Looking for a book to dive into this summer? Why not cool off with a classic? These timeless reads are packed with drama, mystery, romance, and action. We’ve put together a list of classics and, just for fun, paired them with some modern read-alikes, so you can decide if you want to go old school or explore a more contemporary take.
Stay cool, and give one a try. You might be surprised how much these classic stories still feel relevant today!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Modern Read-Alike: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Both explore wealth, secrets, and tragic summers with a haunting twist.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Modern Read-Alike: All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely
Justice, race, and coming of age told through different lenses but with powerful messages.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Modern Read-Alike: Pride by Ibi Zoboi
A clever remix set in Brooklyn, full of heart, humor, and social commentary.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Modern Read-Alike: Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
Both center on teens finding strength and community while facing systemic injustice and loss.
1984 by George Orwell
Modern Read-Alike: Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Dystopian societies, surveillance, and big questions about control and freedom.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Modern Read-Alike: This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
A steampunk inspired reimagining that’s perfect for fans of the original’s gothic vibe.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Modern Read-Alike: Wilder Girls by Rory Power
Teens in isolation, primal instincts, and eerie survival stories.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Modern Read-Alike: Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Gothic mystery, resilience, and a young woman carving out her place in the world.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Modern Read-Alike: Internment by Samira Ahmed
Censorship, rebellion, and the power of ideas in dystopian worlds.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Modern Read-Alike: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Though different in setting, both explore friendship, loneliness, and emotional growth.
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