Families who loved Boardwalk by Katherine Applegate often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the bittersweet tension of a final summer before a major life transition. It is particularly helpful for adolescents who feel torn between pursuing their personal ambitions and the intense desire to stay close to a first love or a familiar social circle. The story follows Kate as she navigates her final months at the beach before college, facing a difficult choice: following her academic dreams or staying behind to keep her relationship with Justin secure. Through the lens of summer romance and boardwalk life, the book explores profound themes of trust, the fear of being replaced, and the necessity of personal growth. It is a realistic, emotionally resonant look at the high stakes of late-teen decision-making. Parents will appreciate how it validates the weight of these early heartbreaks while ultimately encouraging independence and self-discovery.