Everyone loves to talk about their favorite ships in young adult books, but the friendships are just as worthy of admiring. Romantic relationships come and go, but good friends will be your constants throughout your life. Best friendships are hard to find, which is why we’re jealous of these incredible friendships in YA! These are the BFFs in YA books that you wish you could be your support system.

Representation matters, which is why we’ve put together a list of our favorite books featuring Jewish protagonists. Whether you want to see yourself represented, are looking to understand a different perspective, or just want a great read, these books will be perfect for you!

Books Featuring Jewish Protagonists

1. We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Quinn Berkowitz and Tarek Mansour’s families have been in business together for years. At the end of last summer, Quinn confessed her crush on him in the form of a rambling email—and then he left for college without a response. When he shows up at the first wedding of the summer, looking cuter than ever after a year apart, they clash immediately.Quinn can’t deny her feelings for him are still there, especially after she learns the truth about his silence, opens up about her own fears, and begins learning the art of harp-making from an enigmatic teacher.

2. Our Year of Maybe by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Sophie Orenstein would do anything for Peter Rosenthal-Porter, who’s been on the kidney transplant list as long as she’s known him. When she learns she’s a match, donating a kidney is an easy, obvious choice. Sophie hopes Peter will love her back the way she’s always wanted, but Peter fears he’ll forever be indebted to her. Then, one heartbreaking night twists their relationship into something neither of them recognizes, leading them to question their past, their future, and whether their friendship is even worth fighting for.

3. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Rowan Roth and Neil McNair have been bitter rivals for all of high school. When Neil is named valedictorian, Rowan has only one chance at victory: Howl, a senior class game that takes them all over Seattle. But after learning a group of seniors is out to get them, she and Neil reluctantly decide to team up until they’re the last players left—and then they’ll destroy each other. As Rowan spends more time with Neil, she realizes perhaps this boy she claims to despise might actually be the boy of her dreams. Once you’ve read Today Tonight Tomorrow, check out Rachel’s latest book: See You Yesterday!

4. You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Eighteen-year-old twins Adina and Tovah have little in common besides their ambitious nature. But one thing could wreck their carefully planned futures: a genetic test for Huntington’s, a rare degenerative disease that slowly steals control of the body and mind. When the results come in, one twin tests negative for Huntington’s, the other tests positive. These opposite outcomes push them farther apart as they wrestle with guilt, betrayal, and the unexpected thrill of first love. How can they repair their relationship, and is it even worth saving?

5. What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter

Halle Levitt is keeping a secret. When she’s online, she’s Kels, the enigmatically cool creator of One True Pastry, a YA book blog that pairs epic custom cupcakes with covers and reviews. Kels has everything Halle doesn’t: friends, a growing platform, tons of confidence, and Nash, her online crush. That is, until Halle finds herself face-to-face with real, human, Nash, but he has no idea she’s actually Kels. Things quickly get complicated when she starts to fall for Nash as Halle but he’s in love with Kels…

6. Recommended for You by Laura Silverman

Shoshanna Greenberg loves working at her favorite local bookstore. When her boss announces a holiday bonus to the person who sells the most books, Shoshanna is determined to win. The only person standing in her way? New hire, a recent nemesis, Jake Kaplan. He may be cute (really cute), and he may be an eligible Jewish single (hard to find south of Atlanta), but Shoshanna is ready to take him down. As the competition intensifies, Jake and Shoshanna grow closer and realize they might be more on the same page than either expects…

7. Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott

Amid the brutality of Auschwitz during the Holocaust, a forbidden gift helps two teenage girls find hope, friendship, and the will to live in this novel in verse that’s based on a true story. This novel is based on the friendship of Fania and Zlatka, the story of the bond that helped them both to hope for the best in the face of the worst. Their heart is one of the few objects created in Auschwitz, and can be seen today in the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.

