Julia at the Drive-In

by Rainbow Rowell

A shy high school girl steps out of her comfort zone in this tender and wistful coming-of-age story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell.

On the eve of her senior year, Julia has a look so new she doesn’t even recognize herself in the mirror. It’s the only reason she feels bold enough to talk to Wyatt, the boy she’s been staring at for three years. Tonight, at the drive-in, Wyatt finally stares back. Does he see Julia? Or some new and perfect stranger?

Rainbow Rowell’s Julia at the Drive-In is part of The Edge of Everything, a collection of short coming-of-age stories of first love, messy choices, and self-discovery. Each story can be read or listened to in one sitting.

Genres: Novella, Young Adult, Romance

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 23, 2026

About the author

Rainbow Rowell writes all kinds of stuff.

Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).

Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .

Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).

Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.

She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

More at rainbowrowell.com.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute! My only complaint is that I didn't want to stop reading. I hope there will be another book to continue Wyatt and Julia's story. There connection was so cute and kept me smiling!💜💜

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't need to change just to get someone to notice you, but maybe that change will be the push they need to make the first move...

It's hard to rate this because it's literally about 20 minutes of someone's life 😅

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is so stinkin’ cute. It reminds me of all the joys of going to the drive-in theater over the years. I need some popcorn and twizzlers stat.

[mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww, this was just so cute <33

↠ 4.5 stars

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Kara Sabbagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia at the Drive-In is a short story about a girl who goes through a makeover, and bumps into her crush at a drive-in. Completely honestly, didn’t love this. This was a FINE short story, probably better in the context of the collection. Personally this didn’t feel strong enough to stand on its own in my opinion. There was just nothing specific enough about it in a positive way. The MMC had nothing particularly to him, and the FMC was really really hard on herself. Her inner turmoil was kind of unpleasant and self deprecating in her imaginings of how others felt about her. Maybe this story served as a RELIEF or a positive fantasy to someone who feels the same, but to me this read as a bummer. It’s not like the two had any on page specific connection that incited a change in her negative demeanor. She went from being rough on herself, to smooching based on a meh conversation with a guy she had a meh level attraction to, to the story being over. Maybe I missed something, but not my favorite as a massive fan of this author. Like sure… but I don’t feel that I particularly gained anything by having read this, or enjoyed my time doing so.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

Embarrassingly, I have never read Rainbow Rowell before now. I know she's very popular with her coming of age and queer romances but I just hadn't had the opportunity. Julia at the Drive-In is a short story / novella which felt easy and accessible as a first read. I like the idea of an appetizer to give you a feel for an author. This story totally did that. It's a vignette of a teen girl who has recently gone from ugly duckling to swan (at least in her own head) and is thrilled with her new BFF that gave her the glow up. But surprised when she gets the attention of a boy she likes during a night at the drive in. It's cute, it's sweet, it's positive and it leaves you wanting more but in the right way.

[Skirmantė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute, sweet and short. This was such a feel-good read, and I had a great time with it! The characters were adorable, the romance was really wholesome, and I loved how easy it was to get invested in such a short story.

The little twist at the end was such a nice surprise too, it made me wish this had been a full-length story because I would’ve happily read so much more about these characters and their relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Evie Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read everything by Rainbow Rowell. I've been a fan for years so a new short story was an immediate add to my shelf to read.

The simple premise of this story is that a girl, Julia, decides that her new appearance is different enough for her to take a chance and finally talk to the guy she's been watching for three years. When he talks to her and spends time with her at the drive-in where they both are on the last Saturday night before the school year starts, Julia wonders who it is he sees now, Julia or a stranger?

The story is a quick read and Rowell easily fills in the world of this tale. We know that Julia's parents aren't the kind to go out. Julia has a best friend, Chloe, who has taken Julia under her wing even though she's technically the new girl but she picked Julia as her friend and includes her in everything. Then there's Wyatt, the boy in question, the one who has a group of friends with him at the drive-in that he's always together with but when he gets the chance, chooses to sit with Julia during the movie when they both end up on their own at the drive-in.

