Books Your Students Might Have Missed Over Summer Break

For some students, summer is an exit from all things academic and literature, which means they might be coming back in the fall clueless on the newest or most popular literary hits from the summer months. They might be new releases or simply ones that soared in popularity from June to August. Either way, these books are must-reads and should be at the top of your list of recommendations or your first few book talks. Ensure you ask your students what YOU missed this summer too—we have avid readers in every class!

1. Gallant by V.E. Schwab - This novel came out in 2023 and, like many of the ones mentioned on this list has been ALL OVER my TikTok For You Page. It's a thrilling fantasy/horror novel by the same author who wrote another popular BookTok book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. 
2. One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus - This book came on the scene in July 2023. It's the third in the One of Us is Lying series, and if the first two books are any indicator, will be a huge hit with my students. It's a mystery/thriller that's also been adapted as a streaming series on Peacock. 
3. If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin - Although this book isn't a new release (published in 2019), it's had a resurgence in popularity on TikTok. It's a gut-wrenching romance perfect for any of the readers in your classroom who gravitate toward contemporary fiction. 
4. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert - If you have romance readers in your classroom, they'll adore Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. Talia Hibbert typically writes adult romance but, much to my delight, recently dipped her toe in the YA pond. It's one of the most sweetest meet-cute stories I've read! 
5. Promise Boys by Nick Brooks - I've seen this cover everywhere and the buzz about this book is off the charts (deservedly so!) I'd recommend this one to any of my students, but it will really grab mystery lovers. In this story, three teen boys of color investigate their principal's murder to clear their own names. 
6. Chaos Theory by Nic Stone - Nic Stone is beloved by my students, and I'm sure his latest book will fly off my shelf immediately. This is a story of a star-crossed romance between two teens; one with a diagnosed mental disorder and a politician's son. It's a gripping love story I and your students will keep coming back to. 
7. Invisible Son by Kim Johnson - Folks, we have another viral hit! Invisible Son tells the story of a wrongly accused Black teen who must rebuild his reputation and reclaim his innocence. This is the perfect recommendation for students who are fans of authors like Angie Thomas, Nic Stone, and Jason Reynolds.