8. The Last Words We Said by Leah Scheier

All the Bright Places meets If I Stay in this heart-wrenching, romantic novel about a tight-knit group of teen girls coping with a devastating loss and what happens when your best friend is also your first love…and your first heartbreak.

9. As if on Cue by Marisa Kanter

A pair of fierce foes are forced to work together to save the arts at their school in this swoony YA enemies-to-lovers romance that fans of Jenny Han and Morgan Matson are sure to adore. Both Natalie and Reid in this book are Jewish, and their faith is a huge part of their lives, often represented throughout the novel.

10. Those Summer Nights by Laura Silverman

After recovering from a life-changing injury, a teen girl must navigate a new summer job, an ex-best friend, and two surprisingly attractive coworkers in this romp of a rom-com for fans of Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian.

Looking for more? Check out this list of books featuring strong female characters!

Are your notebooks covered in creative doodles that help you get through the endless hours of lecture? Do you love Instagram, not because of the socialization, but because you genuinely love photography and secretly use it as an outlet? Have you taken every media and art class that you could? Do you ever visit a museum and hope one day, your art is being admired on those walls? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you are an ARTIST! Check out this list to see the books that will speak to the inner artist in you!

YA Novels that Speak to Your Inner Artist

1. When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

From award-winning author Kelly Loy Gilbert comes a “beautifully, achingly cathartic” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) romantic drama about the secrets we keep, from each other and from ourselves, perfect for fans of Permanent Record and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

2. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Art comes in many shapes and styles. In Lara Jean’s case, it’s scrapbooking (and baking). Reading about how Lara Jean plans and creates a scrapbook for her sister will have you pulling out your bullet journal immediately.

3. Together We Caught Fire by Eva V. Gibson

In Together We Caught Fire, Lane is a fiber artist and honestly I think fiber art is going to be the next big fad! From embroidery to weaving and knitting. Lane’s fiber art will definitely inspire you to pick up some needles of your own. Also Connor, the bad boy with a heart of gold, is a metal worker. Did someone say sexy?

4. SLAY by Brittney Morris

By day, seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson is an honors student, a math tutor, and one of the only Black kids at Jefferson Academy. But at home, she joins hundreds of thousands of black gamers who duel worldwide as Nubian personas in the secret multiplayer online role-playing card game, SLAY. Although Kiera isn’t an artist in the “traditional” sense, video game design is an art form that shouldn’t be overlooked. Kiera’s creation of the game SLAY will inspire you to use your art to help your community, and to represent the causes you care so deeply about. In addition, her devotion to her craft will help you push your boundaries and see that the definition of art is broader than you previously imagined.

5. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

Both Stella and Will have cystic fibrosis, but while Stella has a regimented treatment schedule and has every minute of her life devoted to getting better, Will is counting down to his 18^th birthday so that he can escape hospitals and live his life the way he wants. Will is a cartoon artist, and he used to dream of working for a newspaper, but no longer aspires to that anymore. Will is talented, that’s not up for debate, but after so many years of disappointment, he’s lost hope that he’s going to get better. Will uses his art as an outlet, which you will definitely relate to, but more so, he uses his art to cope with a life of chronic pain and illness. Will’s art will inspire you, because you will see how he uses it to express himself and his feelings. Will’s art is part of what gets Stella to fall in love with him, and also part of how he begins to find hope again.

6. The Truth of Right Now by Kara Lee Cothron

Dari in The Truth of Right Now is unpredictable, creative, and like you, he’s an artist. He immediately clicks with a fellow student, Lily, when she finds herself attracted to his charm and artistry. At first glance, this might remind you of Jack and Rose in Titanic, but what makes Dari and Lily’s relationship different, is the racial privilege that divides them. Lily is white, Dari is black, and although they both wish this didn’t affect their relationship, it does. More so, Dari’s identity affects his art and his perspective. This book will show you how your life experiences define not only your relationships, but your art and your point of view.

7. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Isobel is an artistic prodigy with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.

