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Sections
12
Books That Feel Like a Breath of Fresh Air
Spring Refresh
Blue-Hued Reads
Escapes
Dreamy
For a Rainy Day
Books That Feel Like a Breath of Fresh Air
These books that feel like a breath of fresh air are like a leisurely walk in the woods, a long, calming exhale, or a journal page that truly understands you.
This book is pure emotional sunlight. It’s whimsical without being shallow, heartwarming without being cheesy, and reminds you that kindness is a radical force. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong, this book wraps you in a hug, leaving you wit...
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, Paperback
Yes, it's a classic—but don't underestimate its rejuvenating power. Anne's wild imagination, love of nature, and joyful curiosity about life make this the literary equivalent of a serene day spent watching clouds drift by.
Anne of Green Gables Complete 8-Book Set
Written in verse, this coming-of-age story is fierce and freeing. Xiomara's journey to find her voice is empowering and honest, but the poetry gives it a lightness that lets you float while you read.
The Poet X - Acevedo, Elizabeth: Books
This little book might live on the "gift book" table, but it's a balm for a rough day. With simple illustrations and gentle truths, it's like a soft whisper reminding you that you're doing okay.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
For fans of slow sci-fi and reflective reads, this is a hopeful story about purpose, humanity, and the joy of rest. Also, it has a tea monk. Enough said.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot, #1) by Becky Chambers
Spring Refresh
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start, not just for your closet or calendar.
This beautiful coming-of-age novel is set during a transformative summer. It’s perfect for readers craving quiet strength, identity exploration, and the freedom to bloom.
A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo
If you love romance, family bonds, and seaside vibes, this one's for you. A heartfelt story about grief, joy, and second chances.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Two ex-besties in a wilderness survival program? Yes, please. This charming enemies-to-lovers rom-com is hilarious and heartwarming—an excellent spring pick-me-up.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
for fans of nature and heart-healing journeys
The Wild Path: Baughman, Sarah R. - Books
a poetic, powerful middle-grade about self-acceptance
Starfish - Fipps, Lisa: Books
for cozy romance, food, and a fresh start
A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
Blue-Hued Reads
Mysterious, haunting, and beautifully tragic — set on a private island, this YA novel swims in summer secrets and waves of heartbreak.
We Were Liars: 8601410599324: Lockhart, E.: Books
A magical, nostalgic story for anyone who's ever felt lost in their own memories. Gaiman describes water and memory as it’s written in shades of indigo.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A raw, emotional book about love, loss, and finding bright spots even when the world feels heavy. Definitely one for cloudy days when you need to feel something real.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Escapes
classic teen rom-com energy with all the swoons.
Better Than the Movies
a nostalgic summer series you’ll breeze through.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1) by Jenny Han
fae, art, and a forbidden romance.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
addictive, clever, and totally binge-worthy.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
empowering advice for young readers ready to take up space.
You Are More Than Magic: Black & Brown Girls' Guide
Dreamy
Enemies-to-lovers magic typewriters and heart-wrenching letters? Yes, please.
Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, #1) by Rebecca Ross
Mystery mansion, riddles, secret tunnels, and broody rich boys lurking around corners. Absolute fun.
The Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Cosy fantasy about a retired orc starting a coffee shop? 10/10. I would reread it.
Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1) by Travis Baldree
For a Rainy Day
You can never go wrong with a classic like Pride and Prejudice. As Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy navigate their witty banter and the complexities of love, the rain outside provides the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of reflection.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Sometimes, rainy days evoke a sense of introspection. For those moments, Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami offers an emotional, nostalgic experience as you follow Toru Watanabe through a tumultuous time in his life.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
Imagine the soft drizzle of rain accompanying the enchanting world of The Night Circus—a story full of magic, mystery, and mesmerizing illusions.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
When the rain falls softly, there's something magical about revisiting childhood favorites. The Secret Garden offers the perfect escape into a lush, hidden world that blooms back to life—just like the garden itself.
The Secret Garden (HarperClassics) by Burnett
Mental Health
Darius, a character who deals with clinical depression, cultural identity, and the awkwardness of being a teen, does so with a quiet depth that is truly inspiring. His inner monologue, so honest and raw, will stay with you long after you've finished ...
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
Based on the author’s actual experience in a psychiatric hospital, this novel is raw and often darkly funny. It shines a light on depression, anxiety, and what recovery actually looks like, offering a beacon of hope in the darkness.
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Eliza is the anonymous creator of a famous webcomic—and also someone struggling deeply with anxiety and depression. This book explores creativity, internet identity, and the pressure to perform.
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
Set during the 1969 Kuala Lumpur race riots, this historical novel follows a teen with OCD navigating trauma and survival. It’s intense but beautifully told—centered on fear and fierce resilience.
The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
This is one of the most unflinching YA books out there. It deals with self-harm, trauma, and recovery with brutal honesty. Glasgow’s writing is poetic, aching, and ultimately full of strength.
