A huge thanks to Netgalley and Random House for this book! K.L. Walther books all read in a very similar fashion so I can guarantee if you like one of her books, you’ll like her other ones. This was overall a lighthearted YA book that maybe didn’t have an insane plot line but was a fun time. Not to mention the cover of this book is also stunning and fits with her overall book aesthetic. If you need a quick read this might be for you!

What starts out as fun and a whirlwind fantasy of a day doing all the things they have loved and wanted to do forever, friends spend a day in Philadelphia following traditional and wildly personal tributes to one another, a time in life, their relationships, and the futures gleaming in the not-so-distant horizon in K. L. Walther's excellent WHILE WE'RE YOUNG. Because you are young only once, with the fresh hearts, wild imaginations, and wide open possibilities intriguing enough to tempt you to be who you've always wanted to be -- even when you also have to face yourself in the mirror in all your imperfections. I loved it, appreciated the allusions to movies, and even as I knew I was missing Easter eggs, didn't care because it was such a well-written, fast-paced romp. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

A modern day role reversal on Ferris Bueller’s day off with lots of heart and teenage emotions. Class president and straight A student Grace has decided that she needs to mend the fractured relationship between her two best friends, Isa and Evan, before they all go their separate ways to college. Her plan: a senior ditch day to all their favorite spots in the city but getting her friends to go along with the plan was the easy part. As they explore the city, they each confront past emotions and new secrets they have been keeping from each other.

This was a very fun and cute YA novel but also had some serious moments that made the characters two dimensional. Told from four points of view, this story intertwines each person's perspective, thoughts and views in a clever way that lets you see the entire story unfold as the day goes on. Like a Shakespearean play, this had drama, friendship, adventure and thrills.

The Target audience is YA but I still had fun reading this! I loved all the nods to Ferris Bueller: reporter's name is Sloan, Twist and Shout song at the outdoor wedding, the dog named Rooney! It was fun to find all the easter eggs sprinkled into the story.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: K.L. Walther
Genre: YA

Another fun YA adventure from K.L. Walther! Ive enjoyed the other books from this author and will forever have a soft spot for a YA novel.

This one takes us on a senior skip adventure day with Grace trying to reunite the friendship between her two besties, Everett and Isa, all while her brother James ends up getting caught up in covering for them, even though he doesn't totally know it.

I loved the multiple POV, it helped be as immersed as possible, I loved how intentional the day that Grace had planned for them, that they desperately needed it. I loved the glimpses of all the feels that were under wraps and which couples we as the reader got to root for.

This was easily a 4 🌟 read buuuut, the ending felt a little abrupt and there were a few plot points that felt incredibly unresolved (Isa's family, Are Grace and James' parents moving, gaps in what we learn about Everett's dad, the avoiding of the principal). But regardless, this was a fun trip down memory lane in thinking about all the shenanigans I got up to with high school and college besties and I cannot wait to pick up this author's next book!


Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Romance for the ARC in exchange for my review!

The beginning was a bit confusing only because I had four different points of views to keep up with but after a bit I got used to it. I ended up enjoying see all the different reactions and seeing things through each characters point of view. This was such a fun book. I enjoyed it so much! It was definitely modern Ferris Bueler vibes. I think my only compliment was that i wanted more lol. The ending was good I just wanted like a bonus chapter or a bit more to tie up some loose ends.

I have never seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off but I really enjoyed the story of these kids skipping school and rekindling their friendship.

K. L. Walther always knows exactly how to hit me in the feels. I absolutely tore through this book, finishing it in less than 24 hours. I know the inspiration for the story was Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, but this book had such a life of its own that I barely even noticed the parallels.

So, what worked? I loved how well thought out each character was and how we got perfect glimpses into how their lives all intertwined together. I’ll admit, when I first read the blurb for this book and realized I’d be reading four different POVs, I was a little skeptical. But truly, it was done so well. Every POV felt like a puzzle piece and they all sorta clicked together. We also got to know each character and it was easy to see the different personalities play a part in the ditch-day story line. I especially loved Isa’s POVs, and she had the most growth in my opinion. Her change in attitude just felt so natural once we reached the end of the book.

Now, what I didn’t like. Given that I’m still rating the book 4 stars, there isn’t a lot to mention here. The main issue I had was that the relationship between James and Grace wasn’t explored enough. I thought the romance was super cute, and it was nice to see those story lines come together, but I think the book needed more of the sibling dynamic to balance it out. It would’ve been nice to see James join in on the adventure with his sister rather than immediately splitting off with Isa.

