Books About First Love · 150 titles considered

The Best First Love Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about first love? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About First Love

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,084,763 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.
A Walk to Remember
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

A Walk to Remember

By Nicholas Sparks

A rebel and a minister's daughter discover love's power and pain in 1958 Beaufort.

240 pages· 48,110 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 856,850 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: In 1958 Beaufort, high school rebel Landon Carter never expected to fall for Jamie, the minister's ethereal daughter. As they navigate their senior year, Jamie reveals the profound depths of love and life, challenging Landon's perceptions. Amidst the sea breeze and lilacs, their unexpected bond faces trials that test their courage and hearts. Will their connection withstand the joys and sorrows that life throws their way? Discover a tale of young love that transcends time and circumstance, where the heart's true strength is unveiled in the most unexpected places.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Sale price
$2199
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

By Jenny Han · Book #1 in the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series

Secret love letters are exposed, turning a girl's imaginary romances into chaos.

384 pages· 81,247 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,108,318 ratings
$23.15Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean's world flips when her private love letters to past crushes are mysteriously mailed. As her secret feelings are revealed, she must navigate the chaos of her love life becoming very real. Will she confront her emotions or retreat into her fantasies? With her heart on the line, Lara Jean faces unexpected challenges and potential romance. Can she handle the truth now that her secrets are out?
The Boy in the Black Suit
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

The Boy in the Black Suit

By Jason Reynolds

Matt's life is falling apart until he meets Lovey, who might just help him find hope again.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2016)
272 pages· 66,768 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 9,151 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Matt, burdened by his mother's death and his father's struggles, works at a funeral home to make ends meet. Life feels bleak until he meets Lovey, a girl who's faced more than he can imagine. Drawn to her resilience, Matt wonders if she holds the key to overcoming his own grief. Can Lovey help him find strength and hope in a world that keeps knocking him down?
Looking for Alaska
Sale price
$2328
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2005

Looking for Alaska

By John Green

A boarding school adventure leads to love, loss, and life's ultimate questions.

Michael L. Printz Award (2006)
256 pages· 69,004 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,793,440 ratings
$24.50Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Miles Halter leaves his mundane life for Culver Creek, seeking the 'Great Perhaps.' There, he meets the enigmatic Alaska Young, whose allure and mystery captivate him. As friendships form and pranks unfold, a tragic event forces Miles to confront profound questions about life, love, and mortality. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will he remain lost in Alaska's labyrinth? This journey of discovery and heartbreak explores the impact one life can have on another, leaving readers pondering the meaning of it all.
Eleanor & Park
Sale price
$2184
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2012

Eleanor & Park

By Rainbow Rowell

Two misfits navigate first love, knowing it rarely lasts but daring to try.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2013)Michael L. Printz Honor (2014)Odyssey Honor (2014)
535 pages· 78,372 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,286,671 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: In 1986, two high school misfits, Eleanor and Park, find themselves drawn together despite knowing the odds are against them. As they navigate the complexities of first love, they grapple with the reality that such feelings often fade. Yet, their connection is undeniable, and they are willing to risk everything for a chance at something real. Will their bravery be enough to defy the odds, or will they become another story of love lost? Discover the challenges and triumphs of young love in a world that seems determined to keep them apart.
All-American Muslim Girl
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

All-American Muslim Girl

By Nadine Jolie Courtney

A girl navigates faith and identity amidst rising Islamophobia and a secret relationship with a shock jock's son.

432 pages· 87,712 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 4,156 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Allie Abraham seems to have it all: grades, friends, and a sweet boyfriend, Wells. But Wells's father is a famous conservative shock jock, and Allie's Muslim heritage is a secret. As Islamophobia grows, Allie embraces her faith, challenging her identity and risking her relationship. Can she reconcile her beliefs with her all-American image, and what does it mean to truly belong? Dive into Allie's journey of self-discovery and courage in a divided world.
Dumplin'
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2015

Dumplin'

By Julie Murphy · Book #1 in the Dumplin' series

A girl enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and challenge societal norms.

