The Best Coming-of-Age Books of This Century (So Far)

These books will help your preteen or teen embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Aug 09, 2022

Ages

11-13

The Best Coming-of-Age Books of This Century (So Far)

Aug 09, 2022

In many ways, adolescence is a period of rebirth — when a teen becomes an adult. While this period of self-discovery is filled with exciting new experiences, it can also be a time fraught with challenging changes and hard life lessons. Coming-of-age books are a great way for preteens and teens to reflect on their own journey and learn about the issues that are most important to them through the eyes of relatable characters. 

Books like Friend Me cover contemporary issues your child might need help navigating, like the world of social media and bullying.

Meanwhile, Stargirl is an iconic coming-of-age story about embracing your authentic self. There’s a new girl at Mica Area High School and she stands out for her colorful wardrobe and eclectic ukulele music. This novel addresses teen topics like popularity, friendships, and first love. 

And the award-winning book The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful story about grief and unconventional relationships. Hazel has terminal cancer and attends a support group, where she unexpectedly meets Augustus. Hazel and Augustus quickly form a deep connection and fall in love with each other. Readers will learn valuable life lessons about how to find joy during times of great despair. 

Encourage your child to explore these books that will help shape their own era of change and growth. 

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