Books Like What If It's Us
Families who loved What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli 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 What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli 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 navigating the high expectations and messy realities of a first romance, particularly one involving long distance or a ticking clock. It is a dual perspective story about Arthur and Ben, two boys who meet by chance in New York City and try to figure out if their connection is destiny or just a summer fluke. The narrative explores how movies and musicals often romanticize relationships, while real life requires more work, communication, and compromise. While the book is a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, it also deals with the anxiety of being yourself in a new environment and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye. It is best suited for older teens who are ready for honest conversations about dating and the complexities of young adulthood. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes queer joy while maintaining a realistic, secular approach to the obstacles modern teens face.
