Cool for the Summer

Written by Dahlia Adler

Narrated by Natalie Naudus

"Witty, wise, and disarmingly tender. I am hopelessly devoted to this summer dream of a book."--Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Dahlia Adler's Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are.

Lara's had eyes for exactly one person throughout her three years of high school: Chase Harding. He's tall, strong, sweet, a football star, and frankly, stupid hot. Oh, and he's talking to her now. On purpose and everything. Maybe...flirting, even? No, wait, he's definitely flirting, which is pretty much the sum of everything Lara's wanted out of life.

Except she’s haunted by a memory. A memory of a confusing, romantic, strangely perfect summer spent with a girl named Jasmine. A memory that becomes a confusing, disorienting present when Jasmine herself walks through the front doors of the school to see Lara and Chase chatting it up in front of the lockers.

Lara has everything she ever wanted: a tight-knit group of friends, a job that borders on cool, and Chase, the boy of her literal dreams. But if she's finally got the guy, why can't she stop thinking about the girl?

A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: May 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781250803498

Dahlia Adler

DAHLIA ADLER is an editor by day, a freelance writer by night, and a Young Adult author at every spare moment in between. She is the founder of LGBTQReads, editor of several anthologies, and author of many novels, including the Kids' Indie Next picks Cool for the Summer, Home Field Advantage, and Going Bicoastal. She lives in New York with her family and an obscene number of books.

Reviews for Cool for the Summer

[Danielle · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cool for the Summer turned out to be a cute book about a teenage girl coming into her identity.

Lara has loved Chase for what seems like forever -- he's cute, popular, and the school's star football player. Her dreams finally come true when he starts paying attention to her... that would be perfect if it weren't for Jasmine, the girl that Lara spent a romantic, yet confusing, summer with.

The book focuses on Lara figuring out her identity, and accepting what she learns about herself. I really enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representation in the book, and felt it was nicely done. Lara's journey of self discovery is what carries the book... but I will admit that there is a LOT of teen drama in the book.

[Amber · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this one! The love triangle was messy but awesome! Lara was such a great character that grew so much in this book. Jasmine and Chase were also amazing characters. I felt like The author did a great job of showing the complexity of not knowing who you are and what you identify as. I also have such love for the side characters. Lara had a great support system in her mom and besties.

[Ninfa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is great. It's so sweet, and charming, it makes you be on Larissa's shoes and be like 'oh, no, this hurts'. As an audiobook, it's pretty good, 'cause Natalie is amazing doing the voice switches to some deep voices and so. Super recommended, because is also short and easy to read!

[Malin WvW · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Super engaging coming of age romance! Great prose and dynamic characters. Can't wait to read more from the author.

[Airun 357 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretty nice book! The writing was awesome and the voice actress was stunning, tho I felt the final a little bit too rushed. It demonstrates the definition of bipanic jaja, but there was no confrontation of the sapphic couple until the end, i know it was intended, but it felt like there was not too many sapphic scenes. Kudos to the author! ✨✨✨?

[Taylor Nelson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ahhhhhhhh this was so cute and cool. I love the cover art and how characters’ cultures were explored. When characters say what they want even if they’re being written different, it makes the story more authentic. You’re the character - follow your heart