Spring Break Books for Your Young Adult Readers
By: Hidden Gems on March 7, 2023
Are your middle-grade or young adult readers looking for books to read over Spring break? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers recently loved the following titles, and we bet the young adult readers in your life will, as well. Who knows – you may find yourself a fan of the following titles, too.
Finding Frances by Kelly Vincent
With 40+ ratings and a 4.5 average star rating, Finding Frances follows Retta Brooks as her world is suddenly turned upside down by domestic violence.
Ian Y. describes further in his five star Amazon review, “A story of how a teenager finds herself and her inner resilience to overcome the traumas of her parents’ abusive relationship. Her authentic voice and struggles are evocatively written and have deep emotional impact. At a time when domestic violence laws and funding are in a state of flux globally, it’s imperative to shine a light on relationship red flags and help empower better choices. Essential life lessons woven into great storytelling.”
“I really enjoyed reading this book, even though it handled a difficult topic,” Rose L. concurs in her five star Amazon review. “It was well written and kept my attention throughout. I was sorry to reach the end. The characters were well developed and the plot was very believable…It has some disturbing subject matter. I wish every young adult could read this and be more aware of the dangers because I don’t think even today this is talked about enough…This story grips you and is not one you will forget. I highly recommend reading this important book. I appreciate that the author is shining a light on this subject in a way that is effective yet highly approachable…”
Tips for #CollegeLife by Bukky Ekine-Ogunluna
With 15 ratings and a 4.9 star average, this hidden gem is a must read for any student preparing to head off to college. This guide also has helpful tips for parents as they prepare to drop their student off, and need to prepare to be supportive from afar. This title covers subjects such as: prioritization, budgeting, time management, class selection, and more.
“Brilliantly written and put together book with most of the tips and advice provided from real college life experience,” Victory writes in their five star Amazon review. “Fabulous. Wish I had it when I started college some odd decades ago.”
Alexis R. concurs in her five star Amazon review, “A great book for anyone preparing to start college. (Parents might appreciate it too!) I liked how this book included narrative sections to make it immersive and fun to read, and then also had stand-out tips that you can take away and apply to your own college experience. The book was also very comprehensive in terms of covering all aspects of college life, from academic issues such as professors, studying, and selecting a major, to issues outside of the classroom that are just as important:, jobs and internships, roommates…the list goes on! This is the book you need if you want to feel truly ready for college and all it entails.”
Gift Horse by Tudor Robins
With 20+ ratings and a 4.8 star average, this tale by Hidden Gems favorite Tudor Robins is geared towards a younger reader. A novella which follows young riders who each dream of having the prize winning horse, this tale will spur on daydreams for those readers who are horse crazed.
R. B. writes in their five star Amazon review, “Robins perfectly captures the feeling of loving your first horse in this story of five riders and the horse they all love. Recommended.”
“A wonderful horse story that brought me back to my Pony Club Days!” Maria L. concurs in her five star Amazon review. “Suitable for all ages! I am 60! I love the characters and would love to see them again!”
The Academy of Five Roads by Lara Ingvar
With almost 40 ratings and a 4.7 star average, this tale follows Marimar, the only non-magical member of her clan, as she fights to carve out a future of her own devising, rather than the limited options available to her as a non-magical clan member.
“I loved the strong heroine and how she set out to possess and control her own life, and I absolutely love the beautiful cover,” Alias11 raves in their five star Amazon review. “They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but seriously, you can almost feel the magic. This is a wonderful and engaging story of a strong and feisty young woman who is more than she knows. I look forward to more from this new-to-me author…”
P Jones concurs in their five star Amazon review, “I admit I thought I had it figured out in the first 20 pages…This story unfolds and then unfolds again. Each time more depth and drama. As I gained more clarity of the heroine I was just as torn about the relationships she was forging amongst her peers…”
Letting Go by Jacquie Biggar
With 20+ ratings and a 4.8 star average, Letting Go is the first in The Defiant Sisters Duet series. This series does deal with heavier topics such as suicide, and may be triggering so it is recommended for older readers.
Mae C. explains in her five star Amazon review, “A story that combines family bonds and estrangement with complex issues of mental health…The snarl of emotions…make chapters hurtle by at a blistering pace. I was so engrossed, I finished the book in one sitting…This is definitely a character-driven novel spun around a big fat knot of repressed feelings, misunderstandings, and emotional turmoil…An angsty and compelling read!”
“This is a strong character study, the depiction of family struggles intimate and raw,” Writester concurs in their five star Amazon review. “I eagerly look forward to learning more in the next installment.”
Hidden Gems readers got to read these novels first, so if you want more stories to add to your spring reading list, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. All authors want is for you to consider leaving an honest review of them on Amazon when you’re done reading!
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