The Summer I Turned Pretty

Prime. June 17.
Newcomer Lola Tung stars as Belly in this series adapted from Jenny Han’s book. Belly returns to stay with family friends at the the beach for her 16th summer suddenly looking different and gets caught up in a love triangle with two brothers. Adaptations of Jenny Han’s previous books have been popular, so expect this one to be big.

READ-ALIKES

Sunkissed by Kasie West. Delacorte. 2021.
Gr 7-10–White teen Avery unexpectedly finds romance while on a summer vacation with her family in this breezy love story. Readers who enjoy light, contemporary stories about first love should pack this one for the beach.

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon. S. & S. 2018.
Gr 8-11–Aspiring filmmaker Indian-American Twinkle films a summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring her crush and his twin brother in this sweet romantic comedy. Hand to readers looking for stories of unexpected summer love.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler. Wednesday Bks. 2021.
Gr 9 Up–Returning to school with newfound confidence, white, Jewish senior Lara finally catches the eye of her crush Chase. But when her summer fling, Jasmine, transfers to her school, Lara must figure out what she really wants. Readers interested in romantic stories about teens growing into their own identities should try this one.

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen. Viking. 2017.
Gr 9 Up–Louna, white daughter of a wedding planner, can handle any wedding emergency, but knows that forever love is not for her. When her mother hires Ambrose to help for the summer, Louna is not thrilled—but he eventually grows on her. An effervescent love story for fans of a good summer romance and books by Dessen.