This book will show you the power of art, how it can make people think and feel, and how it can create real change. Isobel’s devotion to her art, and her bravery, will make you start painting more than ever before.

8. Draw the Line by Laurent Linn

Adrian Piper is a talented artist, but he prefers to stay in the background. He’s a sci-fi geek, and gay, and he fears that at his Texas high school, those things will only bring the worst kind of attention. Adrian uses art as an escape, and truly feels free to express himself at his drawing table, crafting a secret world through his own Renaissance-art-inspired superhero Graphite. But when a hate crime flips his world upside down, Adrian must decide what kind of person he wants to be, and if he’s okay staying in the background. Draw the Line will inspire you to use your art to express yourself, but more so, it will show you the power of art and free expression, and how it can used to create real change.

9. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Kiko Himura has a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking, so she prefers to say it with her art. She feels isolated from her mother who doesn’t understand her, and wishes she better knew her Japanese heritage. All she wants is get into her dream art school, Prism, but when she isn’t accepted, she’s crushed. But then, Kiko is invited to tour art schools on the west coast by her childhood friend. Kiko jumps at the opportunity, and soon learns that she can be her own person outside of the constricting walls of her home life. In addition, Kiko is inspired more than ever before, and finds that her art is best when she’s challenging herself, and accepting herself, flaws and all. This novel will inspire you to find yourself, to take risks, and to do the best art that you are capable of creating.

10. Gemini by Sonya Mukherjee

Seventeen-year-old conjoined twins, Clara and Hailey, have lived in the same small town their entire lives, but there are cracks in their quiet existence and they’re slowly becoming more apparent. Clara and Hailey are at a crossroads. Clara wants to stay close to home, avoid all attention, and study the night sky. Hailey wants to travel the world, learn from great artists, and dance with mysterious boys. You’ll relate to Hailey’s desire to follow her dream of pursuing art, but this book will allow you to see your artistic goals from a different perspective. What if you had someone else to consider when achieving your dreams? What if it wasn’t as simple as just following your heart and ambition? Gemini will inspire your inner artist, but will also challenge your perspective about art and your personal journey and drive.

11. From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon

If film is your art form, then this book is perfect for you! Twinkle Mehra is an aspiring filmmaker who has stories to tell, if only the world would listen. When fellow film geek Sahil Roy asks Twinkle to direct a movie for the Summer Festival, it’s her dream come true. Things get complicated as Twinkle has always had feelings for Sahil’s twin brother, but starts falling for Sahil through the course of movie-making.

Told through the letters that Twinkle writes to her favorite female filmmakers, From Twinkle, with Love, will inspire you to get behind the camera and tell your story. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and like Twinkle, tell your story.

12. Tiny Dancer by Siena Cherson Siegel

A teenage ballet dancer struggles to find her next step, and her place in the world, in this exquisite graphic memoir—a follow-up to the Sibert Honor–winning To Dance.

12. Bright by Jessica Jung

Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl in this knockout series from Jessica Jung, K-pop legend, fashion icon, and founder of the international luxury brand, Blanc & Eclare.

Looking for more? Check out these books for your inner comic book nerd!

It’s best to stay home right now, but it can be isolating and difficult. Even though reading is the best way to pass the time, it is a solitary activity, and so many of us are looking for connection and socialization right now. So instead of playing another game of Jackbox with your friends, why not read some books together? That way you can still read your favorites, but also can socialize with all the friends you miss so much!

11 Thought-Provoking Books That You’ll Want to Talk about with Your Friends

1. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

What isn’t there to talk about in Scythe? In a world in which humanity has conquered all things: hunger, disease, war, and death, scythes are needed to keep the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own. Full of unforgettable characters, a shippable romance, and more plot twists than you can count, Scythe is the perfect book to dissect over coffee and Zoom with your friends.

