Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
Coming-of-age stories can be challenging to decipher. They are written about adolescents on the cusp of adulthood, but many stories are not intended for young adults, making it confusing for everyone! But have no fear, the list below IS filled with coming-of-age books for teens aged 14 and up.
Don’t worry! While these stories are written with teens in mind, adults will also enjoy them. How do I know? Because Jackie and I ADORE coming-of-age novels for teens and adults alike. I carefully curated both this list and our adult coming-of-age book list so you can figure out what is most appropriate for you or your child to enjoy.
The Best Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
About Families
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo – Jump to section
Romance
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – Jump to section
Set at School
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – Jump to section
Historical Fiction
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen – Jump to section
About Friends
Safe Harbor by K. Sinko – Jump to section
Classics
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Teen Coming-of-Age Novels About Families
With the Fire on High
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This story is set in Philly (which I love) and features a Black woman of Caribbean descent who is entering her senior year of college. Emoni wants to be a world-class chef but struggles with pursuing her passions in the kitchen while balancing the responsibilities of having a toddler.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
After hearing a lot about this particular coming-of-age story, I quickly snatched it up, and let me tell you, the hype is real. It’s a true coming-of-age story that is as delicious to devour as the many recipes described in the book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reminds me of Lessons in Chemistry because the two main characters have so much in common. Both are trying to balance career and parenthood and both are chefs!
Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School
Far From the Tree
Author: Robin Benway
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: National Book Award
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This wonderful story is about Grace who was adopted at birth. When she finds herself pregnant, she puts her daughter up for adoption.Â
This prompts her to look for her biological mother. What she finds are two siblings that she never knew about. This is an amazing story told from multiple points of view. Even though I included it in books that make you cry, you will love every moment.
Why Kirsten loves it
This novel for tweens is the winner of the National Book Award for good reason. I adored this middle-grade fiction book. I spent half of it crying and the other half smiling.Â
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Feel-good Books / Books to Make You Cry
Clap When You Land
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
Camino Rios lives in the Dominican Republic and counts down the days until her father comes to visit every year from New York City.
Yahaira Rios lives in New York City and her life changes forever the day she finds out her father has been killed in a plane crash on his way to the Dominican Republic for his summer trip.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Parent, Sexual assault
Why Kirsten loves it
The story of the sisters meeting and each finding out new things about their father and each other made for quite a story. This is one of the most emotional and poignant books about sisters I’ve ever read.Â
Find this book in: Books about Sisters / Plane Novels
Plot
The classic story by Alcott has survived for generations for a reason, the way she wonderfully encapsulates what it’s like to be in a family. The highs and lows of the personal and collective lives of Beth, Jo, Amy, and Meg are an endearing testimony to the bonds of sisters.
Why Jackie loves it
I remember reading this coming-of-age novel with my grandmother when I was young. It features a family of four girls who are trying to support each other and their mother while their father is away at war.
Find this book in: Books for 13-year-olds / Literary Classics / Books about Motherhood / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
Coming-of-age Romances for Teens
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School
Plot
Aza is a 16-year-old who, along with her best friend, is searching for a lost billionaire to get the reward money. Along the way, she finds Davis, the billionaire’s son, and her childhood friend. While trying to be the best she can be, she ignores the rising level of panic and anxiety that is tightening it’s grip on her.
Trigger Warnings
Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self-harm
Why Jackie loves it
Love, loss, and resilience are all themes in this book that captured my heart and kept me reading until the last page.
Find this book in: Thought-Provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books about Mental Illness
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alice Sáenz
Year: 2012
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Stonewall Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, Printz Honor
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Aristotle and Dante seem to have nothing in common when they first meet other than the fact that they are both loners. But, as they start spending more time together, they learn truths about themselves and develop a friendship that will change them both forever.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia, Hate crime
Why Jackie loves it
This award-winning LGBTQ book is such a fantastic YA coming-of-age story that is so well written. It has so much emotion that it had me in tears which is not a usual thing for me.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / LGBTQ+ Books
The Sun is Also a Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This National Book Award finalist is the story of Natasha and Daniel. They meet 12 hours before Natasha and her family are deported to Jamaica. Where will their story take them? You can’t fall in love in 12 hours, can you?
