If you loved

Books like Taking sides

A breezy, dramatic dive into high school matchmaking where sisterly bonds and friendships are tested over a new crush. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Taking sides.

breezy
competitive
nostalgic

01
Secrets
Kate William · 1983
A deliciously soapy plunge into 1980s high school royalty, where lip gloss and vicious gossip are the ultimate weapons.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- gossipy
- sibling rivalry
02
Double love
Kate William · 1983
A sun-drenched, soapy plunge into 1980s high school royalty, where identical twins wage a breathless war over love and social supremacy.
Shares:
- breezy
- nostalgic
- gossipy
- sibling rivalry
03
Power play
Francine Pascal · 1984
A sun-drenched, soapy dive into the ruthless social politics and sisterly rivalries of a 1980s California high school.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- gossipy
04
The Girl Between
Sheila Douglas
A gentle, vintage exploration of hidden longing and domestic heartache.
Feels:
- wistful
- domestic
- quietly angsty
05
Surprise! Surprise!
Molly Mia Stewart · 1990
A bubbly, festive celebration of sisterhood and the giddy anticipation of a childhood birthday.
Shares:
- playful
- lighthearted
06
P.S. I like you
Kasie West
A sweet, banter-filled exploration of falling in love with someone's words before you know their face.
Shares:
- lighthearted
07
The yes girl
Kathryn Makris
A relatable teen romance about the exhausting trap of people-pleasing and the courage it takes to finally say no.
Shares:
- breezy
08
Jake and Lily
Jerry Spinelli
A heartfelt exploration of the bittersweet growing pains that come when two deeply connected people must figure out who they are on their own.
Feels:
- bittersweet
- grounded
- transitional
09
Sweet evil
Wendy Higgins
A tenderhearted empath is drawn into an alluring, dangerous world of fallen angels and forbidden romance.
Shares:
- dramatic
10
Nicola and the Viscount
Meg Cabot
A sparkling, humorous romp through London society where glittering first impressions give way to genuine romance.
Shares:
- breezy
- dramatic
- playful
- lighthearted
11
The fill-in boyfriend
Kasie West
A sweet, trope-driven high school romance where a desperate prom-night lie blossoms into a genuine, swoon-worthy connection.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- lighthearted
12
Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy
Cathy Cassidy
A sweet, vintage-tinted journey of a girl learning to shine outside her sister's shadow.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- sibling rivalry

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