2. Everlost by Neal Shusterman

Nick and Allie don’t survive the car accident—and their souls don’t exactly get where they’re supposed to go. Instead, they’re caught halfway between life and death, in a sort of limbo known as Everlost: a shadow of the living world, filled with all the things and places that no longer exist. This novel explores the concepts of the meaning of life and death, a human soul, what happens after you die, and so much for, and is rife for discussion with all your friends.

3. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff

This electrifying novel is told entirely in verse, and takes place in sixty crucial seconds, the time it takes a kid to decide whether he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother. This incredible, award-winning book tackles everything from gun violence to racism to what is owed after someone dies. This book is a perfect choice to read with friends as it tackles crucial issues that should be discussed, and not ignored.

4. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn is an excellent choice for something to read with friends as it has something for every kind of reader: a love triangle, unforgettable characters, Black Girl Magic, Arthurian legend, social and political commentary and so much more. Legendborn is a fun, flirty, fantasy thrill ride that you will not be able to put down and will want to chat about endlessly!

5. A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti

When you begin this novel, you don’t know why Annabelle Chase is running across the entirety of the United States, but you do know that she needs to. This book is beautiful, raw, moving, and necessary. You will want to hug this book when you finish it and although it will make you cry, you will not regret reading it. Despite how difficult it can be to read, this book has incredible heart and warmth, and characters that you wish you knew. This is the kind of book that you and your friends will stay up way too late discussing because it is just that good.

6. Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti

A teen girl’s summer with her mother turns sinister in this gripping thriller about the insidious dangers of unwanted attention, from Printz Honor medal–winning and National Book Award finalist author Deb Caletti—perfect for fans of Courtney Summers’s Sadie. This book is thrilling, and you will not be able to stop reading, because there are so many twists and turns, and you will want to know how this mystery ends. This is perfect to discuss with your friends as it tackles important discussions about male desire, beauty, and violence.

7. The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

This unforgettable coming-of-age debut novel explores issues of race, class, and violence through the eyes of a wealthy black teenager whose family gets caught in the vortex of the 1992 Rodney King Riots. This book should be required reading for everyone, as it tackles the topics of race and violence, so perfectly, and demonstrates why these issues are so vital, and so complex, and why we need to talk about them. As soon as you finish this book, you will be so excited to talk about this book with your friends, and to dive into the history that surrounds it.

8. Those Who Prey by Jennifer Moffett

Sadie meets The Girls in this riveting debut psychological thriller about a lonely college freshman seduced into joining a cult—and her desperate attempt to escape before it’s too late. If you and your friends just finished the The Vow or if you are interested in cults, then this is the perfect book for you to read and discuss!

9. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

A retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, set in lush and evocative 1920s Shanghai. Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov are both poised to become the leaders of their families’ warring gangs, and the relationship they once had is long in the past. But, when a mysterious contagion takes over their city and causes madness and death, Roma and Juliette are forced to work together to uncover the truth. This book has endless discussion points, from a dangerous pandemic that closely mirrors our own lives, to a stirring love story, and to a breathtaking setting, you will not be able to put this down, and you will not be able to wait to talk about it with your friends!

10. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

If you and your friends are looking for your next favorite book, then you need to read Sorcery of Thorns ASAP! This story has it all, magic, libraries, a swoony love interest, a demon who is one of the best supporting characters you’ll ever read, and so much more. This is the kind of book that is so good, that you’ll wish it were longer, even though it is by no means a short book. Schedule your Zoom night with your friends a week after you pick this book, because you won’t be able to wait any longer!

11. Turning by Joy L. Smith

In this raw, searingly honest debut young adult novel, a former aspiring ballerina must confront her past in order to move forward from a devastating fall that leaves her without the use of her legs.

Looking for more? Check out these book club ideas that will impress your friends!

Just like Pokémon, Zac Efron has many evolutions. Choose your favorite version of Zac Efron and get a book to add to your TBR!

Pick a Zac Efron and Get a Book Recommendation!

