Books Like Not Just a Summer Crush
Families who loved Not Just a Summer Crush by C. S. Adler often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Not Just a Summer Crush by C. S. Adler 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 middle-schooler is navigating the confusing transition into puberty and experiencing their first significant, yet misplaced, crush. It is particularly helpful for children who feel awkward in their changing bodies or who are beginning to view adults as complex individuals rather than just authority figures. The story follows twelve-year-old Lynnie as she develops an intense infatuation with her English teacher during a summer at the beach. Through Lynnie's eyes, the book explores the painful gap between childhood fantasies and the reality of adult lives. It handles the themes of embarrassment and self-discovery with a gentle touch, making it an excellent tool for normalizing these common developmental milestones. At just 117 pages, it is an accessible read for ages 10 to 14 that validates the intensity of young feelings without being over-dramatic.
