Summer is officially here and that means no more alarms, car pickup lines, an absolutely no homework! But that doesn’t mean your teens don’t need something to do. Whether everyone is hiding in the AC or sitting poolside, this is our summer reading list for teens.
We received copies of these books for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own. Affiliate links may be used below.
Summer Reading List for Teens
Storm: Dawn of a Goddess
Synopsis: As a thief on the streets of Cairo, Ororo Munroe is an expert at blending in, hiding her blue eyes low and white hair. She tries hard to maintain control over herself because if she doesn’t, strange things happen around her. Lately, Ororo has been losing control more often, which has resulted in rain and windstorms. What’s worse is that these episodes have attracted unwanted attention. She must learn to rely on herself and her powers, embrace her past and present, as she faces the dangerous Shadow King.
Why we love it: First off, it’s about Storm, one of our all-time favorite omega-level mutants. Secondly, it gives some depth to her time before she became the Storm we know and love. It’s a journey of self-discovery, showing a Storm who is at first unsure of herself and even a little bratty at times. So this amazing character is like the rest of us! It also spends time showing her relationship with T’Challa, something not explored in the MCU or X-Men 97, which is fascinating for anyone who doesn’t know about those two. All in all it’s a character-driven story about one of the most fascinating women in Marvel.
Get Storm: Dawn of a Goddess on Amazon
Of Jade and Dragons
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying dreams of becoming a world-class engineer like her father, but all those plans come to a halt after his murder.Left with only a journal of secrets and a jade pendant snatched from the assassin, Ying follows a trail of clues to find out who did this to her father. It leads her to the capital and the prestigious Engineers Guild—a place that harbors her father’s hidden past.
But this is a male-only guild, so Ying disguises herself as her brother in order to participate in the apprenticeship trial. It won’t be easy as being her father’s child places a target on her back. Thanks to help from an unlikely friend– Aogiya Ye-yang, the taciturn eighth prince of the High Command, she manages to stay one step ahead of everyone else. Between a complicated relationship with the Prince and the constant threat of the guild, Ying doesn’t know who she can trust. Will she be able to avenge her father or die trying?
Why we love it: Of Jade and Dragons is a delightful spin on Mulan that features great characters and action. Ying is one of those female main characters you instantly root for. She is tough, witty, and doesn’t want to follow the “normal” path for a woman. Yes to all of that! Despite places mentioned, the book only explores a small portion of the universe Ying lives in. We are looking forward to more worldbuilding if there is a sequel!
Get Of Jade and Dragons on Amazon
Moonstorm
Synopsis: When Hwa Young was ten, imperial forces destroyed her rebel moon home. Now she is 16 and a citizen of that evil empire. Looking to forget the past, Hwa Young dreams of becoming a lancer pilot, a group of elite warriors who fly into battle in giant martial robots. It isn’t long before her dreams become reality when an unexpected attack on her boarding school leaves Hwa Young and classmates stranded. Turns out the fleet is in desperate need of new pilots so Hwa Young, her brainy best friend Geum, rival Bae, and class clown Seong Su, volunteer for training. During training, Hwa Young uncovers secrets that could change everything. But will she choose her rebel past or her future with the empire?
Why we love it: Mecha meets YA sci-fi. Author Yoon Ha Lee has created this as a young adult companion to their adult novels. The world is well thought out and unique, giving readers a lot to imagine. If you’re like us and enjoy the mecha genre of manga, this book is for you too. Hwa Young is at first a loner but learns to rely on her found family, which is a trope we still adore. The supporting characters are interesting enough and overall they are people someone would want to get to know. The ending is intriguing, so we are excited to see where that goes.
