Books like Lola and the boy next door

A vibrant, costume-filled exploration of first love and second chances that feels like a warm hug on a breezy San Francisco day. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Lola and the boy next door.

colorful
cozy
nostalgic
sweet

01
The boy-oh-boy next door
Rita Miami · 1993
A nostalgic dive into the dizzying highs and mortifying lows of a neighborhood first crush.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- earnest
02
My life next door
Huntley Fitzpatrick
A sun-drenched summer romance that contrasts the quiet loneliness of a pristine life with the chaotic warmth of the family next door.
Shares:
- cozy
- nostalgic
- earnest
- first love
03
Isla and the happily ever after
Stephanie Perkins
A dreamy, passport-stamping romance that explores what happens after the initial spark fades and the real work of loving someone begins.
Shares:
- earnest
- first love
04
Anna and the French Kiss
Stephanie Perkins
A cinematic, banter-filled love letter to Paris and the dizzying, agonizing thrill of an all-consuming crush.
Shares:
- cozy
- earnest
05
The Boy Next Door (Candy Apple #2)
Laura Dower
A sweet, dual-perspective snapshot of the exact moment childhood friendship collides with middle school awkwardness.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- sweet
- earnest
06
Love and Gelato
Jenna Evans Welch
A sun-drenched Italian escapade that wraps the bittersweet ache of grief in the sweet comfort of first love and newfound family.
Shares:
- earnest
- humorous
- first love
07
The prince and the dressmaker
Jen Wang
A joyous, swoon-worthy fairy tale about the magic of finding the people who let you sparkle exactly as you are.
Shares:
- earnest
08
What girls are made of
Elana K. Arnold
A raw, blood-and-bone exploration of teenage girlhood that tears down the myth of unconditional love.
Feels:
- aching
- claustrophobic
- provocative
09
Macarons at midnight
Suzanne Nelson
A sugar-dusted, Cinderella-esque tween romance that balances the thrill of a first crush with the warmth of the bakery kitchen.
Shares:
- cozy
- sweet
- earnest
10
Lola Rose
Jacqueline Wilson · 2003
A bittersweet, gripping journey of a young girl forced to grow up too fast when her family's glamorous escape collides with harsh reality.
Shares:
- earnest
11
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
Holly Black
A gritty, blood-soaked road trip into the heart of toxic glamour and monstrous desire.
Feels:
- blood-soaked
- decadent
- gritty
12
Fear Street - The Boy Next Door
R. L. Stine
A pulpy, nostalgic thrill ride where high school crushes collide with deadly secrets and toxic rivalries.
Shares:
- nostalgic

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