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Deportation, Suicidal thoughts
Why Jackie loves it
This Young Adult novel is smart and well-written. Â I loved reading it. Â Yoon has done something very difficult with this book. Â She switches back and forth between a few different narrators and still manages to maintain the flow of the story.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books Set in New York / Thought-provoking Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Coming-of-Age Stories Set at School
The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Year: 2017
Genre: YA fiction
More info: National Book Award Longlist · Printz Honor Book · Coretta Scott King Honor Book
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This fantastic and incredibly relevant young adult novel tackles the Black Lives Matter movement. Starr is straddling a line between two worlds. She attends a prestigious prep school where she is one of 2 black children in her grade but she lives in a poor neighborhood 40 minutes down the road.
She switches her personality so that she can fit in wherever she is, never truly being her whole self. When she witnesses her unarmed childhood best friend get killed by a policeman her entire life changes.
She needs to decide what to tell and to whom because her words can have dire consequences for her family and her community.
Trigger Warnings
racism, gun violence, police brutality
Why Kirsten loves it
Angie Thomas’s storytelling in this one was impressive. She was able to portray so many relevant topics in one book and put the reader in Starr’s shoes.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s a truly wonderful coming-of-age story from thought-provoking books set in high school that all young adults should read.
Find this book in: Thought Provoking Books / Best Audiobooks of all Time / Best Books Set in High School / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
Plot
Prom Babies tries – and ultimately succeeds – in tackling the many sides of teen sex and pregnancy. Set 18 years apart, it follows 6 teens in total. 3 teens from 2005 who wind up pregnant following prom and their 3 children preparing for their own prom in 2024.
The story tackles many facets around sexuality and teen sex including abortion, teen pregnancy, gender norms, “no means no,” raising a child when you are a child, and sadly, rape. It’s a lot for one book to cover, but because of the diversity of characters, it accomplishes its goal of giving a full picture of teen sex in a modern, thoughtful world.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Abortion
Why Kirsten loves it
Embedded in the fun prom of it all, are real lessons and thought-provoking scenarios for teens considering having sex themselves. I would 100% recommend this book as an opening for parents and older teens to discuss these matters if they haven’t already.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Coming-of-age Books for Teens
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen
Author: Isaac Blum
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: William C. Morris Award Winner
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Hoodie Rosen and his Orthodox Jewish community have relocated to a new city to set up roots. But they aren’t feeling welcomed in their new home and are facing antisemitic acts both big and small daily.
As he grapples with his place, not just in the new town but within his own community, Hoodie meets and falls for the mayor’s non-Jewish daughter, Anna-Maria. His friendship with her sends shockwaves through his close-knit community and compounded with the antisemitism, it leaves poor Hoodie struggling with what it means to be a Jewish man.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Gun violence, Hate crime
Why Kirsten loves it
With antisemitism on the rise, this poignant novel is so deeply important. But more than that, Hoodie’s narration had me feeling as if I was inside the head of the 15-year-old boy who, while being an orthodox Jew, is just grappling with the worries and fears of every adolescent boy.
Find this book in: Books by Jewish Writers / Thought-Provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School
True Biz
Author: Sara Nović
Year: 2022
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: April 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
True Biz is an eye-opening look at the life of deaf high schoolers in boarding school. The ins and outs of deaf society are fascinating and made me realize I knew so little about the deaf community.
Set at River Valley School for the Deaf, the story revolves around 2 students, Austin and Charlie, as well as their headmistress, February who is fighting to keep the school open for the students who desperately need it.
