Why Young Adult Books Are Perfect for Summer Adventures

Open book on a striped beach towel beside a straw hat, sunglasses, starfish, and pink flip-flops on a sandy beach.

 

There’s something magical about summer reading. Maybe it’s the warm breeze, the sound of sprinklers in the distance, or, if you’re lucky enough, the sounds of the gently lapping waves. But perhaps it’s just the sheer joy of turning pages with nowhere else to be. 

When it comes to picking the perfect summer read, we’re going to let you in on our little secret weapon: Young Adult fiction. These books are bursting with heart, adventure, and transformation, exactly the kind of magic that pairs perfectly with beach towels and lemonade.

If you’re looking to take your YA reading adventure to the next level, our YA Book Subscription Boxes bring those stories to life with gifts pulled straight from the page that turn every story into an adventure of its own.

The Perfect Escape: Why YA Shines in the Summer

YA books are built for summer. They move fast, hit hard, and pull you into the story from page one, making them ideal for sustaining reading habits during school breaks. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or squeezed into the backseat of a car on a road trip, young adult fiction is the ideal companion. 

We love how these stories often follow characters discovering themselves. From falling in love, to facing fears and chasing dreams, we know you will definitely enjoy these books, which are always filled with possibility, just like summer!

Thematic Matches: YA Genres that Spark Summer Wanderlust

So, what kind of summer reading journey are you craving? Here are some of our favorite Once Upon a Book Club YA picks that fit perfectly with your seasonal mood.

 

Once Upon a Book Club's Young Adult box featuring "A Cruel Thirst" by Angela Montoya, displayed with themed gifts labeled by page numbers.

Fantasy & Magic – Great for escaping into new worlds

Need a break from reality? Grab a copy of A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya (featured in our “Star-Crossed Monsters” book box). It’s got vampires, monster-slaying, forbidden alliances, and a slow-burn romance that’ll keep your heart racing. When Carolina the huntress meets Lalo the reluctant vampire, sparks fly—and so do daggers. With three gifts that bring the action to life, it’s the ultimate romantic fantasy escape.

Also magical and mesmerizing:

 

Unboxed "Wild About You" YA book box with gifts wrapped and labeled by pages, stickers, and themed inserts from Once Upon a Book Club.


Coming-of-Age Romances – Perfect for vacation flings and personal growth

If you’re looking for love with a side of self-discovery, Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill (featured in our “Wild Hearts” book box) has it all. Natalie signs up for an outdoor reality show to earn scholarship money, despite preferring SPF and snacks to hiking boots. Paired with the grumpy (and low-key adorable) Finn, her summer turns into an unexpected trail of friendship, fun, and first love.

We also love:

These reads are perfect for hammock afternoons and swooning under the stars.

 

Colorful Once Upon a Book Club YA box featuring "The Getaway List" by Emma Lord, surrounded by wrapped gifts marked with page numbers.

Road Trips & Quests – Classic summer vibes

Nothing screams “summer” like a quest, and The Getaway List by Emma Lord (make sure to order our “Big Apple Adventures” book box for this must-read!) delivers all the feels. When Riley ditches her post-graduation plan and reunites with her childhood best friend in New York, the two tackle their list of long-dreamed adventures. From messy emotions to big revelations, this book is a passport to rediscovery, with four surprise gifts that make you feel like you’re right there with them.

 

Flat lay of "If You Can Hear This" YA book box with wrapped gifts, character cards, and items inspired by the story’s mystery elements.

Mystery – Beach reads with thrill

Looking for something a bit more spine-tingling? Our “True Crime Club book box featured If You Can Hear This by Faith Gardner! Get ready for your next mystery obsession. Posey Spade and her misfit AV Club take on the disappearance of their beloved teacher in a small town full of secrets. With twists, humor, and heart, it’s the kind of book you’ll finish in one beach day.

More mysteries to pack in your beach bag:

Why OUABC’s YA Box Makes Summer Reading Extra Fun

Here’s the thing: summer reading should feel like an adventure, not an assignment. And that’s exactly what our OUABC Young Adult Book Box delivers. Each box includes a captivating novel plus three to five surprises wrapped and labeled with page numbers—so as the plot twists, you get to unwrap a little piece of the story.

It’s screen-free entertainment at its finest. Whether you’re a teen building your summer TBR or a parent looking to keep young minds (or your own) engaged, our YA box makes reading feel like something to look forward to.

📦 Check out our Ready-To-Ship YA Boxes!
📬 Subscribe to the Young Adult Book Box

Tips for Creating a Summer YA Reading Routine

Let’s make reading part of your summer adventure! Here are a few fun ways to build a YA reading routine that sticks:

  • Pack a book in every bag – Whether it’s a beach tote or a hiking backpack, your book deserves a spot.

  • Schedule “book and blanket” park days – Think of it as a picnic for your brain.

  • Create a summer reading challenge – Use our free printable reading journal to track your progress and reward yourself along the way.

  • Try a themed month – Romance in June? Magic in July? Mystery in August? Your summer, your stories.

And don’t forget: OUABC boxes arrive monthly, which means you’ve always got something fresh and exciting to look forward to.

 

Overhead view of a person reading a book on a blue-and-white towel at the beach, with a sun hat, sunglasses, grapes, and sandy surroundings.

Your Summer Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or curled up under a backyard umbrella, YA books have a way of turning any summer into something unforgettable. They whisk us away to magical lands, tug at our hearts, and remind us that even the biggest adventures often begin with a single page.

Want to give your summer reading a serious upgrade? Subscribe to our Young Adult Book Box and turn every story into a real-life adventure—complete with gifts, surprises, and unforgettable moments. It’s the ultimate plot twist your summer needs.

Did you know that YA books are so popular with adults that we have created a bundle just for you! Check out our blog, Are YA books just junk food for adults, or do they have just as much merit?

Looking for the perfect beach companion, make sure to check out incredible bookish-themed towels and baseball hats!

 

Sources

Clark, C., & Teravainen, A. (2015). Young people's reading habits and the impact of summer reading programs. National Literacy Trust.


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