We’ve all been there – trying to find our place in the world… And it’s hard. Add hormones, first loves and family drama into the mix, and growing up can feel like an impossible task. But there isn’t much any of us can to do avoid it and, as the best coming-of-age books prove — despite the challenges of this transitional period — we all emerge in one piece… Eventually.
Give your kiddos a little helping hand to navigate this crazy time in their life with our top picks of coming of age books. So whether you think they’d be into a life-changing inspirational memoir, an earth-shattering romance, or simply a refreshingly honest account of acne and unrequited love, we’ve got you covered.
All the Pretty Horses
By Cormac McCarthy
McCarthy’s Border trilogy begins with the story of 16-year-old John Grady Cole, the last bewildered survivor of long generations of Texas ranchers. Finding himself cut off from the only life he has ever wanted, he sets out for Mexico with his friend Lacey Rawlins. Befriending a third boy on the way, they find a country beyond their imagining: barren and beautiful, rugged yet cruelly civilized; a place where dreams are paid for in blood. The 2000 film starring Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz is worth a watch too… But definitely make sure they read the book first.
Atonement
By Ian McEwan
We love everything about this coming of age World War II drama. The characters are constantly moving back and forth in their journey of ‘becoming’. There is plenty of ambiguity in the story that makes it a really fascinating study of youth and growing up, as the book masterfully handles the timeless contradiction of childhood innocence and responsibility. The story follows the main character Briony, who is forced to reckon with the consequences of a childhood mistake — one which has landed an innocent man in prison. We witness a whole 64 years’ worth of growing up in the haunting pages of Atonement, a truly astonishing novel that is hard to put down.
The Alchemist
By Paul Coelho
The Alchemist follows Santiago, a shepherd boy whose journey into the Egyptian desert, after dreaming of finding treasure there, parallels his spiritual journey towards his truest self. Brazilian author Coelho incorporates elements of fantasy and folklore into this life-changing story of a young man’s quest to (quite literally) realise his dreams and find his purpose in life. This book has received an international cult following, which just goes to show that, even if your personal destiny doesn’t involve buried treasure, there’s still a lot to be learned from Coelho’s allegorical novel.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
By Mark Haddon
This is the story of Christopher, a 15-year-old neurodivergent boy who decides to investigate the mysterious death of his neighbour’s dog. In the course of his investigation, Christopher uncovers a number of uncomfortable truths about his family’s past, and is forced to face his fears in ways he has never done before. This Whitbread Award-winner touches on the universal experience of growing up and realising your parents are flawed. This is an unforgettable coming-of-age story that is sure to have you crying and laughing… Before crying and laughing again and again.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾
By Sue Townsend
This is the first book in Sue Townsend’s brilliantly funny Adrian Mole series written by a somewhat nerdy teen in diary format. Loveable loser Adrian Mole’s first love, Pandora, has left him; a neighbour, Mr. Lucas, appears to be seducing his mother (and what does that mean for his father?); the BBC refuses to publish his poetry; and his dog swallowed the tree off the Christmas cake. “Why” indeed.
To Kill a Mockingbird
By Harper Lee
Along with Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird is probably one of the first titles that comes to mind when someone mentions “coming-of-age” novels. After all, what’s not to love? Knightly father, tomboy daughter, mysterious neighbour, personal growth – this really is a true classic that continues to stand the test of time.
White Teeth
By Zadie Smith
This modern classic follows the intertwined lives of four young people growing up in 1980s London. A complex exploration of race, religion, and the adolescent search for identity, you’ll be gripped as the unexpected and divergent paths taken by our characters unfold against a background of generational tension. The fact that Zadie Smith released this enormously influential novel at only 24 years old is surely just showing off.
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