In the span of maybe 30 pages, readers learn so much about these kids and Julia especially felt like someone I could have been in high school. I loved her observations and I loved the chance she took to make herself happy. Her worries about how she's seen, the fact that so many seem to act like she's invisible, the fact that one girl choosing her as a friend and how it made such a difference in her life, all of it made Julia so endearing. I wanted this girl to hold her head up and be confident in the fact that she was worth noticing. The way Rowell wrapped this up was perfect.

I knew what the twist or reveal was going to be but it was still such a heart-warming moment in the end. This story is such a sweet moment to witness between two teens who find a chance together and take it.


Rating on my scale: 10 Stars. This was so sweet in the end and I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in this series.


My thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Original Stories and Rainbow Rowell for the eARC of this story in exchange for a review. All honest opinions are my own.

[Crystal Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided to me free of charge by Amazon Original Stories through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Why is Rainbow Rowell so good at writing teen romance? And I don't mean the glossy kind, where the cheerleader falls for the quarterback and everything is perfectly cinematic. I mean real teen romance.

The kind where the awkward girl feels completely invisible, where she's been quietly observing the boy in her science class, her AP English class, her history class for years, absolutely certain he has no idea she exists. In her own eyes, he's perfect. Through everyone else's, he's slightly nerdy but genuinely kind, the kind of person who's always surrounded by friends because he actually deserves to be. And then one day he sees her. Not a glance, not a passing hello. He really sees her, in a way she's never been seen before, and her whole world shifts. And slowly she starts to wonder... maybe he always has.

Rainbow Rowell has this rare ability to pull you straight back into your teenage years. The angst. The loneliness. The quiet sadness of feeling like you exist just outside of everything. And then that hope, that breathless first flutter of something that might be romance. She captures all of it so perfectly it almost aches.

Julia at the Drive-In is a novella, and as a longtime Rainbow Rowell fan, I read it in one sitting. And honestly? That was my only complaint. It ended and I immediately wanted more. More Julia, more Wyatt, more of Chloe and her messy relationship with Aiden. More drive-in movies and that specific late-summer feeling, where a new school year is right around the corner and everything feels uncertain and electric and full of possibility.

This one brought me right back to Eleanor and Park, the book that first made me fall completely in love with Rainbow Rowell's writing. If you know, you know. And if you don't yet, this is a beautiful place to start.

[Sharitb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rainbow Rowell does it again with Julia at the Drive-In, a beautifully bite-sized coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the awkward magic of late adolescence.

The story follows Julia, who has undergone the classic "ugly duckling to swan" transformation—though, like most of us at that age, her self-image hasn't quite caught up with her appearance. When she crosses paths with a former crush, Wyatt, she is stunned that he even notices her. Julia is convinced he has no idea who she is... but as the night unfolds, Rowell spins a delicate "will-they-won't-they" tension around that very question: Does he recognize her?

What makes this short story so resonant isn't just the romantic tension; it’s the emotional depth Rowell packs into so few pages. As Julia and Wyatt talk, the superficial layers melt away. They discover a deeper, unseen side of each other—proving that true connection goes far beyond a physical transformation.

It’s sweet, nostalgic, and set in the atmospheric, cinematic drive-in setting Rowell evokes so well. If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good read that leaves you with a smile, this is absolutely it.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5

I tried to give Rowell another chance after my disappointment with Cherry Baby, but this novella didn’t work for me.

I’m not opposed to characters struggling with self-esteem, but for such a short novella, a surprising amount of the page count was devoted to the protagonist’s negative thoughts about her appearance. After a while, it began to feel repetitive. The focus on her perceived flaws overshadowed everything else, and I found myself wishing more time had been spent developing the romance.

The makeover storyline also didn’t work for me. The “he doesn’t recognize me after my dramatic transformation” setup felt overused, and even the later reveal didn’t make it any more compelling. Instead, it felt like the story spent a lot of time emphasizing the protagonist’s insecurities without giving the relationship enough room to grow.

Because of that, the kiss felt rushed and unearned. By the time the romance took center stage, I wasn’t invested enough in the connection between the characters for the payoff to land. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.

Unfortunately, this one confirmed that Rowell’s writing style may just not be a good fit for my tastes.

Thank you to Amazon and Rainbow Rowell for the free review copy via NetGalley.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Julia at the Drive-in
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Genre: Coming of Age
Pub Date: June 23, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars

This quick short story is part of “The Edge of Everything” collection, which is several coming-of-age stories~ first love and messy choices.