Looking for more? Find out what book you should read based on your favorite celebrity Chris! 

Representation matters because people should feel seen in the books that they read. In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, here are our favorite young adult books written by Latinx authors about Latinx characters.

Latinx Authors You Need to Read ASAP

1. Raquel Vasquez Gilliland — Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything

When I started reading Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything, I didn’t get up until I finished it. Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s writing is stunning. This lyrical book discussing family, immigration, first love, and some emotional trauma all while exploring the vastness of our universe.

It’s been three years since Sia Martinez’s mom’s deportation and ill-fated walk across the Sonoran. Then one night, Sia’s life and the world as we know it cracks wide open. Because a blue-lit spacecraft crashes in front of Sia’s car…and it’s carrying her mom, who’s very much alive.

Read Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s newest release, How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe!

2. Laura Taylor Namey — A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

Like Lila Reyes in A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, Laura Taylor Namey is Cuban American and has said if she could live anywhere in the world, it would be London.

Lila Reyes never planned on spending her summer in England but when her life seems to be falling apart, her parents have the perfect plan. Go live with their friends in Winchester, England to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.

3. Jennifer De Leon — Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From

Jennifer De Leon was the second recipient of the We Need Diverse Books grant for her debut book. Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From. This book is more timely than ever and tells the story of Liliana Cruz, a first generation Latinx American who transfers to a nearly all-white wealthy suburban high school she does what it takes to fit in. In order to do so, she builds walls around herself. However, when racial tensions at school reach a fever pitch, the walls that divide feel insurmountable. But a wall isn’t always a barrier. It can be a foundation for something better. And Liliana must choose: Use this foundation as a platform to speak her truth, or risk crumbling under its weight.

4. Janelle Milanes — Analee, in Real Life

Janelle Milanes has written two amazing books that I couldn’t recommend more that you read! Both feature characters that are Latina, just like Janelle.

Her most recent book, Analee, in Real Life is about Analee Echevarria is a Cuban-American teen who, since the death of her mom, struggles to say what’s her mind. Analee spends most of her time avoiding reality and role-playing as Kiri, the night elf hunter at the center of her favorite online game. Although, despite how much Analee loves her online world, she wishes she could confess her feelings for her video game partner-in-crime Xolkar, a boy named Harris whom she’s actually never met. Things quickly become complicated when Analee enters a fake relationship with her lab partner, and a love triangle ensues. But Analee in Real Life is about so much more than Analee’s love life, and the dynamics of her Cuban-American family, her best friend, and her emotional journey are equally as compelling. If you love this book, definitely read Janell Milanes’ debut novel, The Victoria in My Head.

5. Lilliam Rivera — Dealing in Dreams 

Lilliam Rivera is originally from the bronx, just like Margot Sanchez, the main character of her debut novel, The Education of Margot Sanchez.

Her most recent novel,Dealing in Dreams is set in the near future and is about sixteen-year-old Nalah who leads the fiercest all-girl crew in Mega City. Her dream is to give up her questionable lifestyle and move the the exclusive Mega Towers. Now Nalah must prove her loyalty to the city’s benevolent founder for a chance to live in the Mega Towers. She must cross the border in a search of the mysterious gang the Ashé Riders. But the closer she gets to her goal the more she loses sight of everything—and everyone—she cares about.

6. Carmen Rodrigues — The Universal Laws of Marco

In the summer before eighth grade, Marco Suarez kissed his best friend Sally Blake, and a spark was ignited. She left, never explaining why, only to return his senior year. But things are different this time, Marco has a girlfriend named Erika Richards, a full scholarship to college, and he’s busy with his friends and making money to support his family. The spark doesn’t matter, not anymore. But as Marco navigates the final days of high school, he learns that leaving home is never easy and a first spark is hard to ignore.

