy YA fantasy with elements of action, surprises and of course, DRAMA! Roar captures the same magical romantic essence that makes The Cruel Prince so good. Both feature shrewd and determined survivors as their protagonists, who still remain human as they deal with their insecurities and obvious faults. Those who enjoyed the unique magic and world elements of The Cruel Prince will have a great time exploring the land fuelled by violent magical storms. The world-building is one of the coolest concepts I’ve ever read in a YA fantasy.