Begins when Julia Kimball is stuck in the back seat at the drive-in movie theatre.
She had never been to a drive-in so didn’t know what to expect. Her best friend Chloe and her boyfriend Aiden are in the front and although Julia is trying to view the movie “Jurassic Park” they are alternate between arguing and making out.
Then a cute, kind of nerdy boy notices her at the drive in and they hit it off As Julia leaves the car and the awkward situation and heads to the snack bar where there are families as well as other teens. Julia decided to view the movie from a swing in the snack bar area and sees a guy from school.
This is short, cute story so I don’t want to reveal too much.
I enjoyed it and am sure you will as well!

Want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this eGalley.
Publishing Date scheduled for June 23, 2026.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia At The Drive-in is a short story by American author, Rainbow Rowell. Julia Kimball is at the drive-in with her friends, Chloe and Aiden. She loves them both, but it’s not ideal, sitting in the back seat of Aiden’s Wrangler as they bicker with each other, so she goes to the snack bar.

She spots, in a group of boisterous friends, the very dishy, rather watchable, Wyatt Hardy. She doesn’t expect him to notice her: no one ever does. She’s not interesting or pretty. But then he winks at her. True, she has had a flattering haircut, is wearing contacts instead of her clunky frames, and has on Cloe’s sparkling lipgloss. But it must be a mistake.

Back at Aiden’s Wrangler, things are getting too hot and heavy for Julia to reclaim her seat, so she looks for somewhere to sit, just as Wyatt is waving off the group he’s finding too irritating. And when they get chatting, Julia finds there’s much more to him than she thought. But she’s sure that, as soon as he realises who she is, their rapport will end.

A sweet teen romance from the queen of teen fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the grifted ARC!

This was such a quick, cute little read. It’s part of The Edge of Everything collection, which is a bunch of short coming-of-age stories about first love, messy choices, and figuring yourself out. It’s definitely on the younger side, but I still really liked it. I thought it captured that awkward, nervous feeling of having a crush and trying to step outside your comfort zone really well. It had that soft coming-of-age feel that made it super easy to fly through.

Since it’s a short story, there’s only so much depth you can get, but I still found myself invested in Julia finally talking to Wyatt after crushing on him for years. This was also my first time reading Rainbow Rowell and I honestly think it was a really good introduction to her writing. I already have some of her other books on my TBR, so this definitely made me excited to pick those up.

Overall, just a really easy, cute read when you want something lighter.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When you’re worried about that all the time with someone, you never feel like they’re really your friend. The whole relationship is just the worry.”

Rainbow Rowell does it again!

This book follows Julia's night at the Drive-In at the end of summer. Julia is the girl who no one really looked at. She has (what she calls) lowercase f friends - people talked to her, but never really thought she was interesting. While avoiding her friend's make out session, she sees Wyatt, a boy from school. They talk throughout the movie and have some really adorable moments.

This short story was very nostalgic for me. As someone that frequents her local old school drive in and had many lowercase f friends growing up, this story perfectly captures what it feels to like to be really be seen by someone (especially by a boy). I loved it so much!!

I really hope this gets a sequel or a spin off series. I need to see more of these two!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute, quick coming-of-age read. In 40 pages, it manages to perfectly encapsulate the awkward changes of adolescence. Julia is hanging out with a friend and the friend’s boyfriend at the end of the summer at the local drive-in theater. Julia has undergone a makeover and transformed from ugly duckling into a swan. She see’s some kids from her high school, especially noticing Wyatt, the boy she always seems to have her eye on. She doesn’t think they will recognize her after her makeover, and she doesn’t know which option would be worse - being forgotten and unrecognized or getting a fresh start as someone different. So much tension and depth is packed into this novella but it still remains light and fun in feel. Overall, I enjoyed this is fun and nostalgic read. I honestly wished for more of Julia and Wyatt.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the arc.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, Amazon, and Rainbow Rowell for this eARC.

This book is adorable. It's about a girl who has made herself over and feels like a new person. When she runs into a group of kids from school at the drive in, she knows they don't recognize her. Wyatt seems to be flirting with her which just confirms her suspicion that she's unrecognizable; however, she decides to go with the flow and be someone new for just one night. All Julia wants is to have a time that feels like a dream, and then she can deal with the fallout on Monday.