7. Matt Mendez — Barely Missing Everything

Just like his characters, Matt Mendez grew up in El Paso, Texas. This is his debut novel and boy is it a good one! To quote Jason Reynolds on the matter “Mendez, a gifted storyteller with a distinct voice, is sure to bring a quake to the literary landscape.”

Juan has plans. He’s going to get out of El Paso, Texas, on a basketball scholarship and make something of himself.  His best friend JD has plans, too. He’s going to be a filmmaker one day, like Quinten Tarantino or Guillermo del Toro (NOT Steven Spielberg). He’s got a camera and he’s got passion—what else could he need? Soon Juan and JD are embarking on a road trip to visit Mando, a man on death row who just might be Juan’s dad. Juan will finally meet his dad, JD has a perfect subject for his documentary, and Fabi, Juan’s mother, is desperate to stop them. But, as we already know, there are some things you just can’t plan for…

8. Benjamin Alire Sáenz — Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Benjamin Alire Sáenz has won multiple awards, including the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, the Stonewall Book Award, and the Pura Belpré Award, which is awarded to authors for excellent portrayal of Latina Experience in Children’s publishing. He is definitely an author you want to check out and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is the perfect place to start!

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as they start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—maybe more than a friendship—and it’s the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. Aristotle and Dante discover first love and loss, and this beautiful lyrical novel will never leave you.

9. Margarita Engle — Soaring Earth

Soaring Earth, is a memoir from Margarita Engle about her adolescence during the turbulent 1960s. In Soaring Earth, Margarita’s childhood straddles two worlds: the lush, welcoming island of Cuba and the lonely, dream-soaked reality of Los Angeles. After the revolution transforms Cuba into a mystery of impossibility, it changes Margarita’s plans in its wake. Casted into uncertainty, she grapples with the philosophies of peace, civil rights, freedom of expression, and environmental protection. Despite overwhelming circumstances, she finds solace and empowerment through her education. Amid the challenges of adolescence and a world steeped in conflict, Margarita finds hope beyond the struggle, and love in the most unexpected of places.

10. Alexandra Diaz — The Crossroads

After crossing Mexico into the United States, Jaime Rivera thinks the worst is over. Starting a new school can’t be that bad. Except it is, and not just because he can barely speak English. Jaime struggles to call this strange place “home”, as his home is with his parents, abuela, and the rest of the family. But when gang violence in Guatemala means he can’t return home, he’s not sure if he wants to stay either. The US is not the great place everyone said it would be, especially if you’re sin papeles—undocumented—like Jaime. When things look bleak, hope arrives from unexpected places: a quiet boy on the bus, a music teacher, an old ranch hand. Powerful and moving, this touching sequel to The Only Road explores overcoming homesickness, finding ways to connect despite a language barrier, and discovering what it means to start over in a new place that alternates between being wonderful and completely unwelcoming.

Don’t stop there! Check out all these other amazing books with Latinx characters!

With each new Taylor Swift album, there is a new aesthetic, and folklore is no exception. Beautifully written and simply produced, it’s an ode to cold fall days, candles, cardigans, and warm cups of tea. And if folklore isn’t your current vibe, with eight studio albums, there is Taylor Swift aesthetic for all of us. Pick an aesthetic and get the perfect recommendation to add to your TBR!

Choose a Taylor Swift Album Aesthetic to Find Out Your Next TBR pick!

A lot is going on right now! So make sure you’re taking time for yourself. By that we mean reading lots of good books. Take this quiz to get the perfect book for some self-care based on your favorite non-reading self-care activity.

Pick a Self-Care Activity and Get a Book Recommendation!

Looking for more quizzes? Pick an emo band and get a book recommendation!

Don’t re-binge another season of your favorite Nickelodeon show! Pick your fave show here and get a book recommendation instead.

Your Fave Nickelodeon Show Will Pick Your Next Read!

Looking for more? Check out what books you should read if you miss your fave TV show!

