Donut Summer
Written by Anita Kelly
Published by Quill Tree Books
“Relaxing” and “getting a tan” may be on most teens’ summer to—do lists, but for chronically freckled and deeply anxious Penny Dexter? Not a chance. Socking money away for college? Of course. Babysitting her siblings? Sure. Becoming a climate scientist and saving the world? She wishes.
At least she can tackle the tuition money with the seasonal gig she landed at Delicious Donuts. But when she finds out that her genderqueer nemesis, Mateo della Penna, will also be working behind the counter, Penny’s summer of mindless labor instantly vanishes before her eyes. Mateo is ridiculous and artsy, and their favorite kind of donut is Boston Crème (gross!). But the duo’s two—and—a—half—year feud will have to take a backseat when the donut shop is threatened by a corporate takeover.
As their small town faces big pressure, and anxiety threatens everything Penny’s worked for, there’s still one person who remains by her side. And though their taste in donuts is questionable, Mateo’s presence manages to keep Penny calm and focused. Could it be that Penny’s found the perfect, most infuriating person to change the world with?
Primary ISBN: 9781335012890
Publication Date: July 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 13 or older
Community Represented: Italian/Italian American, Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Activism, Community Action, Cross-Group Dating, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Economic, Discrimination: Gender and Sexual, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Format: Audiobook, Genre: Romance, Identity: Multiracial, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Illness
Setting: United States (Oregon)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
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