As summer creeps around the corner and life slowly turns back to normal, we're all still getting used to seeing other people. And with other people comes their looks, hobbies, and then comes the comparisons! Already, social media is flooded with ideas of a summer body, perfect fashion sense, and amazing social lives and grades. In such a social media-centered world, It's always good to take a step back and focus on yourself. Here is a list of books to help with that- happy reading!
Dumplin - Julie Murphy
Dumplin centers around Willowdean, a 'self proclaimed fat girl'. Will goes on a journey of self-evaluation and self acceptance after a popular kid named Bo is attracted to her after entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant! Dumplin centers both around themes of friendship, teenage love, and the entire coming of age package as well as self-love and is a great, refreshing read for anyone in the need for a quick pick me up!
Language of Fire: Joan of Arc Reimagined by Stephanie Hemphill
Language of Fire centers around the life story of Joan of Arc, from her birth to her courageous decision to help save France. Although this is not your typical story of self-love, it inspires confidence and surety in all you do. The author's writing is masterful and shows both the highs and lows in Jehanne's confidence, capturing the full extent of her character arc ( see what I did there?). It's incredible to see her transformation from insignificant to an immortalized hero, especially as a woman in times that were incredibly stifling to her gender. Pick this book up if you want a raw emotional response and motivation to better yourself and to take control of your dreams, passions, and what you believe in!
Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins
Forward Me Back to You is a novel about regaining self love and direction. It follows two main characters: Katina King, a jujitsu champion fighting to recover from past traumas, and Robin Thorton, an adoptee from Kolkata. The two form a friendship during a mission trip to India and discover harsh realities- but also find how friendship and acts of kindness made radical differences in the world. This is an amazing book for anyone stuck in a rut or struggling to live with themselves, and the prose is incredibly powerful, especially with the south asian representation. Please check out the TWs for this book before reading!
Check, Please! Book One by Ngozi Ukazu
If some of the other novels in this list are too heavy for you, you'll love Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu. This is a graphic novel about discovering yourself in the midst of a sports environment after Bitty, the main character, joins the Samwell University's hockey team and develops an attraction for the team's captain, Jack. The book features amazing LGBTQ+ rep and a sweet love story, coupled with self-acceptance. All in all, a sweet and inspiring coming of age story that encourages you to accept your whole and true self!
Saints and Misfits - S. K. Ali
Saints and Misfits is about a muslim teen named Janna. It focuses on some of her struggles wearing the Hijab and recovering from TW: sexual assault. It's a beautiful coming of age story about finding yourself, maintaining a close relationship to god, and love between friends and family, along with speaking out about things that have hurt you and getting justice. This book has an amazing representation of Islam and even a Niqabi character. Saints and Misfits balances a warm and almost humorous book with the harder parts of coping with trauma incredibly well and was an amazing read.
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