Books About First Love · 116 titles considered

The Best First Love Books for Kids

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.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About First Love

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$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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 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.

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 852,790 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.

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$2071

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,093,247 ratings

$21.80Save 5%

Library Binding

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?

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$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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,778,588 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.

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,277,240 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.

Sale price

$1049

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 92,748 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

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

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$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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 194,626 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?

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

3.7/5 Goodreads · 28,949 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?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2008

Paper Towns

By John Green

A mysterious disappearance leaves clues for Quentin to unravel.

305 pages· 76,190 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,514,439 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Quentin Jacobsen's world turns upside down when Margo Roth Spiegelman, the girl he's admired from afar, vanishes after a night of adventure. As he follows the cryptic clues she left behind, Quentin embarks on a journey that challenges his perceptions and tests his resolve. Will he uncover the truth about Margo, or will her mystery remain unsolved? Dive into a tale of intrigue and self-discovery where every clue leads to more questions.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1975

Forever...

By Judy Blume

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

240 pages· 38,379 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

3.6/5 Goodreads · 68,743 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Katherine believes her love with Michael is eternal, especially after they share an intimate moment. But a summer apart stirs unexpected emotions for someone new. As Katherine grapples with her heart's shifting desires, she must confront what 'forever' truly means. Is her bond with Michael the love of a lifetime, or just the start of her journey in love? This exploration of first love and its complexities will leave you questioning the nature of true connection.

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First Love Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

Caveboy Crush

Ages 4–8 · 2019

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

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?

Sale price

$1799

Elvis Is King!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

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

Series

The Royal

2016

No book description provided.

Series

The Prom

2016

No book description provided.

Series

Sale price

$699

Pete Likes Bunny

Ages 4–8 · 2016

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

Series

Sale price

$1795

Dragons in Love

Ages 4–6 · 2016

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

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.

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.

Sale price

$2199

Fake Skating

Ages 13–17 · 2025

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

#10 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Dibs on This Chair

Ages 8–11 · 2001

A mischievous sixth grader navigates school with humor and chaos.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$599

Crushed

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Ghostly dance club faces unexpected rivalry at Limbo Central.

#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.

#14 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1199

Dandadan, Vol. 14

2024

A nerd battles spirits and aliens for a mysterious power, aided by his crush and a spirit granny.

#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.

#1 in Series

Binding 13

Ages 16–18 · 2018

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

#5 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

A Graphic Novel

Ages 13–17 · 2023

Can love survive when university looms and confidence wavers?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Heartstopper Vol. 3

Ages 14–17 · 2020

Nick and Charlie navigate love and secrets on a school trip to Paris.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Volume Two

Ages 13–17 · 2019

A kiss changes everything for two best friends, leaving them questioning love and friendship.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

The New Girl

Ages 9–12 · 2024

Lia faces a new country, language, and body changes. Can she find herself again amidst the chaos?

View all first love chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about dating and courtship Books about falling in love Books about new experiences Books about activism Books about boarding schools Books about confidence Books about connecting with others Books about crushes

Our 10 Favorite Books About First Love

Great books, picked for their age.

First Love Picture Books

First Love Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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