A stunning coming-of-age story in Ukraine, a sinister Central American saga and an international hunt — here are PEOPLE's picks for the best books of August 2025, so far.

'The Sunflower Boys' by Sam Wachman

Brothers Artem and Yuri are having a nearly idyllic childhood in the Ukrainian town of Chernihiv, though Artem’s feelings for his best friend Viktor are sometimes confusing, and the boys miss their dad, who works in the U.S. One morning Russian soldiers arrive, and their childhood is over. A deeply necessary and moving coming-of-age story celebrating the healing power of art and the indomitable strength of family bonds from a promising young writer. — Marion Winik

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'Lime Juice Money' by Jo Morey

Hearing-impaired Laelia Wylde leaves London with her children and a new man, Ai

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