Trigger Warnings
Ableism, Death of a Parent, Medical Trauma
Why Kirsten loves it
I learned about the ASL vs hearing aids debate. I learned about the politics and drama that go into running a deaf school. I learned that there is a black version of ASL and it’s possible to be racist when signing. And of course, I fell for the romantic entanglements and blooming friendships between the students.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Books set in High School
Historical Fiction Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
Plot
This historical fiction book for teens was such an unexpected beauty for me. Books about the Holocaust are most often inherently extremely heavy. I love the way this book is a fairy tale retelling of Briar Rose (AKA Sleeping Beauty) that turns it into a story about the Holocaust.Â
Rebecca grew up hearing her grandmother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Now, her grandmother’s dying wish is for Rebecca to uncover her true story.
Trigger Warnings
Genocide, Antisemitism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It does not trivialize the atrocities of that time but rather, it makes the subject more approachable to a younger audience. Beautifully written and well done. This is one of the books for a 13-year-old that adults will love and a must-read from WWII books for kids!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books about the Holocaust / Classic Book Retellings
The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age: 15+
More info: The Davenports #1
Plot
The Davenports is a Gilded Age story about a successful Chicago Black family who made a name for themselves after slavery was abolished. Now the talk of the season, the three Davenport children are all looking for their spouses and trying to buck societal norms in the process!
Be warned! This story ends on a cliffhanger!
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Slavery
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun read! I was eager to start a new Historical Fiction romance series and the cover of this one drew me right to it. I was rooting for all the characters and have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books to Teens / Beach Reads 2023 / YA Historical Fiction / Books like Bridgerton
The War That Saved My Life
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 9+
More info: The War That Saved My Life #1, Newbery Honor Book, Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Plot
Ada is a 10-year-old girl who lives in a one-room world gazing at the world from one window. She was born with a club foot and teaches herself to walk in secret. When the children who lived in London were evacuated to the country at the start of WW2, Ada escapes her abusive mother and leaves London with her little brother.
Ada thrives in the countryside on Susan’s farm and watching her grow is a pleasure. As Susan bonds with Ada and her brother, she starts to wonder what will happen when she returns to London.
Trigger Warnings
War, Child Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I read this realistic fiction book in a few hours and immediately ordered the sequel The War I Finally Won.  It is a story of love and survival in the face of overwhelming obstacles that is emotionally crafted and brilliantly written.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 13-year-old
The Black Kids
Author: Christina Hammonds Reed
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This book is set in 1992, in LA, during the Rodney King riots. Ashley is an affluent black girl at a private school, who is forced to reckon with what her blackness means to herself, her friends, and her family.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Police Brutality
Why Kirsten loves it
To compare this book to The Hate U Give is doing it a disservice. The similarities exist in all the best ways, but I don’t want people to think they can read one or the other. This is a raw, authentic look at a very dark time in American history.
Find this book in: Black History Books / YA Historical Fiction / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
Friendship and Neighborhood Coming-of-Age Stories
Safe Harbor
Author: K. Sinko
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Scoops #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I picked up this book because of an Instagram reel. It was filled with ice cream, beach scenes, fireworks, and romance…so I knew I needed to read it on my recent vacation.
I fell head over heels. It was a wonderful first love story between Melanie and Calvin, her co-worker at the ice cream store. Melanie has just moved to Haverport after her twin made a disaster mistake and this crew of ice cream-scooping co-workers made her feel right at home.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction, Alcoholism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a seaside book filled with heart that struck the perfect balance between sweetness and depth. I can’t wait to read more from this debut author.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
The House on Mango Street
Author: Sandra Cisneros
Year: 1984
Genre: YA Fiction
Age: 13+
More info: March 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Plot
This classic kid’s book is about a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Widely studied (and banned) across the country, Esperanza Cordero’s coming-of-age story defines a generation.
Within its pages, Esperanza is struggling against stereotypes and the expectations of growing up on Mango Street. While she fights to leave her neighborhood behind, she realizes that she can’t outrun the impact the neighborhood had on shaping her.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Kirsten loves it
While Jenna recently picked the 25th-anniversary edition for her book club, I have loved this story since I read it in middle school. The way Cisneros writes paints the most vivid picture in my mind.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Read with Jenna
Plot
A group of four friends spends every summer together on a private island. Money, family, love, and an accident lead to secrets and lies. Featuring complex dynamics between friends and family, this story is both a coming-of-age tale and a mystery all in one.
