Something fundamental unites all romance novels, despite the sheer variety of subgenres and tropes: They explore some of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of human connection. This is especially true when you’re a teenager navigating a tremendously self-conscious stage of life. Daring to fall in love involves showing someone who you really are and risking the pain of rejection; what could require more courage or promise a greater reward? The romance genre represents human resilience and optimism and offers a balm for the soul during troubled times. Look for these stellar examples of a genre that’s diverse enough to offer something for nearly every reader.
In The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee (Harper/HarperCollins, May 13), readers meet Irene Park and Aiden Jeon, new college students with large social media followings for their romance book reviews. They’re total opposites who rarely agree about what they read—so when they’re paired for an English literature assignment, irritation vies with their undeniable mutual attraction. They enter a friendly competition involving popular dating tropes, adding to the fun of this charming story about building trust and communication.
In Lynette Noni’s latest, Wandering Wild (Blackstone, May 20), Australian teen Charlie agrees to take her sick best friend Ember’s place on a wilderness adventure reality TV show with Zander, the American actor Ember adores. Charlie can’t stand him, though she refuses to tell him why. Following a scandal, Zander’s trying to rehabilitate his image by connecting with a fan. Readers will swoon as they traverse the Blue Mountains, facing physical dangers and prying cameras, their awkward discomfort morphing into something more.
Marissa Meyer’s heartwarming, body-positive graphic novel We Could Be Magic, illustrated by Joelle Murray (Feiwel & Friends, June 3), goes behind the scenes of Sommerland, a Disneylandlike theme park. Since childhood, Tabi has dreamed of playing a princess and sharing the happily-ever-after magic that brightened her life with other fans. But after getting into the park’s high school summer program, Tabi quickly realizes that some people can’t imagine a fat girl in a princess role. Still, she perseveres—and even finds her own handsome prince.
Lakita Wilson explores socioeconomic differences with care and nuance in Pretty Girl County (Viking, July 1). Modest family finances make Sommer’s dream of attending Spelman College a stretch. Her former bestie, Reya, catapulted to wealth with her mother’s role on The Real Housewives of Potomac—but money can’t buy her admission to Fashion Institute of Technology. Reya falls for a girl who works at Sommer’s parents’ bookstore, and Sommer gets caught in a love triangle with boys from completely different backgrounds, forcing both girls to reflect and grow.
A misdirected text leads to love for two lonely goths in You’ve Goth My Heart by L.C. Rosen (Little, Brown, September 9). In this witty, often hilarious story, the boys agree to remain anonymous until a big video-call reveal on Halloween. In the meantime, they bare their souls to one another: Gray recently broke up with his closeted boyfriend, and the anonymous texter he names “My Future Murderer” in his contacts is upset about having to leave the city and move to a small town.
Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.
