The Coming-of-Age book genre is rich and varied, and it’s one that many readers find themselves drawn to year after year. These stories chronicle the maturation process and provide insight into the protagonists’ struggles and triumphs as they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood.
Which coming-of-age books are the best? In this article, we’ll explore the greatest coming-of-age books of all time, looking at the canonical examples of this genre as well as some more recent contenders.
What is a Coming-of-Age Book?
Coming-of-age books explore the development of a protagonist from childhood to adulthood, and they typically climax at the point where they come to terms with their identity and purpose in life.
They are often set during a time of significant social and cultural changes, so they often explore themes such as racial tensions and the impact of technology, but the most significant theme is personal and emotional growth.
These books can be full of nostalgia, as the reader recalls their own coming of age or draws parallels between it and the protagonist’s story.
The Canonical Coming-of-Age Books
These are the classic coming-of-age books that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate readers of all ages.
-
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: This is without a doubt one of the most iconic coming-of-age books ever written. It follows the journey of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield as he grapples with the transition from childhood to adulthood.
-
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the journey of Scout and Jem as they come to terms with the racial tension in their small town in Alabama.
-
The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: A classic adventure story, this novel follows the story of the title character, whose rebellious spirit leads him on a journey of self-discovery.
-
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
-
The Lord Of The Flies by William Golding: One of the earliest examples of dystopian literature, this novel follows the story of a group of shipwrecked schoolboys and their descent into primitive savagery.
-
The Outsiders by SE Hinton: An enduring classic that follows the story of two rival gangs in a small Oklahoma town.
-
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith: This is one of the earliest coming-of-age novels and it follows the story of a young girl in turn-of-the-century New York City.
Newer Coming-of-Age Books
While these are the classic coming-of-age books of the past, there are plenty of fantastic books in the genre that have been released in more recent years. Here are a few standout examples:
-
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: This is a modern coming-of-age classic, following the story of a teenage boy as he navigates his way through high school.
-
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: The story of a high-school freshman as she struggles to recover from a traumatic event and find her place in the world.
-
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: The story of a young Native American boy as he straddles two worlds–his reservation and an all-white school.
-
Looking For Alaska by John Green: A coming-of-age story with a twist, this novel follows a teenager’s quest to uncover the truth about a tragedy that occurred at his boarding school.
-
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Another classic from John Green, this novel explores the struggles of two young cancer patients as they come to terms with mortality.
-
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher: The story of a high-school student as he tries to uncover the truth about why a girl at school killed herself.
-
Born Bright by C. Nicole Mason: This gritty and honest coming-of-age story follows the journey of a teenage African-American girl from the projects of North Carolina as she fights to achieve her dreams of going to college.
Coming-of-Age Movies
Coming-of-age stories aren’t just restricted to books, with many classic films also tackling the genre over the years.
-
Stand By Me (1986): A classic coming-of-age story about four young boys on a journey of self-discovery.
-
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): The iconic story of a subversive teen skipping school to embark on a journey of fun and self-discovery.
-
The Breakfast Club (1985): An unlikely group of teens band together after being forced to spend a Saturday in detention.
-
Juno (2007): A teenage girl navigates her unexpected pregnancy in this witty and heartwarming story.
-
Boyhood (2014): A coming-of-age story filmed throughout a decade, following the maturation of a young boy.
-
The 400 Blows (1959): One of the earliest coming-of-age films, this classic French New Wave movie follows the story of an adolescent boy grappling with his rebellious spirit.
-
Moonrise Kingdom (2012): A quirky and charming coming-of-age story about two young misfits in love.
Coming-of-age stories have captivated readers and viewers for decades and will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come. Whether you’re after a classic like The Catcher in the Rye or a modern example like The Fault in Our Stars, there’s something for everyone in the coming-of-age genre.
