Families who loved Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile their public identity with their private self, or when navigating the complexities of first love and old friendships. Lola is a high schooler who expresses her vibrant creativity through elaborate daily costumes, yet she still feels the sting of past social rejection and the pressure to maintain a perfect image for her older, punk-rock boyfriend. It is a story about the courage it takes to be authentically yourself, even when that self is still evolving. The book centers on themes of self-confidence, artistic expression, and the importance of healthy boundaries in relationships. While it is a sweet contemporary romance, it also provides a wonderful model of a supportive, non-traditional family, as Lola is raised by two protective and loving dads. It is ideal for readers aged thirteen and up who are interested in fashion, art, or the relatable messiness of growing up in a diverse urban environment.