Since You've Been Gone

Author Morgan Matson has quickly developed into one of contemporary YA's most delightful authors, creating thoughtful stories about friendship, family, and first love. Whereas Second Chance Summer and Amy and Roger's Epic Detour both focused on main characters grieving the loss of a parent, SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE​ chronicles a different kind of grief: the abrupt loss of a friend (who's still alive but mysteriously gone without any communication except a letter). Matson deftly captures the intimacy of teen best friendship -- how it really does feel like you're "only half" (and, in many cases, the "lesser" half) of a two-person whole. Emily sans Sloane is barely able to talk to strangers, so the list is like a farewell present that dares Emily to find out what makes her awesome all on her own.

The romance in Since You've Been Gone isn't as straightforward as it is between Taylor and Henry in Second Chance Summer, but it's a satisfying slow burn reminiscent of Amy and Roger's in Matson's first novel. The friends-to-more theme might be obvious in YA (and all romances, for that matter), but it's a much more fulfilling alternative to the "instalove" that's so prevalent in teen books. What's even better than the romance in Emily's story is that it's a tale of self-discovery. At first, Emily honestly doesn't think she's worth knowing without her more popular and outgoing best friend, so it's heartening to see her discover how captivating she is, too.