Teen romance book suggestions? Without sci-fi, vampire, illness, etc.
My middle school daughter enjoys romance novels for fun and we are struggling to find age-appropriate titles that are just plain 'ol romance. She is not interested in the stories that include overcoming an illness or accident, or involve fantasy or history or the supernatural. I would love to hear suggestions. Right now we are stuck browsing the young adult shelves at the library and bookstores and it is very hit or miss.
Mar 26, 2018
Parent Replies
Though it's the exact opposite of romance, Speak is a fantastic teen novel!
You should check out Common Sense Media for book reviews. You can see the recommended age range for books. the type of content, and the quality. (Full disclosure, I review books for them.) One teen romance I liked is Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/love-gelato
Here are some fun young adult romance novels: Anything by Sarah Dessen. Her earliest ones are my favorites. Dramarama, by E. Lockhart, is super fun. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler. Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli--a favorite! There's a sequel to it, though I didn't love it as much as Stargirl. And I have to make a plug for Every Day, by David Levithan, which is a fantasy in a realistic setting, about a character who wakes up every day in a different teenager's body, and despite trying to avoid getting attached to anyone, one day falls in love. Fabulous book! Dairy Queen, by Catherine Gilbert. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell--also Eleanor and Park. Enjoy!
P.S. At my summer creative writing camps we talk about and make lists of books we love. http://www.deborahdavisauthor.com.
We’re in a similar boat, and I’m looking forward to the responses you receive.
I found some suggestions on the web, including CommonSense, and I’ve been considering introducing my daughter to the Victoria Holt novels I devoured as a child. It’s a challenge as I’m trying to avoid the heavy sex, or dated gender stereotypes often rampant in the genre (e.g. Judith Krantz, Barbara Cartland). If you provide your email, I’d be glad to share the lists I’ve found.
berylecc [at] gmail.com