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If you loved
Books like Seventeen and in Between
An earnest, nostalgic journey through the messy intersection of lingering childhood insecurities and the complicated dawn of young adulthood. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Seventeen and in Between.
- nostalgic
- transitional
- tender
- introspective
- 01
Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade
Barthe DeClements · 1981
A raw, honest look at the cruelty of the classroom that slowly thaws into a story of unexpected solidarity and grace.
- 02
Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You
Barthe DeClements · 1991
An empathetic, grounded look at the heavy armor kids wear to hide their deepest insecurities.
- 03
Dumplin'
Julie Murphy
A big-hearted, Dolly Parton-fueled anthem about taking up space and finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
- 04
The earth, my butt, and other big, round things
Carolyn Mackler
A funny, fiercely honest journey of a girl learning to stop shrinking and start taking up the space she deserves.
- 05
Fifteen
Beverly Cleary · 1996
A warm, nostalgic time capsule of teenage butterflies, awkward phone calls, and the gentle growing pains of a first crush.
- 06
Just Listen
Sarah Dessen · 2006
A quiet, music-infused journey about dropping the burden of perfection and finally learning to speak the truth.
- 07
How to Be Popular
Meg Cabot
A bubbly, laugh-out-loud exploration of high school social climbing that proves the best version of yourself is usually the one you left behind.
- 08
The popularity plan
Rosemary Vernon
A sweet, earnest exploration of high school social dynamics, where the thrill of newfound attention clashes with the quiet yearning for a genuine connection.
- 09
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.
- 10
Girls under pressure (Girls #2)
Jacqueline Wilson · 1998
A fiercely honest, chatty dive into the agonizing mirror-checks and intense friendships of early adolescence.
- 11
Shug
Jenny Han
A tender, bittersweet snapshot of the exact moment when childhood friendships begin to change and the world suddenly feels too big.
- 12
A summer's lease
Marilyn Sachs · 1979
A quiet, emotionally honest portrait of a prickly aspiring writer learning that talent isn't a substitute for empathy.