Overall, this is such a great read! I would definitely recommend to all of my romance lovers and people who just want a quick story that they can immerse themselves in.

This was a really cute and fun read! I loved the summer of broken rules by k.l. walther so it was exciting to receive this arc!!

Thank you Netgalley!

Grace organizes a road trip for her, Isabel, and Everett to help fix the other two's friendship after they broke up.
James, Grace's brother, is left out, and figures out where they went. What follows is a fun, nostalgia filled day as they come to terms with growing up and getting ready to separate and go off to college.
A super cute and funny read!

I would have loved to get more at the end of the book about where the characters were after the end of the story.

Tropes:
Road trip
Friends to lovers
Second chances
Multi-pov

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of my all time favorite movies and this book was such an amazing version of it! The whole trio of Grace, Isa, and Everett was perfect. I also loved how there was justice for Ferris Bueller’s sister Jeanie with the character of James who is Grace’s brother and gets to join in on the adventure.

This book was a perfect spin off of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and it stayed loyal to the overall theme of the movie while still telling a different story with unique characters. I really loved this book! It was a super fun read and I loved all of the movie references.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book!

This book was such a fun, flirty, and fast read—I flew through it! just the right amount of drama, and a retelling twist that kept things interesting. It’s light and feel-good but still has a little depth, so it’s not all fluff. If you’re in the mood for something cute and entertaining, this one’s a solid pick!

3.5 ⭐️

every time I read a K.L. Walther book I know i’m going to have a fun time!! there were so many moments I was giggling out loud. I love books that are lighthearted and feel-good and this is just that💘

three friends decide to take the day off school and go on a epic senior skip day to Philidalphiea, reminiscing on old times before their friendships started to fracture. a day filled with rocky conversations, running from authority, and the best philly cheesesteak to exist. a feel-good rom-com with funny antics & hilarious events!

the first 50% I really enjoyed! after that my connection to the story was kind of lost but I still found it fun & an easy read for something light-hearted☺️ thank you Random House, NetGalley, and K.L. Walther for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!! out now 🤍

After reading The Summer of Broken Rules, I will read anything by KL Walther! While We’re Young had the same fun, carefree vibes!

What I liked:
•A fun sense of adventure - Ferris Buller’s Day Off vibes!
•Unraveled secrets
•Friends to lovers
•Great pacing
•Multi POV
•Taylor Swift references (a Walther staple!)
•Lots of LOL moments

What I didn’t love:
•I felt like some of the conflicts could have been dragged and flushed out just a TAD more

A whirlwind romance inspired by *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* about four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day.

DNF @ 21%. Nothing is happening and I just do not care. I read and loved The Summer of Broken Rules and What Happens After Midnight but this one felt much too young for me to be able to relate to and enjoy.

Thank you to Random House Childrens and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

This charming and heartfelt novel is a love letter to friendship, adventure, and the beautiful chaos of growing up. Inspired by *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*, it captures the thrill of one unforgettable senior skip day in Philadelphia, where long-held secrets, tangled emotions, and complicated relationships all come to a head.

At the heart of the story is the fractured trio of Grace, Isa, and Everett—once inseparable, now struggling under the weight of unspoken feelings and past heartbreaks. Grace harbors a secret love for Everett, Isa is sneaking around with Grace’s brother James, and Everett remains the emotional wildcard tying them all together. Their dynamic is messy, real, and deeply compelling, making every stolen moment and unexpected twist feel like a high-stakes emotional rollercoaster.

What sets this book apart is its perfect balance of humor, heart, and adventure. From dashing through Philly’s iconic landmarks to spontaneous wedding crashing, every moment pulses with energy and nostalgia, reminding readers of the fleeting magic of senior year. The friendships are as central as the romance, with raw, poignant explorations of love, forgiveness, and the fear of change.

A must-read for fans of bittersweet coming-of-age stories, whirlwind romances, and one-last-adventure-before-graduation narratives, this book delivers all the feels. It’s a joyous, swoon-worthy ride that will leave readers reminiscing about their own epic teenage memories.

I have to admit, I wrapped up this story around the 60% mark, and honestly, it was a bit of a letdown for me. It felt to young and I just couldn't connect with it. The four different points of view were a bit overwhelming; I'm all for dual POVs, but four felt excessive.

