I know what you’re thinking. Heat Wave doesn’t come out until July, why are you doing so many posts about it now? Because I have been inspired by reading and reviewing it, so that’s all that’s on my mind right now. So you’re getting all the posts about it! The Extraordinaries is one of my favorite YA trilogies, and if you haven’t read it yet, now is the time to check it out!
Anyway, this was TJ Klune’s first foray into the YA realm, and I’d call it a success. Honestly, I would love for him to write more YA books because this one was so good. Like, give me more chaotic friendship squads, please! I am all here for it.
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Top Read-a-Likes for The Extraordinaries
Let’s start with the obvious: superheroes.
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Renegades are people wtih extraordinary powers, and the ones that saved the world. All her life, Nova has hated the Renegades for what they did to her family. But her mission for vengeance might reveal truths she didn’t want to know.
The Temperature of Me and You by Brian Zepka
Dylan’s life has been pretty uneventful, until a boy named Jordan walks into the Dairy Queen where he works. A boy who burns at 110 degress. And suddenly, Dylan’s life isn’t quite so normal anymore.
Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee
In Andover, superpowers are common, but finding internships is not. Despite coming from a heroic lineage, Jess wasn’t blessed with powers. So, when the perfect inernship appears (that’s paid!), she jumps at the chance. Even if it is for a supervillain.
Where are my chaotic friend squads at?
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Georgia has always loved the idea of love, but she’s never been in it herself. So, she vows when she gets to college, she’s going to find it. However, it’s there she realizes that maybe she doesn’t have romantic feelings for anyone.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Determined to prove his true gender to his Latinx family, Yadriel decides to summon a ghost. However, when he accidentally summons Julian instead of his cousin, Yadriel is stuck helping Julian right some final wrongs before going back.
The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Sky has always flown under the radar in his small Michigan town as one of the only gay teens at his high school. So, he decides to ask his crush, Ali, to prom in the biggest way possible. Until it gets leaked to the entire school.
Maybe you want that good neurodivergent rep.
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
Bastián and Lore are the only two who can see the world under the lake. When it starts to spread outside of the lake, the two have to work together to figure out how to stop it. Includes great ADHD and dyslexia rep!
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
Mikey and his friends aren’t the ones chosen to save the world. They’re just the ones who have to live in while other people try to save it. To top it all off, Mikey struggles with OCD as well. One of the best novels with OCD rep that I’ve read, honestly!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
When he turns 11, Percy Jackson learns that he’s a demigod, a son of Poseidon. With that, he gets extraordinary powers. But he’s also in danger. Percy has ADHD and dyslexia!
Or maybe you’re looking for the friends to lovers trope.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
After coming out as nonbinary, Ben is kicked out of their parents’ house and moves in with their sister. With that comes starting a new school, where they’re not so sure they want to be out. Until they meet Nathan.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
When Nick and Charlie sit next to each other in class, a friendship immediately sparks. As they grow closer, it’s clear it might be more than friendship. But will they have the courage to pursue it?
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix Love has never been in love. When he starts getting transphobic messages, he comes up with a plan to get them back: catfishing. However, what he doesn’t expect is for it to land him in a love triangle.
Perhaps you just want a feel good queer story.
Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
After running a successful blog on trans meet cutes, Noah thinks he’s an expert on romance. The only problem? He’s never been in a relationship himself. In order to keep his blog going, he starts fake dating Drew. But Noah quickly realizes it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Arthur and Ben meet by chance at a post office. Unable to get each other out of their heads, they try going on a date. And then another. And another. Is the universe trying to bring them together or keep them apart?
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
When Liz’s scholarship plan ends up falling through, it looks like college might not be in the cards for her. So, she enters her school’s competition for prom queen, which comes with its own scholarship. As long as she doesn’t fall for the competition.