Jennifer Dugan is a writer, a geek, and a romantic who writes the kinds of stories she wishes she'd had growing up. She's the author of the graphic novels Coven and Full Shift, as well as the young adult novels Playing for Keeps, The Last Girls Standing, Melt With You, Some Girls Do, Verona Comics, and Hot Dog Girl, which was called "a great, fizzy rom-com" by Entertainment Weekly and "one of the best reads of the year, hands down" by Paste magazine. She lives in upstate New York with her family, their dog, a strange kitten who enjoys wearing sweaters, and an evil cat who is no doubt planning to take over the world.

Praise for Summer Girls

An ALA Rainbow Book List Selection

* "A continuous page-turner. Aside from the blossoming relationship, Dugan focuses on current issues such as coming out and gentrification. Many young adults will also relate to the worrisome problem of parents recording their children for online content. A reminder that love is always worth the fight." --Booklist, starred review

"If you liked the quaint beach town setting (and tension-filled relationships) in The Summer I Turned Pretty, this sapphic YA romance about two polar opposites who fall into an unexpected relationship one summer is sure to check all the boxes." --People

"The narrative not only chronicles the teens' slow-burn romance, but also deftly addresses the underlying issues present in their relationship, including wealth, class differences, the privilege of being able to come out on your own terms, and the volatile nature of social media. This fast-paced enemies-to-lovers romance will keep readers turning the pages . . . A summer romance that's a delightful read in any season." --Kirkus Reviews

"Nuanced discussions of gentrification levied by the girls' charming romance balance out this sweet and summery beach read." --Publishers Weekly

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Pub date: 2026-03-31

Length: 336 pages