I thought at first this was just going to be about a girl who had issues with herself, but I should have known better with Rainbow Rowell. Julia and Wyatt's banter is so cute. This is just a novella so it's a quick read, but it still had me giddy throughout. I've been really excited about these Amazon Originals, and I'm so stoked to have been able to read this one early. I can't wait for what more is to come! #NetGalley

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia at the Drive-In was such a nostalgia-inducing experience, as the drive-in is a classic teen third space (despite Wyatt’s claim). For a moment, I honestly wondered if the plot was going to take a sci-fi turn, as Julia contemplated her appearance, but that could just be me. Rowell did a wonderful job of building the world in which Julia lives in just 40 pages. Although I would have loved it more had Wyatt and Julia been given the opportunity to expand on their conversation more— I didn’t find Wyatt to be as endearing as he could have been had he expressed more of his feelings. I found the discussion of their friendships to be a bit awkward too, especially given Julia’s inner monologue about Chloe.

Overall, Julia at the Drive-In was a pleasant read. I don’t know if I am clamoring for more of these characters, but I wouldn’t mind it if Rowell did.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Beth Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Cute young adult short story about Julia, who is about to embark on her senior year and has been given a makeover at the urging of her new best friend Chloe. Julia is accompanying Chloe and Chloe’s boyfriend to the drive-in, and, when the couple wants some one-on-one time, Julia hangs out at the playground to watch the movie. There she sees Wyatt from her school with his friends. When he breaks off from them, Julia and Wyatt have an Eleanor & Park type of conversation. But Julia’s not sure if Wyatt recognizes her from school.

🩷 Cute premise
🩷 Teen relationships

⚠️ As you might expect in these type of short stories, it’s difficult to get to any type of depth. But this certainly teases a longer story.

If you like young adult romance, this will be a fun, quick read to check out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.

It publishes June 23, 2026.

[J Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Rainbow Rowell book and I ate it up!
Rainbow’s writing is stunning and drew me in immediately. Even in this short story, I felt connected and invested in the characters and the story! I’m excited to jump in to more of her writing!

Julia is stuck in the back seat at the drive in movie theatre while her best friend and her situation-ship alternate between arguing and making out. As Julia leaves the awkward scenario, we jump in to her mind and insecurities as she makes the night her own.

Spice: None
Language: None
Age Recommendation: 13+

Second Chance Romance
Teenage Insecurity
Mentions of Depression
Importance of Friendship
Importance of Connection and truly seeing your friends
Effects of Divorce
Being True to Yourself, and the struggle that poses, especially as a teenager

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Rainbow Rowell swings for the fences and knocks it out of the park. I haven’t read much romance or YA this past year, but I loved her previous books so I was happy to scoop this up.

Julia is somewhat invisible in the social hierarchy of high school until she meets her new best friend, Chloe. After a transformative makeover, Julia sees her longtime crush, Wyatt, at the drive in snack bar, and he (finally) sees her too.

Rainbow Rowell is adept at crafting stories about the halcyon days of first love, and all the messy emotions that come with it. She makes the awkward, stigmatizing moments of adolescence relatable, and captures the anticipation and wonder that her younger audience look forward to, and her older readers reflect upon fondly.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Rae | The Finer Things Club CA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and light-hearted coming-of-age story. On the last Saturday night before her senior year, Julia Kimball goes to the drive-in theater with her best friend Chloe and Chloe’s boyfriend Aiden. Up until recently, wallflower Julia has thought of herself as uninteresting and unmemorable. But a haircut, contacts, a little make-up, and her genuine friendship with Chloe has transformed her a bit. And it seems like her high school crush Wyatt has noticed her at the snack bar. But does he actually recognize her, or does he think she’s a mysterious stranger? 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦-𝘐𝘯 is well-written and has surprisingly good characterization for a forty-page tale. This is one of the first Amazon Original Stories that has made me want a longer novel. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace (alatteofliterature) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most succinct coming of age story I've ever read, but it hit every note in the well-beloved song.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Based in Bellevue, NE (woohoo Midwest), Julia is just trying to fit in, even if that means playing third wheel to her best friend (only friend?) on her drive-in movie date (nevermind that she can't see Jurassic Park from the backseat). With how short this was, I was very impressed with how much depth was given to the characters, showing teenagers with rich interior lives (the concerns about hair texture were very real).