400 pages· 85,258 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 93,131 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Willowdean Dixon, a self-assured teen, faces self-doubt when a romance with a charming jock shakes her confidence. To prove her worth, she enters the Miss Clover City beauty pageant, defying expectations and challenging stereotypes. As she competes alongside other unconventional contestants, Willowdean aims to show her small town—and herself—that beauty comes in all forms. Will she find the courage to stand tall and redefine what it means to be beautiful?
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2006

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

By Ally Carter · Book #1 in the Gallagher Girls series

A young spy faces her toughest mission yet: navigating love while keeping her true identity hidden.

304 pages· 68,097 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 194,980 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Cammie Morgan, a spy-in-training at the secretive Gallagher Academy, excels in espionage but is baffled by romance. Fluent in fourteen languages and skilled in covert operations, she meets a boy who believes she's just an ordinary girl. As she juggles her double life, Cammie must decide if she can maintain a relationship without revealing her true identity. With her heart on the line, Cammie embarks on her most perilous mission yet—falling in love. Can she balance the demands of her secret world with the complexities of teenage romance?
Yes No Maybe So
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Yes No Maybe So

By Becky Albertalli, Aisha Saeed

Two teens navigate political canvassing and unexpected romance amidst personal challenges.

436 pages· 88,795 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 29,111 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jamie, a shy volunteer, and Maya, enduring a tough Ramadan, are thrust into political canvassing. As they knock on doors, they face personal hurdles and a budding cross-cultural romance. Can they master activism and their growing feelings as the election—and their connection—intensifies?
Browse by age

First Love Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about first love for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Caveboy Crush
Sale price
$1799

Caveboy Crush

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A caveboy's grand gestures to win a cavegirl's heart lead to unexpected twists.

Florence & Leon
Sale price
$1995

Florence & Leon

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Two strangers collide, discovering how their unique challenges unite them.

Froggy's First Kiss
Series
Sale price
$799

Froggy's First Kiss

Ages 3–5 · 1998

Froggy struggles to impress his crush before Valentine's Day. Will his special valentine win her heart?

Elvis Is King!
Sale price
$1799

Elvis Is King!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover how a shy boy's nervous shakes transformed music forever.

Pete Likes Bunny
Series
Sale price
$699

Pete Likes Bunny

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Pete's crush on Bunny leads to teasing and a heartfelt plan.

Dragons in Love
Series
Sale price
$1795

Dragons in Love

Ages 4–6 · 2016

A dragon's first kiss ignites unexpected emotions. Can he handle the heat?

Tangled
Sale price
$599

Tangled

Ages 3–7 · 2011

A bandit and a girl with magical hair embark on a thrilling journey.

View all first love picture books
Browse by age

First Love Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about first love for developing and independent readers.

Paper Towns
Sale price
$1499

Paper Towns

Ages 14–18 · 2008

A mysterious disappearance leaves clues for Quentin to unravel.

Forever...
Sale price
$1199

Forever...

Ages 14–18 · 1975

Katherine questions love's permanence when summer brings new feelings.

How I Live Now
Sale price
$2080

How I Live Now

Ages 14–18 · 2004

A girl and her cousins navigate a war-torn world, forging bonds amidst chaos and isolation.

All the Blues in the Sky
Sale price
$1799

All the Blues in the Sky

Ages 10–14 · 2025

A girl's thirteenth birthday turns tragic, leading her on a journey through grief and healing.

Fake Skating
Sale price
$2199

Fake Skating

Ages 13–17 · 2025

Childhood friends reunite, fake romance, and uncover secrets in a hockey town.

Crushed
#2 in Series
Sale price
$599

Crushed

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Ghostly dance club faces unexpected rivalry at Limbo Central.

Hot Cocoa Hearts
#3 in Series
Sale price
$799

Hot Cocoa Hearts

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A holiday job, a blizzard, and a surprising crush challenge Em's festive spirit.

Jealousy
#17 in Series
Sale price
$899

Jealousy

Ages 9–13 · 2013

Lauren faces rivalry and romance as she vies for a spot on the advanced equestrian team.

Binding 13
#1 in Series

Binding 13

Ages 16–18 · 2018

A rugby star and a troubled girl collide, risking everything for a chance at love.

View all first love chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about dating and courtshipBooks about falling in loveBooks about activismBooks about adolescenceBooks about boarding schoolsBooks about confidenceBooks about connecting with othersBooks about crushes