The relationships were a whirlwind too—best friends dating, breaking up, and then one ex harboring feelings for another best friend—it was a lot to take in! While there were moments that sparked those swoony heart flutters, the overall vibe felt too youthful for my taste. If I were a teenager, I think I would have absolutely loved it. But as someone who's moved beyond that stage, this just didn’t resonate with me.

I’ve enjoyed a few of the author's other works, and I was really looking forward to this one, especially since it takes place in my current hometown. Unfortunately, it just didn’t capture my attention the way I hoped it would.

3.5 stars

A whirlwind romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Offabout four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day.

This book had a lot of cute moments with multiple POVs. I liked the balance between heartwarming moments, serious conversations and the adventures of the day.

Although this was cute and fun, it had moments where it felt a tad blah and disjointed at times. I wish the four of them would have met up sooner for more of the adventure piece. The summer of broken rules I devoured by her so I am so looking for a book with that same kind of energy.

This is a cute and fun read for someone looking for a good YA escape.

Thank you Netgallery for allowing me to read this one!

This was such a cute, fun retelling of Ferris Bueler’s Day Off (but for Phillie). I really enjoyed the four different POVs and two simultaneous love stories, plus the complexity of all of the parents’ relationships. I felt invested in all four main characters and like I got a good sense of each of the backstories and motivations. Walter does a great job of writing YA that doesn’t feel overly juvenile, and this was just a ton of fun to read.

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

✨ A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship, Adventure, and Love That Feels Like Home ✨

I never expected to fall in love with this book right from the start. It’s not my usual genre, but for some reason, it lingered in my memory. I love how it impacted my mood. The characters were all charming and lovable in their own way. I love how effortlessly I could laugh at their conversations, and I just adore how K.L. Walther built her characters, each of them experiencing love, acceptance, forgiveness, self-discovery, and grief.

At the center of this charming novel is Grace Barbour, who plans an adventure for her two best friends, a journey that turns into a heartfelt trip filled with revelations, both good and bad. Grace is wise, determined, charming, and hilarious, a girl who knows what she wants and will do anything to protect her friendships. Then there’s Isa, Everett, and James. Isa is the top achiever, beautiful, and popular. James is the mischievous and playful one, while Everett, the loving and protective older brother of Abigail and Margot, is also head over heels for Grace. The chemistry between Isa and James, and Grace and Everett is just so heartwarming and endearing. It reminded me so much of those high school dramas about puppy love.

While We're Young by K.L. Walther is a heartwarming and hilarious story that also highlights friendship that feels like home. K.L. Walther has officially become one of my favorite authors! I highly recommend this book if you want to chill, love, and laugh.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for the opportunity to read the heartwarming and hilarious adventure of Grace, Isa, Everett, and James.

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Grace’s perfectly planned escapism adventure
📌 The playful yet deeply emotional friendships
📌 James’ mischievous antics and hilarious schemes
📌 Everett’s sweet and protective bond with his siblings
📌 The swoon-worthy chemistry between Grace & Everett
📌 Isa and James’ charming and heart-fluttering romance

✨TROPES:
📌 Slow - Burn Romance
📌 Friends to Lovers
📌 Found Family
📌 Witty Banter
📌 Playful and Funny Characters
📌 Childhood Friends

🖥️ GOODREADS REVIEW: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7376025384

💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.com/2025/03/05/arc-review-while-were-young/

💻 LINKEDIN REVIEW: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kinanahmanalao_arc-review-while-wereyoung-activity-7302846395298856960-vUu5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADZadkYB6kcp2SMdCiCoSdnI_IRLHncLwvs

⌨️ AMAZON REVIEW: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1NMO58MQNCA3U/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Title: While We're Young
Author: K. L. Walther      
Genre: YA    
Rating: 4 out of 5 

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly's finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?

This was a cute, fun book. Grace and Isa were both a lot of fun and I enjoyed their viewpoints a lot. The adventures in Philadelphia were fun and I enjoyed reading those parts a lot. I liked James and Everett and enjoyed their viewpoints, but I liked the girls better. This was a cute—and quick—read, perfect for a weekend binge.

K. L. Walther is from Pennsylvania. While We’re Young is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Random House/Delacorte in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 3/5).