This is such a cute short story from Rainbow Rowell! It's actually the first of her books that I've read, but I'm definitely going to read more of her work.

[Katie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only ever read (and loved) the Simon Snow trilogy by this author but this was so cute. Having been a teenage girl (many years ago) I could fully relate to all the things happening here. If you felt like you were just existing in high school, this story is probably for you.

At just 40 pages, this story manages to cover a full gamut of topics and feelings about high school insecurities, how friendships should and should not make you feel, and about fitting or subsequently how to not care if you don’t fit in. Can be read in just one sitting and is so much more than just a girl at a movie.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristen Bolding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia is a shy teenager who goes out to the drive in one night with her best friend Chloe and Chloe’s boyfriend Aiden. Julia is tired of being the third wheel so she makes her way to the snack bar.

While waiting in line she sees Wyatt who she has had a crush on for a while. He catches her eye and smiles at her. When she returns to the car her best friend is kissing her boyfriend so she decides to watch the rest of the movie alone.

Wyatt joins her in an attempt to escape his own friends. He asks to join her and they start talking. Julia is sure Wyatt does not know who she is.

This is a fun, light, easy short story and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Short Stories for the ARc.

[Meeoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great novella, quick read but perfect to get to know our main character, Julia an incoming high school senior. This is part of a collection of short novellas, and I can't wait to read the entire collection. Julia, after a transformative summer, tags along with her "best friend" and her date to a drive in movie. Julia wanders into Wyatt, another student she's known from a distance, and they connect over a meaningful conversation that comes naturally. The connection between Julia and Wyatt was honest, kind, and sweet. I want more!! Can they pretty please have a stand alone novel?? 🥹

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and Amazon Short Stories mfor the opportunity to review an ARC. All views expressed are my own.

[Susana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

Rainbow Rowell fans rejoice! An adorable coming of age bite size story. Rowell is able to pack in so much heart into 40 pages.

Julia is an awkward teen who made some aesthetic changes over the summer (haircut, contact lenses) and she now thinks she’s unrecognizable. Julia runs into her classmate Wyatt at the drive-in movie theater and takes advantage of her newfound anonymity to be a little bolder than usual. I remember being at that age when getting contacts and new back-to-school outfits made me feel like a different person. Rowell captures that innocence so perfectly!

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Julie is nerdy high schooler who gets a makeover by her best friend. While attending a drive-in theatre, she leaves her friends to grab snacks and returns to find them making out. After deciding she didn’t want to interrupt them, she finds herself by the snack bar behind the popular kids, one of whom, Wyatt, who notices her and winks. After fighting with his friends, Julie and Wyatt get to know each other.

This novella was too short to say anything meaningful and lacked substance. Girl is “ugly”, girl gets makeover, girl is insecure and doesn’t know why her friend likes her, girl gets boy who finally notices her.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mara Sevilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a huge fan of Rainbow since high school; back then I felt really connected to her characters, especially the socially awkward and introvert ones. But mainly I felt seen through their difficulties and fears. Now as a grown woman, I am surprised about how much I still relate to these young characters. This short story in just a few pages shows several fears I had in my teens (some even today), the complexity of true friendships, how the right person can help you out of your shell, and that maybe a leap of faith can unite two kindred spirits. I absolutely loved the story! When I got to the last page, I felt sad there wasn't more of them. I will keep reading everything this marvelous woman publishes.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a cute YA romance novella. A coming-of-age story that takes place at a drive-in movie theatre. Quirky Julia feels like a third wheel as her two friends want to get hot and heavy. So, she goes for a walk and, in a weird twist of fate, finds herself talking to Wyatt, a mad crush she has held for three years. Rainbow Rowell has her pulse on the feelings of teenagers, but there are some noticeable tropes too- the female protagonist thinks she is ugly with glasses, and the night she wears contacts, the male lead notices her. But I cannot deny that I still ate it up.






#JuliaattheDriveIn #NetGalley.
Expected Publication Date 23/06/26
Goodreads Review Date 29/05/26