As the school holidays begin, Charlotte Griffiths recommends some brand-new books for young adults
Your Favourite Fake Girlfriend by Bea Ingalls
It’ll hardly be a surprise to learn that this novel (the second from local author Bea Ingalls) revolves around a faked relationship, but what’ll have you turning the pages are the characters who can’t quite believe they’re actually playing out this well-used romcom trope.
Claudia and Wilf have been friends forever, finally dating for three years through sixth form and into Wilf’s first year at Bridgemere University, so when he ends their relationship out of the blue, Claudia is devastated. What actually happens when the boy next door breaks your heart? I can’t imagine the answer is often ‘pretend to be the girlfriend of the boy’s slightly odd university neighbour (Arthur), and attend his sister’s wedding’ but, brilliantly, neither can the characters, who experience this unlikely set-up in such a convincing fashion that you won’t be able to put this novel down until you find out if they pull it off.
There are so many well-observed moments. Claudia’s friend Nell advising her to ‘do it for the plot’; Claudia’s mother asking about the wisdom of her daughter rushing off to attend a wedding with a boy they’ve never met; Arthur asking if Claudia’s ‘having an Elizabeth Bennet moment’ when she first sees his beautiful family home: “You know… when Elizabeth sees Darcy’s house and decides she likes him a little better for it.” This is a great reminder of the brilliance of YA novels: it’s fun, tightly written, unexpectedly relatable and well worth a read.
Lies We Told This Summer by Emily Barr
You know you’re in good hands when Emily Barr’s name is on the cover, and this paperback is no exception. In Truro, young podcast-lover Cat has finished her A-levels and that magic pre-university summer beckons, yet she’ll be spending it helping her mother and stepfather with her newest, unplanned siblings – a second set of young twins for the busy blended household.
Her mother’s school friend Sophie, a star radio producer, arrives unexpectedly with her husband Owen and a life-changing suggestion: Cat should travel to Sophie’s house in Antibes and spend the summer learning to make podcasts. Sophie’s even arranged for someone to help Cat’s mum with the babies, so there’s no need to feel any guilt, and as Cat and her stepsister Kitty already spend their summers gazing at Sophie’s glowing Instagram updates from the French resort city, Cat knows what to expect. Or does she?
Cat’s arrival in Antibes is a whirl of stunning interiors, breathtaking views, mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful people and a bit more alcohol than she’s used to – and while her family group chat is popping off with envious emojis, her mum is maintaining a chilly silence. Yet when tragedy strikes and an old friend of Sophie’s is pulled lifeless from the harbour, Cat just wants her mum – and the shimmering world of Antibes has only just started to reveal its shadow side.
A brilliant read that will transport you straight to the French Riviera and that feeling of infinite possibility presented by post-school summer.
Call of the Dragon by Natasha Bowen
In the Kingdom of Kwa, the ancient rite of Dírágónì is about to take place, uniting the two dragon gods Yida and Dam to keep the evil emi buburu at bay for the next decade. Young Moremi is the daughter of Iya, Yida’s principal iyalawo (high priestess in the Yoruba religion), and despite occasional misgivings about her mother’s disappointment in her lack of achievement, she’s content playing her part backstage, helping other girls prepare for their moment of glory. Plus, this way she has more time to spend with her childhood friend Nox, the son of Dam’s babalawo (high priest).
As the two temples of the dragons come together to perform the ceremony, Moremi cannot help but think about her lost father, who was exiled and denounced as mad for suggesting there was more that united the houses and their belief systems than divided them. Yet, ultimately, the rite isn’t concluded and the stability of their world is put under threat, so Moremi and Nox must join together with others to travel through the realm and set their world to rights.
Imaginative and richly visual, their lush and bejewelled world is exquisitely rendered. Interwoven with messages about climate change, adaptation, compromise and discovering one’s true abilities, this is another hit from New York Times bestseller, Cambridge-born author Natasha Bowen, who has drawn on Yoruba culture to create this unforgettable world.
Seasonal classics
Beach-ready YA reads to pack in your suitcase for a summer holiday
The Great Godden
By Meg Rosoff
Another contemporary yet timeless tale that’s perfect for warmer weather. Two new faces disrupt ‘the way it’s always been’ for one sprawling family and their languid summers by the sea. Yet first impressions aren’t always what they seem. A stunningly evocative coming-of-age story that deserves its status as a modern classic.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
By Jenny Han
If you missed out on the smash-hit streaming series, treat yourself to the novel that came first. Belly visits the house on the beach where her family always summers with friends, but this year she’s all grown up. This book is sun-drenched, heart-breaking and completely gorgeous.
A Song for Ella Grey
By David Almond
A darker summer story that re-spins the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice for teenagers on the north-east coast. Ella and Claire have always been inseparable soulmates until bewitching Orpheus strolls into their friends’ campsite and steals Ella’s heart, with devastating results. Lyrical, poetic and surreal, this is one to savour on warm nights.
Check out June 2026’s Book Club and the coffee table reads