Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Wednesday Books/Macmillan
Publication Date: May 11, 2021
ISBN: 978-1250765826
When Lara returns to her hometown after spending the summer in the Outer Banks, she’s shocked that the most popular guy in school, Chase Harding, is suddenly interested in her. Everyone expects her to be interested in him too, but Lara has a secret. She can’t forget about her summer fling with Jasmine. Before Jasmine, Lara had never considered that she might be interested in girls and guys. When Jasmine unexpectedly shows up at Lara’s school on the first day, Lara has to decide whether she wants to be with Chase or give her summer romance a chance to become something more.
Cool for the Summer is a fast and fun read, with well-defined characters, and not one but two love interests who will charm readers. Lara’s experience of going through a big change and figuring out how to communicate what she needs to the people who love her is relatable and genuine. An attractive cover and a nod to Demi Lovato add to this title’s appeal. For fans of authors Becky Albertalli and Misa Sugiura, the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman, and shows like Riverdale, and Never Have I Ever.
–Carolyn Vidmar, Baltimore, MD
Other Nominated Titles
- In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers by Don Brown (August 10, 2021)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the Title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are available on The Hub.
