Books Like Summer of '69
Families who loved Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser 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 Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the transition to adulthood and feels overwhelmed by heavy real-world responsibilities or a desire to escape. Set during the transformative summer of 1969, the story follows eighteen-year-old Lucas Baker as his plans for a carefree season of music and festivals are upended by the looming Vietnam draft, family instability, and complex romantic choices. This semi-autobiographical novel explores themes of loyalty, social justice, and the loss of innocence with a raw, realistic lens. It is highly appropriate for older teens (14-18) due to its honest depiction of drug culture and sexual exploration. Parents might choose this to bridge the gap between their own history and their child's current anxieties, opening a dialogue about finding purpose when the world feels like it is falling apart.