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” The holidays are here, and it’s time to celebrate, with books! Pick your favorite holiday song for a book you can read when you’re a little tired of making awkward small talk with your parents’ second cousin’s children. Dive into one of these books to keep your sanity for the holiday season.

Pick Your Favorite Holiday Song and Get a Book Recommendation!

1. All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi

You love romance, drama, and Mariah Carey (at least around the holidays). This song is big and bold, and it’s the best holiday anthem about falling in love. All I Want for Christmas is You celebrates the kind of love that is passionate, that is romantic, and that is epic. Permanent Record is a modern love story that is perfect book to read if you love this song.

2. Let It Snow – Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw

If Let It Snow is your favorite holiday song, then snow is definitely your favorite form of precipitation. You love staying indoors with a warm book and looking outside at the snow falling on your windowsill. Let It Snow is all about finding excuses to stay indoors, which is so much easier when it’s cold outside. Winterwood is the perfect book for you because it’s cover is gorgeous and wintery and ideal for a snow lover like yourself. In addition, the book is a non-stop page turner with a creepy vibe, that’s a perfect anecdote to the non-stop cheerfulness of the holidays.

3. Baby It’s Cold Outside by Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski – Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller

The original Baby It’s Cold Outside is a holiday classic, but in 2019, it’s also very problematic and reinforces some pretty bad messages about consent. Which is why we have chosen Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski’s wonderful modern version of this song! This version emphasizes consent, and is so cute and quirky. If this is your favorite song on the list, then you love modern retellings of classic stories. Cursed is your book recommendation because it’s a feminist twist on the classic King Arthur story.

4. Last Christmas by Wham! – Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Last Christmas is the perennial Christmas breakup song! It’s moody, it’s angsty, and dramatic. It’s the best song to listen to if you don’t have someone to spend the holidays with because they unceremoniously broke your heart. But also, if you listen to this song carefully, the narrator is definitely not over his ex, and this song is really about wanting to forgive an ex, but being afraid they will break your heart again. If this is the song that speaks to you, then Starry Eyes is the perfect book for you to read this holiday season.

5. The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler – You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon

This song is a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of Chanukah! Adam Sandler wrote this song for Jewish children who feel alienated during the Christmas season, as there are too few songs celebrating Chanukah. In the verses of the song, Sandler calls out various celebrities and fictional characters who are Jewish, to show these kids that they are not alone. If you love this song, then you will love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s novel You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone. This novel features Jewish characters as the protagonists, and similar to Adam Sandler’s holiday song, celebrates the Jewish identity, in a heartfelt and funny way.

6. Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley – Sun-Kissed Christmas by Katherine Applegate

Blue Christmas is a classic holiday song from one of America’s most classic artists, Elvis Presley. This song is beautiful and melancholy, and tells the story of a Christmas without the one you love. If you’re in the mood for something a little sappy and romantic, then a sunny destination holiday like in Sun-Kissed Christmas is perfect for you!

7. Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Ex-Mas by Kate Brian

If this is your favorite holiday song, then you love Santa Claus! And we get it, who doesn’t love a jolly old man who lives off of cookies and gives free gifts? Santa Claus is Coming to Town is the best song there is about Santa’s legacy and you need a book that feeds your Santa fandom. Ex-Mas, a book about two people finding their runaway brothers (and maybe the spirit of Christmas), is the perfect book for you!

8. A Kwanzaa Song by Lovely Hoffman – SLAY by Brittney Morris

Kwanzaa is a week-long annual celebration held to honor African heritage in African-American culture. This song is a beautiful and sincere ode to this incredible holiday. If this is your favorite holiday song, then you should definitely pick up SLAY, a book that celebrates Black culture, and creating a safe space for the Black community worldwide. Ready Player One meets The Hate U Give in this dynamite debut novel that follows a fierce teen game developer as she battles a real-life troll intent on ruining the Black Panther–inspired video game she created and the safe community it represents for Black gamers.

Looking for more? Check out our favorite books to give (and get!) this holiday season!