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
OCD & anxiety
Turtles All the Way Down - John Green
social anxiety
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
grief, depression, queer identity
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
grief, suicide loss, magical realism
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
Books That Radiate Joy
This rom-com is pure serotonin. Liz is obsessed with grand romantic gestures—and the banter with her annoying-next-door-neighbor-turned-love-interest is delightful. It’s full of clichés in the best way.
Better Than the Movies
Middle-grade/YA crossover alert! June has anxiety, but her summer is full of growth, joy, and quiet bravery. It’s soft, sunny, and full of gentle encouragement.
The Summer of June by Jamie Sumner
This book is full of introspection, emotion, love, beauty, and connection. The joy in Aristotle and Dante’s bond is radiant and life-affirming.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Liz Lighty is hilarious, determined, awkward—and someone you root for instantly. This book is pure Black girl joy, queer joy, and underdog triumph, all wrapped up in prom drama and found family.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Underrated!
Raybearer #1 - Jordan Ifueko
Books that Celebrate the Bloom
A powerful novel-in-verse about finding your voice. Xiomara’s journey to self-expression is raw, honest, and utterly radiant.
The Poet X - Acevedo, Elizabeth: Books
A quieter coming-of-age classic. With poetic prose and a deep nostalgia, this book reminds us that every ordinary moment is part of our blooming.
Dandelion Wine: A Novel by Ray Bradbury
If you’ve ever felt like you needed to shrink to fit in, this middle-grade gem will help you see how brave it is to take up space.
Starfish - Fipps, Lisa: Books
This is a deeply emotional story of grief, addiction, and resilience. It is for readers who need to be reminded that healing is growth, too.
You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow
Underrated YA Books with Powerful Female Leads
Set during the 1969 race riots in Kuala Lumpur, this gripping novel follows Melati, a Beatles-loving teen with OCD, as she navigates a city in chaos. Her strength doesn’t come from superpowers—it comes from survival, resilience, and confronting menta...
The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
Zarin has a reputation. In her conservative Saudi community, she’s labeled "trouble" before anyone bothers to know her. This haunting, layered novel explores identity, judgment, and strength in the face of relentless societal pressure. Zarin’s story ...
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
A genre-bending mash-up of historical fiction and zombie horror, this book follows Jane, a sharp-witted, biracial girl trained to fight the undead in an alternate post–Civil War America. Jane isn’t just tough—she’s brilliant, rebellious, and politica...
Dread Nation #1 - Justina Ireland
Etta is a Black, bisexual ex-ballerina who doesn’t quite fit anywhere—not in her small town, not in her former friend group, and not even in the LGBTQ+ support group where she’s seen as "not queer enough." But her journey through rejection, ambition,...
Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz
In 1906 San Francisco, Mercy Wong—determined, Chinese-American, and absolutely unstoppable—talks her way into a prestigious girls' school. Mercy becomes a true leader among her peers when a devastating earthquake strikes. It’s a historical novel with...
Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
Books Like Heartstopper
A magical graphic novel about secrets, selkies, and first love—with the same heartfelt vibes, profound emotional depth, and gorgeous illustrations.
The Girl from the Sea: A Graphic Novel
Apocalyptic setting meets introspective romance. Think: Nick & Charlie with a dystopian twist.
You and Me at the End of the World by Brianna Bourne
For fans who want queer coming-of-age with more edge and activism—this one’s powerful and affirming, focusing on feminist and LGBTQ+ activism.
Juliet Takes a Breath - Rivera, Gabby: Books
A soft summer romance in a bakery, where the main characters bond over their shared love for baking, with beautiful art and just the right amount of angst.
Bloom - Panetta, Kevin, Ganucheau, Savanna: Books
Hockey, baking, and a sweet queer love story wrapped in humor and heart.
Hockey (Check, Please!, 1) by Ukazu
Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
Jordan navigates the culture shock of attending a prestigious private school, where he’s one of the few students of color. This graphic novel is both funny and heartfelt, making it an excellent choice for readers who may find traditional novels overw...
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Sisterhood, identity, and middle school drama wrapped into a sweet and empowering story—perfect for readers starting to define themselves.
Twins: A Graphic Novel (Twins #1)
"Snapdragon" by Kat Leyh is a little bit magical and a lot heartwarming. As Snapdragon befriends the town witch, she discovers more about herself and her family than she ever expected, leaving readers with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Snapdragon: Leyh, Kat: 9781250171115
In a world where girls are witches and boys are shapeshifters, Aster wants to break the rules. 'The Witch Boy' by Molly Knox Ostertag is a thrilling fantasy with a powerful message about identity and belonging. The vibrant visuals and fast-paced plot...
A Graphic Novel (The Witch Boy Trilogy #1)
Friendship, change, and roller derby—what’s not to love? This one resonates with tweens as they figure out how to stay true to themselves.
Roller Girl: Newbery Honor by Jamieson