Families who loved Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
When a teenager is grappling with the isolating effects of grief or feeling like an outsider in their own community, reach for this urban fantasy. It offers a safe space to explore the messy transition into adulthood through the lens of a girl who has lost her parents and is desperately trying to keep her family business afloat. The story uses preternatural elements, such as werewolves and vampires, as metaphors for the internal transformations and high stakes of adolescent relationships. While it is a dark mystery with some intense moments, it highlights the importance of agency, discernment, and finding your own strength when the people you love let you down. It is best suited for older teens who enjoy suspenseful, atmospheric stories that do not shy away from emotional complexity.