In keeping with my Jeff Zentner theme this month, my monthly So You Liked post is going to be dedicated to The Serpent King! The Serpent King was Zentner’s breakout debut that won the Morris Award, which is an award given to a first-time author writing for teens. Let me tell you, if you haven’t read this book yet, it should be on your TBR ASAP. Sure, it might make you cry, but honestly, what Jeff Zentner book doesn’t?
The Serpent King follows Dill, who has had to deal with his father’s reputation his entire life. Now in prison for putting his congregation in danger, Dill has to deal with the fallout at school. His only safe place is with his friends, Lydia and Travis, fellow outcasts in small town Tennessee. As graduation is fast approaching, Dill isn’t sure what the future holds.
The Serpent King Read-a-Likes
Let’s start with a novel that deals with grief.
In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
When Cash’s best friend, Delaney, gets the chance to go to a boarding school up north, she takes Cash with her. As he decides whether or not to go, Cash has to decide between his love for Delaney and his love for his grandparents, who raised him. Is it cheating to put a Jeff Zentner book on here? Eh. This one has a similar feel to The Serpent King, so it’s staying.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Wallace is dead. He doesn’t accept it until a reaper comes to collect him at his funeral. There, he’s taken to meet Hugo, who is supposed to help Wallace pass on. But as Wallace gets to know Hugo and his little found family, he realizes he didn’t really live when he was able to. So, he starts now. This book doesn’t come out until September, but the way it deals with grief is on par with Zentner’s work.
A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti
Annabelle is running. Running from everything that has happened in the past year, running from pain and trauma. As she runs from Seattle to DC, she realizes that in order to move past her pain, she has to face it. Perhaps more about pain/trauma, but the healing aspect feels similar to what happens in The Serpent King.
Maybe you want a book that deals with a religious cult?
The Project by Courtney Summers
After the death of her parents, Lo has been on her own since her sister joined The Unity Project. No matter what Lo does to get in contact with her sister, she’s met with silence. However, when she gets a chance to gain access to her life, she jumps on it. Even if her own life might be in danger.
The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass
Castella and her siblings have been confined to their family home for as long as they can remember. The only rules they follow come from their father, who insists he gets them from God. As they try to push the boundaries of their world, they realize what they’re missing. And try to get the courage to escape.
After the Fire by Will Hill
Based on true events, Moonbeam is stuck in a federal facility after a raid on the cult she belonged to. As she works through her trauma with a psychiatrist, she only wants to find out one thing. What happened to her mother after the fire.
Or you want the strong friendship of Dill, Travis, and Lydia.
The Summer of Everything by Julian Winters
Wes Hudson has been pining after his best friend for awhile now. Before they both go off to college, he has to work up the courage to tell him how he really feels. But when Wes learns his beloved bookstore is going to be closing, saving it takes precedence.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Much like Dill, Travis, and Lydia, Charlie finds his own group of outcasts to be friends with in this book. Told in a series of letters, we get Charlie’s freshman year of high school as he learns to be less of a wallflower and more present in life.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Miles is obsessed with famous last words. He takes this obsession with him to boarding school at Culver Creek, where he meets Alaska. Alaska, who makes Miles question everything and takes him on new adventures.
Perhaps you’re looking for a book that deals with depression.
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Part-Persian, Darius is going to Iran for the first time in his life. However, he’s stressing about explaining his clinical depression to his family he’s never met. Then he meets Sohrab, who helps Darius feel a little less lonely. And a little less self-conscious.
Girl on the Line by Faith Gardner
Journey is trying to figure out how to move forward after surviving a suicide attempt. Her parents aren’t really sure what to do with her. Her friends are making all the wrong jokes. Nothing feels right until she steps into the volunteer hotline center, finding people who are exactly like her.
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
Adam has struggled finding happiness again after his father commits suicide. Not even support from his girlfriend helps. However, the new boy, Thomas, makes Adam feel things he hasn’t in a long time. But when Adam realizes he can’t stay away, he considers taking drastic actions.
Or a book that deals with the end of high school.
When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert
Nearing the end of high school, all Beth wants is for her group of friends to stay together. And to get the courage to tell Jason how she really feels. However, when she witnesses something at Jason’s house, they group together to protect him. But it isn’t enough to stop Jason from making a choice that will change their futures forever.
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
After leaving for college, Marin hasn’t talked to anyone from her past. Not even her best friend Mabel, who was there for her before everything happened. Now, Mabel is coming to visit Marin at school. And Marin isn’t sure if she’ll be able to face everything from the past that comes with it.
Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid
Dave and Julia crafted a list of cliches to avoid while they were in high school. But as they enter their senior year, they realize that maybe not all the cliches are bad. So, they decide to embark on an epic quest to complete their list. What happens when they break the rules completely and maybe fall for each other?