Trigger Warnings
Fire/Fire injury, Child death
Why Jackie loves it
This book was the perfect suspense which I did not expect. Even though I knew that the narrator was unreliable, I still had no idea where this story was going and I didn’t know it was a Shakespeare retelling of King Lear until years after I read it.
Find this book in: Books with Unreliable Narrators / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 13-year-old
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Author: Dan Gemeinhart
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
Age: 9-12
More info: Coyote Sunrise #1
Plot
Coyote Sunrise lives with her Dad, Rodeo on an old school bus, riding around the country but never returning to where her mother and sisters died.
Until Coyote gets a call from her grandma that the park where she hid a memory box is scheduled to be torn down. Soon Coyote needs to figure out a plan to get her dad back to Washington before she loses that box.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Death of parent, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
Filled with life lessons and charming strangers they meet and transport along the way, I adored Coyote and her unique life. My kids listened with me too and they felt the same way.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Audiobooks for Kids / Audiobooks for a Road Trip / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
Classics
Plot
This magical realism book is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel is living with her foster parents and learning to read from stolen books. She also shares these books with the Jewish man who is hiding in her basement.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curriculums for good reason. I’ve never read a story that encapsulates life for ordinary children during this harrowing time in history.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / YA Historical Fiction Books / Books about the Holocaust / Coming-of-age Books for Teens
The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Year: 1993
Genre: Science Fiction
Age: 13+
More info: The Giver #1, Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
Set in a dystopian world, the main character Jonas is special because he is the Receiver. In his idyllic community, he is the one who holds the secrets. As he meets with the Giver to receive the secrets and learn about life before his community began, his eyes are opened to the kind of world he is living in and just how different it is to the way the world used to be.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Death, Suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
This classic book for kids is one of the most influential novels of our time and one of the best sci-fi books ever written. I vividly remember the ending of this story and how emotional I got while reading it as a preteen in school. The movie is not my favorite adaptation, but it’s also worth watching.
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / YA Dystopian Novels / Coming-of-Age books for Teens
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Year: 1960
Genre: Classic Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 12+
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Plot
This coming-of-age novel is about Scout, a young girl whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer in her Southern town. As she grows, she realizes the prejudices within her town – culminating in her watching a trial as her father defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was also made into an Academy Award-winning movie. Â I still remember learning about this book in seventh-grade English. It’s a powerful novel everyone should read.
Why Jackie loves it
I cannot count the number of times I have read this book. Â It is a coming-of-age book that was ahead of its time and is even more relevant today. Â
Find this book in: Coming of Age Books for Teens / Realistic Fiction / Thought-Provoking Books
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title
Helpful Tips
- When shopping, try to pick a book about something you or your teen is struggling with. Seeing a common struggle play out in print can normalize the problem and help you (or your teen) feel less isolated.
- Coming-of-age books for teens generally fall in the Young Adult or YA category. Head to that section of the bookstore if you are 14 years old or above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coming-of-age book?
A coming-of-age book revolves around teens and young adults on the cusp of adulthood. Often the main protagonist is facing their first adult challenge. These challenges may take place within their family, with their friend group, at school or camp, or may be because of a romantic relationship.
What are some relatable books to read as a teenager?
Teens are growing into adults and testing exactly what that means. They are learning their actions of consequences. Coming-of-age books for teens like The Hate U Give, True Biz, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, and Clap When You Land allow adolescents to process the changes they are going through.
Related Content
Epilogue
Stories about growing up connect us all because it’s a shared experience of every adult on the planet. These stories reignite the memories of high school for adults and help teens currenting experiencing burgeoning adulthood feel understood. Which coming-of-age books for teens are you planning to read and which have you already read? Let us know below!
