5 Delightful Rom-Com Reads for Summer

Looking for fresh fun read for Summer? Here are some selections available in the Teen Department.

Remember this movie?

You Got Mail, 1998

Tweet Cute, by Emma Lord

  • Publisher: Wednesday Books
  • Date: January 1, 2020
  • Reading age: 12-up
  • Grade Level: 7-9
  • Lexile: 950L

“A witty rom-com reinvention for the Twitter age”

-Emily Wibberley, author

Tweet Cute‘ will make your heart feel warm”

-Alanna Bennett, author

Tweet Cute is a You’ve Got Mail retelling with a bit more modern twist. Piper’s parents are the founders of a huge restaurant chain, Big League Burger. Meanwhile, Jack’s family deli, which has been a staple for generations, is struggling. Big League Burger launches a new sandwich that is a remarkably similar recipe to Jack’s grandmother’s signature grilled cheese sandwich. Let the Twitter war begin. With over-achiever Piper behind Big League’s account and Jack heading up the deli’s, the witty one-liners fly back and forth quickly going viral.

Meanwhile, the two are unknowingly building a solid friendship, and attraction, via their school’s anonymous social media messaging app. Yes, this story has been told before, but here it is tweaked, all-new fun that will have you laughing out loud. This book is available at FCPL in the Teen Department at the Rossville Branch, as an ebook, and an e-audioook. If you want to pair the read with a film, You’ve Got Mail is available for check out as well!

Ok, What about this epic tale of love and friendship?

Pretty in Pink, 1986

You Should See Me in a Crown, by Leah Johnson

  • Publisher: Scholastic Press
  • Date: June 2, 2020
  • Reading age: 12-up
  • Grade Level: 7-12
  • Lexile Measure: 880L

“While the hullabaloo around prom seems far-fetched, the lead-up to the dance is pitch-perfect rom-com”.

-Kirkus Reviews

“Liz Lightly has always believer she was too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich prom-obsessed Midwestern town. But it’s okay–Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana forever..” (Goodreads) This book isn’t just a love story, it’s a love story to Rom-Com history. Filled with references to 80’s and 90’s movies hit will be a favorite for any love story fans!

You Should See Me in a Crown is available at FCPL in the Teen Department, as a Book Club Kit, and e-audiobook. If you want to pair it with the movie, Pretty in Pink, is available for check out on DVD. Finally, if you are just looking for the tunes, download the soundtrack on Hoopla!

We know you wouldn’t forget about this one,

10 Things I Hate about You, 1999

If I’m Being Honest, by Austin Siegemund-Broka & Emily Wibberly

  • Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
  • Date: April 23, 2019
  • Reading age: 12-up
  • Grade Level: 7-up
  • Lexile Measure: HL740L

“A refreshing mean-girl transformation story”

Kirkus Reviews

Cameron Bright is popular, gorgeous, talented, and known for being the meanest girl in school. As far as Cameron’s concerned, it’s not meanness, it’s honesty. When adorable Andrew witnesses her biting cruelty he is completely turned off. Cameron decides to tame herself to win over her crush. Cameron’s quips will catch reader’s attention right from page 1, and leave readers loving the character everyone hates.

If I’m Being Honest is available for check out from the Teen Department and for a perfect watch-a-like look for 10 Things I Hate About You on DVD.

Of course, no one can forget this ultimate make-over movie,

The Princess Diaries, 2001

Tokeo Ever After by Emiko Jean

  • Publisher: Flatiron Books
  • Date: May 18, 2021
  • Reading Age: 12- up
  • Grade Level: 7-up

“This royal romp comes together for a strong finish”

Kirkus Reviews

“Izzie is an entirely sympathetic protagonist, but that’s not saying that her behavior is perfect; she’s also a snarky and impulsive teenage girl, fighting against cultural norms on both sides of the Pacific.

She’s Full of Lit Blog

Of course, checking out the original book which inspired The Princess Diaries movies is our first recommendation. The original series by Meg Cabot is available for check out on Hoopla or in the Teen Department. If you haven’t read this series yet, be prepared Grandmere is completely different in the books! But once you’ve read the book and watched the movie (which is available on DVD from FCPL) check out this updated retelling Tokeo Ever After.

“Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in- it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi- or Izzy, because ‘it’s easier this way’- and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity… and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan” -Goodreads. This novel is perfectly tweaked for today’s readers and honors Cabot’s story with loads of 90’s and early 2000’s references you are sure to love.

Finally, we have to mention this classic theme!

  • Publisher: Simon Pulse
  • Date: May 30, 2017
  • Reading Age: 12- up
  • Grade Level: 7-up
  • Lexile Level: HL700L

“Heartwarming, empathetic, and often hilarious- a delightful read”.

Kirkus Reviews

“Dimple learn to respect and appreciate their Indian heritage and traditions but also manage to go their own way”.

Kirkus Reviews

This story of opposites, featuring a lovable geeky guy, gives us some Can’t Buy Me Love vibes and we think you will love it! Dimple is ready for the future, but her parents are ready for her to meet her future husband. Meanwhile, Rishi is excited about an arranged marriage and can’t wait to make Dimple fall for him. When Dimple Met Rishi can be checked out in the Teen Department at FCPL, or as an ebook, or as an eaudiobook.

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