Whether you’ve already been to college or are still looking forward to it, these eight YA books capture different teens facing that major milestone. Check out these YA Books About the Summer Before College!

YA Books About The Summer Before College

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Breathless by Jennifer Niven

A dreamy summer of love! A girl has her life all figured out – she’ll attend college with the boy of her dreams. Then her parents’ sudden split sends her to a remove island during the summer before college where she meets someone completely unexpected.

Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone

The summer before college, Emrory dreads saying goodbye to her boyfriend and still feels a little bad that she and her former best friend Hannah are barely speaking. Then an accident  changes everything.

That Thing We Call a Heart by Sheba Karim

The summer before Shabnam heads to Penn, she works at a pie stand, spends time with her Pakistani-American family and falls for a guy.

Hello, Sunshine by Leila Howland

After being rejected from every college she applied to, Becca moves to L.A. to try acting.

None of the Above by I. W. Gregorio

Kristin’s a homecoming queen with a sports scholarship to college when she discovers something that changes everything.

My Best Everything by Sarah Tomp

When Lulu finds out that her dad lost all her college tuition money she’s got to do something … illegal.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cath’s been loyal to a Harry Potter-like fandom for years and loyal to her twin, Wren. Until Wren says she doesn’t want to room with Cath at college.

The Disenchantments by Nina Lacour

Colby and his girlfriend planned to tour with her band the summer before college. Then she breaks up with him and tells him she’s not going to college.

Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Auden goes to stay for the summer with her dad, his new wife and their new baby. Also try This Lullaby for another great before-college Dessen book.

Roomies by Tara Altebrando and Sara Zarr

Two future roommates exchange emails the summer before college

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Looking for other YA book lists? Here is my master Best of YA Book Lists list!