Books like Crush

A sweet, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of the butterflies and blunders that come with a first middle-school crush. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Crush.

warm
lighthearted
awkward
cozy

01
Awkward
Svetlana Chmakova
A warm, deeply relatable dive into the chaotic, anxiety-inducing, and ultimately rewarding world of middle school friendships.
Shares:
- warm
- lighthearted
- earnest
- humorous
02
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
Sara Farizan
A warm, witty exploration of the sheer panic and ultimate joy of a high school queer awakening.
Shares:
- warm
- awkward
- earnest
- humorous
03
Nightschool
Svetlana Chmakova
A shadowy, energetic plunge into a hidden supernatural academy where magic, mystery, and teenage angst collide.
Shares:
- earnest
04
Making friends
Kristen Gudsnuk
A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
Shares:
- earnest
- humorous
05
All's faire in middle school
Victoria Jamieson
A warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school.
Shares:
- warm
- awkward
- earnest
- humorous
06
Real Friends
Shannon Hale
A deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.
Shares:
- earnest
07
Cherry Crush Cathy Cassidy
Cathy Cassidy
A sun-drenched, chocolate-scented exploration of the messy, bittersweet thrill of first love and finding your place in a brand-new family.
Shares:
- cozy
- earnest
- sweet
08
Nightschool volume 1
Svetlana Chamkova
A shadowy, supernatural coming-of-age tale where high school drama meets dark magical forces.
Shares:
- earnest
09
Courage
Raina Telgemeier
A warm, deeply validating hug of a graphic memoir that makes the terrifying, isolating feelings of childhood anxiety feel manageable and shared.
Shares:
- warm
- earnest
- finding your voice
10
Cake pop crush
Suzanne Nelson
A sugar-dusted, feel-good romp about rivalry, recipes, and the sweet surprise of a first crush.
Shares:
- warm
- lighthearted
- cozy
- earnest
11
SuperMutant Magic Academy
Jillian Tamaki
A deadpan, magical-realist snapshot of the agonizing, hilarious boredom of being a teenager.
Feels:
- angsty
- absurdist
- melancholic
12
Shadow kiss
Richelle Mead
A visually dynamic plunge into a world of shadowy magic, high school drama, and a romance that demands an impossible sacrifice.
Shares:
- earnest

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