The early 2000’s was one of the most iconic eras for TV shows. From cheesy theme songs to constant laugh tracks, these retro shows come with their own special brand of nostalgia. Whether you’re thinking of rewatching of your childhood favorite or you’ve been a steadfast fan this entire time, pick your top retro show and we’ll give you the perfect book recommendation!
Book Recs Based on Your Fave Retro TV Shows
Zoey 101 – Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
If you love the beachy summer vibes of Zoey 101, then you won’t be able to put down Alex, Approximately! Similar to Zoey in the Nickelodeon hit, Bailey “Mink” Rydell finds herself moving across the country to the California coast. However, that’s not where the similarities end. Alex, Approximately is a coming-of-age story that explores friendship and love with a humorous and charming approach that fans of Zoey 101 will appreciate.
Drake & Josh – Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
Drake & Josh is famous for its complicated but loving sibling duo, and Yolk brings a similar dynamic when two estranged sisters that find themselves in quite the unexpected situation. When June gets some shocking health news, she realizes that the only one who can help her is her younger and much more immature sister, Jayne. Reunited under less-than-ideal circumstances, sisters June and Jayne come to learn just how important family really can be.
Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide – Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch
Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide was likely the saving grace for many growing up, teaching us important lessons like “During the first day: just relax, be yourself and don’t panic!” Blaine for the Win follows high school junior Blaine after he gets dumped by his serious boyfriend… in public… on their one-year anniversary. As Blaine makes the pivot to run for senior student council president and change himself for his ex, readers are bound to learn a thing or two about surviving high school.
iCarly – How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
What would happen if iCarly didn’t feature Carly and Sam as the two stars, and instead one of them had to be behind the camera and in the shadows? In How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe, this is exactly the case. When Moon’s twin sister meets internet stardom, Moon finds herself feeling unwanted and ugly as she’s designated simply as her sister’s camerawoman. But when she decides to take a leap and join a tour bus full of influencers as a “merch girl,” everything begins to change.
That’s So Raven – See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon
That’s So Raven is an iconic retro show which combined supernatural psychic powers with regular teenage hijinks. This is why you’ll love reading See You Yesterday! This fun, unique novel follows protagonist Barrett Bloom as she finds herself living the same day over and over again—and it also happens to be the first day of college! Is Barrett stuck in this time loop for good? Or might she find herself an unlikely (but cute) companion who can help?
Hannah Montana – Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon
If you loved the double identity in Hannah Montana, Of Princes and Promises will be right up your alley! Follow Caterina LaValle as she attempts to keep her queen bee status at school. To do so, she needs to one-up her ex-boyfriend and take someone perfect to the upcoming gala. That’s where a mysterious pot of hair gel with the power to alter the wearer into whatever their heart desires comes in…
Victorious – Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
Victorious watchers will appreciate the importance of music in Love Radio’s story. This witty book follows self-professed teen love doctor and aspiring DJ, Prince, and his popular radio segment where he talks about how he can get any girl to fall in love in just three dates. That is until he meets Dani, a love-phobic college student who is purely trying to focus on her studies. What happens when she gives Prince three dates to make her fall in love with him?
Lizzie McGuire – Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Fans of Lizzie McGuire and her iconic movie set in Italy will find themselves just as addicted to Love & Gelato. Like Lizzie, this book’s protagonist Lina finds herself in Italy for the summer and gets caught up in a whirlwind romance that she never thought possible. But not everything is as it seems, especially when Lina unearths a secret that could change everything she thought she knew about who she is…
Wizards of Waverly Place – The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith
If you love the magical elements of Wizards of Waverly Place, then your next read should be The Witch Haven. This spellbinding bestseller follows seventeen-year-old Francis as she finds herself with magical powers and sent to a school for witches. Follow along as she explores her newfound abilities, navigates the social hierarchy in her new school, and figures out whether the cute mysterious boy is friend or foe.
The Suite Life on Deck – In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
While this connection might be more of a stretch than others, both In Deeper Waters and The Suite Life on Deck feature protagonists that must traverse open waters and find themselves in zany situations along the way. In Deeper Waters follows Prince Tal on his “coming-of-age” tour when he sets sail to visit parts of the kingdom he has never seen before. This is where he meets a prisoner, Athlen, and Prince Tal finds himself drawn to him more than anyone else before…