Love is Between the Pages

 1) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody (2024)

 

This book was found at my public library and it stood out because it is sports-related (of which I don't know anything about). I know there are a lot of young readers who like to read about athletes like themselves, which is why I added it. Otherwise, it's a classic romance. Violet begins dating Reed because he's her ex-boyfriend's biggest ice hockey rival. Reed now needs to prove to Violet that he's worth dating for real. It gets messy.

2) Pizza My Heart: A Wish Novel by Rhiannon Richardson (2022)

This is a middle grade book for younger readers as well as older ones who may not be allowed anything too steamy. I found it searching through the tween section of the public library and the title stuck out to me because it reminds me of a lot of cozy read titles. Maya moves to a new town when her parents open up another pizza restaurant where she is the delivery girl. She embarrasses herself in front of a cute boy who ends up being a student at her new school. It's a romance as well as navigating life at a new school. 

3) Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno (2018)

Georgina comes from a long line of witches, but has yet to have her own magic come in. This book is coming-of-age, magical realism, and queer teen romance. I found the title browsing my local library, specifically searching for Romantacy type of reads. It's on this list for the ways it weaves romance with other genre elements and I think students who are not really big on sexy books will enjoy reading it. 

4) The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz (2024)

I wanted a Romantacy book on this list and this one stuck out to me because it is inspired by Fillipino mythology, which is something I know nothing about. I found it on this website. It's about a girl who is half-human and half-encanto and has spent her life disguised in the real world, but now is called to the thrown of the Sirena Court when her father dies unexpectedly. She also meets a knight who she becomes infatuated with.

5) Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee and Molly Brooks (2024)

This is another middle grade book and also a graphic novel to add more variety to this list. I found it a few weeks ago when I was searching for graphic novels to read for this class. Katie is ready for middle school and all it has to offer, including a crush on Grace (although that is complicated in her religious community). It reminds me of Are you there, God? It's me Margaret.