Spring break is the perfect time to dive into a good book, especially when it comes to exploring the complexities of growing up. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, relaxing at home, or just looking for an escape, these YA coming-of-age stories offer the perfect mix of adventure, self-discovery, and heart. From navigating first loves and deep friendships to tackling life’s toughest challenges, these books are filled with characters you’ll relate to and moments that will stay with you long after the last page. So grab your sunscreen, settle in, and get ready for a spring break full of unforgettable stories!
All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 384 pages
All the Noise at Once is a powerful, heartfelt novel that explores brotherhood, identity, and justice through the eyes of Aiden, a Black autistic teen. When his older brother Brandon is wrongfully arrested after defending Aiden during a team altercation, Aiden is determined to uncover the truth. As tensions rise on and off the field, the story delivers a moving portrayal of love, resilience, and what it means to be seen and heard. With vivid characters and emotional depth, this timely, beautifully written book is both a gripping mystery and an essential reflection on social injustice and neurodiversity.
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What Comes After by Katie Bayerl
Nancy Paulsen Books, $21.99, 416 pages
What Comes After is a sharp, heartfelt, and darkly funny exploration of grief, forgiveness, and self-discovery in the afterlife. Sixteen-year-old Mari Novak wakes up dead in Paradise Gate, a strange wellness center for the recently deceased. To move on, she must confront her greatest unfinished business: her dysfunctional mother, Faye. But when secrets about her death go public and classmates begin to vanish, Mari is drawn into a rebellion that challenges everything Paradise Gate claims to be. With biting humor and emotional depth, this inventive novel is perfect for fans of The Good Place—a clever, thought-provoking journey through the great beyond.
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Night Swimming by Aaron Starmer
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 384 pages
Night Swimming is a dreamy, nostalgic ode to that final, golden summer before everything changes. Set in 1994, it follows Trevor and his longtime crush Sarah as they chase one last adventure—sneaking into every pool in town under cover of night. With music blasting and hearts quietly breaking, their connection deepens, even as Sarah keeps her distance. But when they discover a hidden natural pool in the woods, the story takes a mysterious turn. Lyrical, wistful, and touched with the supernatural, Night Swimming captures the ache of first love and the bittersweet beauty of growing up. A haunting, unforgettable summer tale.
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All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 384 pages
Run Away With Me is a gorgeously written, emotionally rich story of first love, set against the enchanting backdrop of a Roman summer. Sixteen-year-old Danny, wandering the city while his mother works in a mysterious museum, meets Angelo—a mysterious, magnetic boy who seems to appear from the shadows. As the two explore ancient ruins and share secrets, their connection blossoms into something tender and transformative. With lyrical prose and stunning illustrations, this novel captures the ache of longing, the thrill of discovery, and the beauty of being truly seen. A haunting, romantic coming-of-age tale that lingers long after the final page.
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The Family I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
Scholastic Press, $18.99, 288 pages
The Family I’m In is a heartfelt and honest coming-of-age story that beautifully continues Sharon G. Flake’s legacy of centering powerful, unforgettable voices. Childhood friends John-John and Caleb are navigating what it means to grow into young Black men in a world full of expectations, uncertainty, and invisible pressures. From family illness and divorce to school struggles and shifting relationships, their bond becomes a steady source of strength. Flake masterfully captures the challenges and quiet triumphs of adolescence with warmth, wisdom, and hope. A moving, necessary story about identity, resilience, and the power of being truly seen for who you are.
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