“Relaxing” and “getting a tan” may be high on most teens’ summer activity list, 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 her local donut shop. 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 vanishes before her eyes. But their two-and-a-half-year feud takes a backseat when Delicious Donuts is threatened by a corporate takeover
As their small town confronts changes Penny can’t accept, there’s still one person who remains by her side. And though their taste in donuts is questionable (the apple fritter is clearly superior to the Boston cream), Mateo’s presence manages to calm Penny’s anxiety while opening new possibilities she never allowed herself to contemplate before. Could it be that Penny’s found the perfect, most infuriating person to face the world with?
Donut Summer is my YA (young adult) debut and releases July 29, 2025 from Quill Tree! It will be available in hardcover, eBook, and audio. I recommend it for ages 13 and up. (Both main characters are 16.)
It would mean the world to me if you pre-ordered! If you pre-order a signed copy from one of my local indies, I’ll send you an art print of Penny & Mateo (illustration by Bev Johnson) and a Delicious Donuts sticker, along with a signed and personalized (if you want!) book.
I’m prioritizing preorders from my local queer indie, Always Here Books! Or, if you’re local, you can also preorder a copy for pickup at my in-person launch from Grand Gesture Books!
Some other local indies I’m always happy to go in and sign at include Annie Bloom’s Books, Vintage Books, or Broadway Books. 🙂
For all stores, be sure to include a request for signature and/or personalization in the Notes/Special Requests box before you click Order, if you’d like a signature and/or personalization! Tell them I sent you. 🙂
“An absolute knockout of a debut. Penny’s voice sparkles with wit, and the portrayal of her anxiety deftly balances honesty and humor to make readers feel not just seen, but cared for. This book so thoughtfully takes on the big, messy project of growing up: figuring out who you are, and then maybe changing your mind, and being loved for it—not in spite of it. A warm, well-crafted romance runs alongside a resonant reminder that when it comes to our goals there is so much value in the trying, no matter where we land in the end. Sure to be one of my favorite books of the year, Donut Summer is a gift to me and everyone who has the good fortune to read it.”
– Ellen O’Clover, author of Seven Percent of Ro Devereux
“Anita Kelly has crafted a story that’s as sweet as a glazed donut. And my advice to readers? Have a dozen on hand before you start. The only thing you’ll crave more than the next page of this book is a delicious donut. Anita nails the stress and anxiety of being a teen while just living as a teen, smoothly oscillating from panic attacks, family turbulence, and the looming future to flirting, kisses, and adorable first dates. I had an absolutely delicious time!”
– Samantha Markum, author of Love, Off the Record
Content warnings:
Penny has a medically fragile younger sibling (heart defect); misgendering of Mateo; anxiety; cursing. Sex is discussed but not had.
Anita Kelly 