8 YA Books Perfect for Reading Outside
My typical reading scenario looks like this: me, in my bed, a heap of blankets and pillows around me, a stack of books to choose from, and likely some tea or coffee nearby. While there is nothing wrong with this setup, I’ve challenged myself to a different situation this year: reading outside. For some readers, grabbing a book and heading outside is the usual, but I’ve rarely ventured outdoors with a paperback. Between the Southern heat and bugs, the outside world has little appeal in comparison to an air-conditioned room. However, I’ve slowly started falling in love with nature (though maybe not quite yet with bugs), and it’s largely due to bringing my favorite pastime to a different environment. If you’re interested in mixing up your reading habits or are looking for more book recs to read under your favorite tree, these 8 YA books make perfect outdoors companions. Bonus: Books in nature make for excellent bookstagram photos.
The Bone Witch, by Rin Chupeco
For me, the best kind of fantasy novels immerse you in its worldbuilding, and Chupeco masterfully crafts a unique setting in her latest, The Bone Witch. Devastated by the loss of her brother, Tea accidentally brings him back to life. In doing so, Tea learns she is a bone witch and is whisked away to be trained. Launched into a world of magic, politics, deceit, and dark forces, Tea encounters battles she never expected. If you’re not one who likes spending time outdoors but wants to try, I recommend this one. You’ll find yourself so absorbed in Tea’s world that by the time you look up, you’ll have forgotten where you are.
American Street, by Ibi Zoboi
This fierce contemporary YA navigating immigration, race, class, and more deserves your attention. Ibi Zoboi writes the story of Fabiola, who is ready to start afresh in America with her mother. On their journey, however, Fabiola’s mother is detained, leaving Fabiola to go to her aunt and cousins alone. As she tries to balance remaining true to herself with learning to navigate the new culture around her, Fabiola grows in bravery and strength. This powerful novel explores how our country, our state, our neighborhood, and our own backyard can influence us and become part of us, all with a touch of vodou folklore woven in.
I Believe in a Thing Called Love, by Maurene Goo
Read this outside
Read this inside
Read it with a k-drama playing
Read it while you are laying (down)
Read it on a rainy day
This excellent book releases in May
Apologies for the terrible poetry, but Maurene Goo’s sophomore novel should be read at any opportunity you have. This fun, heartwarming contemporary follows Desi Lee, above average student, below average flirter. When she meets Luca, a gorgeous artist, Desi decides the time has come to finally get a boyfriend. Unsure how to start, she finds her answers in her father’s favorite K-dramas, drafting the “K Drama Rules for True Love.” Armed with her plan, Desi is prepared for romance…until true feelings arise and she learns relationships are much more messy and complicated than they are on TV.
The Rithmatist, by Brandon Sanderson
If you’ve ever experienced the fun of chalk-drawing on the sidewalk or driveway, Sanderson’s historical fantasy The Rithmatist is the book for you. Set in a world where certain people, called Rithmatists, have the ability to bring life into chalk drawings, the novel features lovely diagrams and “Chalklings” (animated chalk creatures). Protagonist Joel is not a Rithmatist, though he longs to be one and to study chalk theories. When Rithmatist students start disappearing, Joel might be the only one who can figure out the strange mystery, with help from his friend, Melody, and a beloved professor. For extra fun, listen to the audiobook version and bring out the sidewalk chalk.
Wintersong, by S. Jae-Jones
What can make you feel cooler on a hot spring/summer day than a book with a cold-weather title? This lush fantasy combines the best parts of the movie Labyrinth, fairy tales, Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market,” and tension of all kinds. Liesl has heard of the Goblin King—in fact, she has grown up with stories about him. His tales are part of what inspire her music, though she mostly keeps her compositions to herself. When the Goblin King takes her sister, Liesl must save her family by confronting a mysterious man whose stories are so much a part of her. Take Wintersong on your trip to the farmer’s market, but be wary of what you buy.
Princess Princess Ever After, by Katie O’Neill
O’Neill’s graphic novel featuring two princesses who fall in love and rescue each other is nothing short of sunshine itself. Sadie is locked in a tower and has been constantly mocked for being emotional. Amira longs for adventure and saves Sadie, and both princesses are surprised by the connection they develop. This touching, quick read explores what it means to love yourself, whether you sob over smashing a fly or have anxieties about being in charge. Read it on a beautiful day when the sun is bright and warm, just like your soul will be once you finish the story of Amira and Sadie.
Duels and Deception, by Cindy Anstey
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Regency characters must be in want of a walk, often amid estates, gardens, and landscapes that always make me want to look outside. In Duels and Deception, dutiful heiress Miss Lydia Whitfield has her entire future planned out…until she and her young law clerk, Mr. Robert Newton, are kidnapped. Now, Lydia is tasked with keeping her fortune, and the family name, safe, which means finding the culprit behind the kidnapping. Together, Lydia and Robert investigate the case while their affections grow, and Lydia must decide how good her future plans truly are. Grab this fun, humor-filled historical and take it to the nearest park or grand estate.
Daughters Unto Devils, by Amy Lukavics
I can’t count the times I have picked up a horror or thriller story, started reading, and then realized the sun is long gone and my apartment suspiciously quiet. As someone prone to jumping at the smallest spooks, possibly the best part about reading outside is being able to enjoy a good horror story in the sunshine, where there are few shadows and semi-constant noise. Daughters Unto Devils, set on a vast, isolated prairie, is a particularly apt choice. When Amanda Verner’s family moves to their new home, she hopes for a better life than the one they left, with its harsh winters, sickness, and cabin fever. But once the Verners arrive, they discover the prairie is nothing like they expected…and their land is rumored to be tainted by a dark past. I recommend reading this one outside between the hours of noon and 4 p.m., then going back inside, locking the door, and putting on a nice Disney movie. Repeat as needed.