Growing up isn't easy and it's even harder when you're the protagonist of a book.
Find below our list of 15 essential coming of age stories, each offers a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of growing up. These books, from classic to contemporary, cover a range of experiences and backgrounds.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
Set in the racially charged atmosphere of the 1930s Deep South, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' follows the young Scout Finch. As her father, Atticus, defends a black man unjustly accused of a crime, Scout confronts the harsh realities of prejudice and injustice, leading to a profound loss of innocence and a deeper understanding of her community and herself.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
This iconic novel captures the angst and alienation of teenagedom through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. Expelled from prep school and wandering New York City, Holden grapples with the phoniness of the adult world while longing for connection and meaning in his life, epitomizing the adolescent search for identity.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
Told through a series of letters to an anonymous stranger, this novel chronicles the life of Charlie, an introverted and observant teenager. Navigating high school's complex landscape of friendships, first love, and family drama, Charlie's journey is one of emotional intensity, self-discovery, and the pain and elation of growing up.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty Smith
In early 20th century Brooklyn, young Francie Nolan experiences the joys and struggles of impoverished life. Through her love of reading and writing, Francie finds escape and ambition, offering a poignant view of resilience and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
This timeless novel follows the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—through their journey from childhood to womanhood. Against the backdrop of the Civil War, each sister navigates her own path to adulthood, dealing with societal expectations, personal ambitions, and complex family dynamics.
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager with cancer, meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, an amputee and cancer survivor, in a support group. Their profound journey explores life, love, and mortality, offering a raw and honest portrayal of young people facing their own finitude.
Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
In this lyrical tale, two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, form an unbreakable bond. Their friendship blossoms into love, challenging their understanding of themselves and each other, in a journey through family dynamics, cultural identity, and sexual orientation.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Becky Albertalli
Simon Spier is a closeted gay teen navigating high school while secretly corresponding with an anonymous classmate he's fallen for online. His coming-out journey is a heartwarming tale of identity, young love, and the courage to be oneself.
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
After witnessing the police shooting of her unarmed friend, Starr Carter finds herself at the heart of a community uproar and a national debate. This powerful novel tackles themes of racial injustice, community, and activism through the eyes of a young woman finding her voice.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Ocean Vuong
Written as a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read, this novel delves into their shared history, marked by the scars of the Vietnam War and life as immigrants in the U.S. It's a poetic exploration of family, identity, and the unspoken complexities of love.
Normal People
Sally Rooney
The Vanishing Half
Brit Bennett
This novel follows the divergent paths of the Vignes twins, who grow up in a small black community and choose to live in two very different worlds—one black and one white. It's a powerful story about race, identity, and the enduring influence of the past.
Clap When You Land
Elizabeth Acevedo
In a narrative told through verse, two sisters, Camino and Yahaira, discover each other's existence after their father's tragic death. Set in the Dominican Republic and New York, their story is one of grief, family secrets, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Concrete Rose
Angie Thomas
This prequel to "The Hate U Give" focuses on the teenage years of Maverick Carter. As he navigates early fatherhood and the pressures of gang life, Maverick's story is a poignant look at the challenges of growing up in a world where manhood and survival are often synonymous.