Along for the Ride

TV-14. Netflix. Out now.
Hardworking white teen Auden dedicates her summer to letting loose and figuring out who she really wants to be in this adaptation of Sarah Dessen’s bestseller. Screenwriter Sofia Alvarez also adapted To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and this book was a Netflix Book Club pick.

READ-ALIKES

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. Simon. 2014.
Gr 7-10–Dutiful Lara Jean, a biracial (Korean and white) teen, breaks out of her shell after her sister mails out all the unsent letters Lara wrote to every boy she’s liked. Readers drawn to tales of teens who take a risk and make big life changes will enjoy this lighthearted romance, also adapted into a feature film.

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson. Simon. 2016.
Gr 8 Up–When her father’s political scandal ruins her summer plans, white teen Andie experiences a summer with no demands and lets herself fall in love for the first time. A breezy summer read about a girl ditching her overscheduled life for a summer.

Smash It! By Francina Simone. Harlequin. 2020.
Gr 9 Up–Olivia, who is 17 and Black, is done living the wallflower life and challenges herself to face the things she’s afraid of. She lands a part in the school musical, makes new friends, and says yes to a date. But can Olivia face her fears without losing herself? A tale of self-discovery with a very likable protagonist. 

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen. Harper. 2020.
Gr 9 Up–When her parents send her to study abroad in Taipei, yet another decision about her future they make without consulting her, Taiwanese American Ever is happily surprised to find a chance to live without her parents’ strict rules. This lighthearted read about a teen girl letting loose and having new experiences will please fans of the movie.