Have you watched NETFLIX’s Never Have I Ever? It's a coming of age comedy-drama created by Mindy Kaling (The Office, The Mindy Project, and author of Why Not Me?, opens a new window) that follows an Indian-American teenage girl as she deals with high school and the death of her father. The show will make you laugh, cringe with second hand embarrassment, swoon, tear up, and laugh some more.
Is this show just for teens? No! So don't let that you stop you from watching Never Have I Ever. Teens and adults alike can relate to the highs and lows of adolescence. It's why John Hughes movies are so beloved. Yes, there is high school drama in Never Have I Ever, but this diverse cast of characters also deal with finding their identity, racism, gender roles, family, friendships, and first love. Since the second season just premiered, we unfortunately will have to wait until next year for new episodes. In the meantime, here are 10 YA books to check out after you finish Never Have I Ever…
Don’t Ever Change
Devi Vishwakumar, the funny, nerdy, and awkward protagonist of Never Have I Ever struggles to define herself and have others see her as being more than the crazy nerdy Indian girl. If Devi is your favorite character, check out these three books that feature protagonists that struggle with their identity, self-acceptance, family expectations, and first love as they try to survive high school.
That’s My Best Friend
Where would Devi be without her best friends Fabiola and Eleanor? When it comes to making Tiktoks, relationship advice, or participating in crazy antics, Fabiola and Eleanor always have Devi’s back. If Devi, Fabiola, and Eleanor are your #friendgoals, check out these three books that feature supportive best friends.
I <3 Paxton Hall-Yoshida
As the show has progressed, we have come to realize that there is more to the popular and swoon worthy Paxton Hall-Yoshida. If you loved the episode that featured Paxton’s POV (narrated by Gigi Hadid), check out these books that feature misunderstood teen heartthrobs that fall for the nerdy love interests.
Ben Gross is the Worst
Ben Gross. He is Devi’s longtime academic nemesis. The Joker to her Batman...Well, maybe not so much anymore. The Mr. Darcy to her Elizabeth Bennet... that’s more like it. If you love watching how Devi and Ben’s rivalry turned to romance, checkout these banter filled, hate to date books.
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe
Check out more YA titles on Overdrive, opens a new window. Check out David Yoon's author event with HCPL on YouTube!
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