2013
WISE Score
A sparkly, costume-filled San Francisco romance that proves the boy next door is usually better than the rocker in the band.
Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Lola and the Boy Next Door is a high-water mark for the 'sweet' YA era. It’s 2026, and while some of the 2013-era teen tropes feel a little nostalgic, the core message about the bravery of being yourself is timeless.
If your kid is into fashion, theater, or just wants a romance that doesn't involve a vampire or a dystopian uprising, this is a top-tier pick. It’s breezy but has enough emotional weight regarding family and identity to keep it from feeling like fluff.
Best for 12 to 14-year-olds who are just starting to dive into YA romance. It's sophisticated enough to feel 'grown up' but avoids the darker, more graphic content found in older teen fiction.
Features a genuinely supportive family dynamic with two dads and a romance built on long-term friendship and mutual respect rather than just 'instant sparks.'
Lola's obsession with costume design and her refusal to wear 'normal' clothes celebrates creative identity and seeing the world as a stage.
Standard YA romance territory. There is some teen drinking and mild sexual innuendo, but it stays firmly in the 'sweet' category of contemporary fiction.
Strong themes of forgiveness, navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood, and the courage required to be your authentic self even when it's weird.
In the landscape of 2010s YA, we were drowning in 'bad boys' with secret hearts of gold. Stephanie Perkins went the other way with Cricket Bell. He’s a tall, lanky inventor who builds mechanical contraptions and actually communicates his feelings. For a parent, this is the kind of romantic lead you actually want your kid reading about. He’s not 'fixing' Lola, and she’s not 'saving' him; they’re just two creative kids trying to figure out if their childhood connection can survive high school.
Lola’s character is a masterclass in using aesthetics for self-preservation. She doesn't just like clothes; she uses wigs and elaborate costumes to navigate her anxiety and her sense of self. It’s a great entry point for talking to teens about why they choose the 'uniforms' they wear to school, whether that’s a specific brand of hoodie or a full-on cosplay.
While this is technically a sequel to Anna and the French Kiss, it’s a standalone story. The characters from the first book show up in cameos, which feels like a reward for fans but won't leave new readers confused. If your kid devours this one, you’ve got a built-in 'what to read next' list with Anna and Isla and the Happily Ever After.
It’s a grounded, joyful read that celebrates San Francisco’s quirkiness and the messy, beautiful reality of non-traditional families.
Get a personalized guide on any topic
