Books like The popularity plan

A sweet, earnest exploration of high school social dynamics, where the thrill of newfound attention clashes with the quiet yearning for a genuine connection. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The popularity plan.

sweet
nostalgic
yearning
breezy

01
The Popularity Summer
Rosemary Vernon
A sun-drenched exploration of teenage loyalty, shifting social dynamics, and the sweet trials of summer romance.
Shares:
- sweet
- nostalgic
- breezy
- earnest
02
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.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- lighthearted
- the illusion of popularity
03
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:
- sweet
- nostalgic
- earnest
- hopeful
04
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:
- sweet
- breezy
- earnest
- sympathetic
05
Little sister
Yvonne Greene
An earnest high school romance steeped in the sting of sibling rivalry and the struggle to step out of a beautiful older sister's shadow.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
06
Matter Of Marnie
Rosemary Badger
A nostalgic, forced-proximity romance where domestic coziness collides with simmering, unspoken attraction.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- yearning
- earnest
07
The year of Janie's diary
Donna Balcombe
An intimate, time-capsule confession of mid-century adolescence that captures the universal growing pains of leaving childhood behind.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- earnest
- hopeful
08
Shattering Glass
Gail Giles · 2002
A chilling, dread-soaked descent into the toxic, manipulative underbelly of high school popularity where a cruel social experiment spirals into inevitable tragedy.
Feels:
- dread-soaked
- claustrophobic
- ominous
09
Seventeen and in Between
Barthe DeClements · 1984
An earnest, nostalgic journey through the messy intersection of lingering childhood insecurities and the complicated dawn of young adulthood.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- earnest
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
- lighthearted
11
The Kissing Booth
Beth Reekles
A high-energy, trope-tastic dive into the thrilling angst of a forbidden high school crush.
Shares:
- earnest
12
In my sister's shadow
Genell Dellin
An earnest and angsty exploration of first love and the struggle to find your own light when you've always lived in a sibling's shadow.
Shares:
- yearning
- earnest

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