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Best Coming Of Age Books

Recommendations from 17 articles, Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys and 37 others.
31 books on the list
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A Tree Grows In Brooklyn book cover
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
Betty Smith - 2006-05-30 (first published in 1943)
Goodreads Rating
This American classic follows the Nolans, a family living in the poverty-stricken Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn at the turn of the century. Primarily focusing on their daughter Francie's coming-of-age, this poignant and deeply understanding story explores childhood and family relationships, and the struggles of the poor in a great city. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a profoundly moving and honest novel that will leave you with a rich experience and a greater appreciation for the human experience.
I Capture the Castle book cover
I Capture the Castle
Dodie Smith - 1998-03-31 (first published in 1948)
Goodreads Rating
A charming coming-of-age story set in an old English castle, I Capture the Castle follows Cassandra Mortmain's six-month journaling journey as she hones her writing skills and experiences first love. With a touch of humor and poignancy, this novel captures the magic of growing up and discovering oneself.
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents book cover
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents
Julia Alvarez - 2005-10-04 (first published in 1991)
Goodreads Rating
This poignant and powerful novel follows the Garcia family as they flee their home in the Dominican Republic to start anew in New York City. The four Garcia sisters grapple with their bi-cultural identity and the difficulties of assimilating into a new culture while trying to hold onto their old ways. This beautiful and captivating story captures the threshold experience of new immigrants and the struggles of being caught between two worlds.
Purple Hibiscus book cover
Purple Hibiscus
A Novel
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - 2012-04-17 (first published in 2003)
Goodreads Rating
This captivating novel follows the lives of two siblings living a privileged life in Nigeria. Their father, a respected and religious man, is tyrannical at home, making their seemingly perfect life suffocating. As political turmoil spreads, they escape to their aunt's home, discovering a world beyond their father's control. Upon their return, tensions rise, and it's up to the protagonist to keep their family together. Purple Hibiscus illuminates the struggles of adolescence, the strength of family bonds, and the hope for freedom.
Red at the Bone book cover
Red at the Bone
A Novel
Jacqueline Woodson - 2019-09-17
Goodreads Rating
This riveting novel uncovers the intimate hopes, disappointments, and longings that bind or divide two families from different social classes. Set in Brooklyn, the story follows the aftermath of an unexpected teenage pregnancy and the coming of age ceremony of sixteen-year-old Melody. Moving back and forth through time, the book explores the impact of history, community, sexual desire, and identity on the lives of the characters. With a powerful narrative and graceful prose, Red at the Bone is a must-read that resonates with the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, parenthood, and loss.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe book cover
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz - 2012-02-21
Goodreads Rating
Explore the beauty of friendship and family in this lyrical novel by critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Follow the story of two opposites, angry Aristotle and know-it-all Dante, as their unlikely friendship blossoms into something life-changing. Discover the truths they uncover about themselves and the people they want to become in this touching tale of adolescence and self-discovery.
A Prayer for Owen Meany book cover
A Prayer for Owen Meany
John Irving - 1990-01-01 (first published in 1989)
Goodreads Rating
A young boy accidentally kills his best friend's mother during a Little League game, and believes that it was God's instrument. From that moment on, his life takes an extraordinary and terrifying turn. This tragic and comic tale, with a self-deluded hero at its center, will break your heart.
Goblin Emperor book cover
Goblin Emperor
Addison - 2014-04-01
Goodreads Rating
A half-goblin prince, raised in exile, is thrust into the deadly intrigue of the Imperial Court after a tragic accident kills his father and brothers. Without friends or advisors, he must navigate the treacherous politics of the court and find allies before the conspirators who seek to depose him succeed. Set in a fascinating world of pageantry and color, this debut fantasy novel by Katherine Addison is a must-read for fans of political intrigue and exhilarating adventure.
Recommended by
John Scalzi
My Brilliant Friend book cover
My Brilliant Friend
Neapolitan Novels, Book One
Elena Ferrante - 2012-09-25 (first published in 2011)
Goodreads Rating
This modern masterpiece follows two friends, Elena and Lila, as they grow up in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples in the 1950s. Through their intertwined paths, Ferrante tells the story of a changing nation and the nature of friendship. This rich, intense, and generous-hearted book is a must-read for fans of character-driven stories.
Black Swan Green book cover
Black Swan Green
David Mitchell - 2007-02-27 (first published in 2006)
Goodreads Rating
This coming-of-age novel by David Mitchell takes place in 1982 England and follows thirteen-year-old Jason Taylor as he navigates the challenges of adolescence. Each chapter reads like a short story, exploring themes of love, loss, war, politics, and family dynamics. Mitchell creates a rich world full of memorable characters and poignant moments, making Black Swan Green a must-read for anyone who wants to relive the ups and downs of growing up.
Recommended by
Gretchen Rubin
Ghost Wall book cover
Ghost Wall
Sarah Moss - 2018-09-20
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Dominicana by Angie Cruz
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Little Women by
Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones