10 Gifts for Teens Who Love Coming-of-Age Stories

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky follows the introspective and poignant journey of Charlie, a young high school student navigating the complexities of adolescence. Through letters to an anonymous friend, Charlie reveals his experiences with friendship, love, trauma, and self-discovery. The story beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of growing up.

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a poignant coming-of-age story set in early 20th-century Brooklyn. It centres on Francie Nolan, a young girl from an impoverished family, as she navigates her formative years amid challenges and dreams. Through Francie's eyes, readers experience a rich tapestry of family dynamics, resilience, and the search for a better future.

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas follows Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old girl who navigates life between her poor neighbourhood and her upscale prep school. Her world changes dramatically when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Starr faces immense pressure as she becomes the voice for justice, confronting community divisions and seeking to reconcile her personal identity amid the turmoil.

Looking For Alaska

The unmissable first novel from bestselling and award-winning author of The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down. “In the dark beside me, she smelled of sweat and sunshine and vanilla and on that thin-mooned night I could see little more than her silhouette, but even in the dark, I could see her eyes – fierce emeralds. And beautiful.” BEFORE. Miles Halter’s whole life has been one big non-event until he starts at anything-but-boring Culver Creek Boarding School and meets Alaska Young. Gorgeous, clever, funny and utterly fascinating, she pulls Miles into her world, launches him into a new life, and steals his heart. But when tragedy strikes, and Miles comes face-to-face with death, he discovers the value of living and loving unconditionally. AFTER: Nothing...

Counting Down with Theodore Brown

New local voice who nails a coming of age story Counting Down with Theodore Brown is not my usual genre but I absolutely adored every page of this novel about Theodore Brown, a 19 year old navigating the challenges of love and life, mental health and friendships. On top of all of that Theodore also has the complicated addition of being able to see a number in people's eyes that reveals how long they will be in his life. This book is perfect if, like me, you love John Green's coming of age stories, or if Perks of Being a Wallflower made you feel seen unlike anything else. It's life affirming, full of lovable characters and great lines that had me laughing out loud.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

I read this book as an adult and still thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a story of two teenage boys trying to figure themselves out - whilst overcoming internalised homophobia, fear of rejection and navigating the line between friendship and something more. The book is beautifully written and it’s hard to not be inspired by the story and the characters. An easy read that I’d recommend to adults and young people alike.

I Was Born for This

With special bonus content – a brand new story by Alice Oseman The third novel by the phenomenally talented Alice Oseman, the author of the 2021 YA Book Prize winning Loveless, Solitaire and graphic novel series Heartstopper – now a major Netflix series. For Angel Rahimi, life is about one thing: The Ark – a pop-rock trio of teenage boys who are taking the world by storm. Being part of The Ark’s fandom has given her everything she loves – her friend Juliet, her dreams, her place in the world. Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark. He’s their frontman – and playing in a band with his mates is all he ever dreamed of doing. But dreams don’t always turn out the way you think, and when...

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a heartwarming young adult novel about two misfit teenagers who form an unlikely bond on the school bus. Set in the 1980s, the story follows their journey as they navigate first love, identity, and the challenges of high school. Their shared love of music and comics helps them cope with personal struggles and societal pressures, creating an emotional and unforgettable tale of friendship and romance.

The Sunflower Boys

FINALIST FOR THE DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE FOR FICTIONFINALIST FOR THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD FOR GAY FICTIONLONGLISTED FOR THE MASS BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION That rarest phenomenon: a war novel that feels at once timeless and precisely of the moment... —Washington Post A poignant coming-of-age story with the sensitivity and haunting power of What Belongs to You and Swimming in the Dark, about a young boy wrestling with his sexuality as war breaks out in modern Ukraine. In many ways, twelve-year-old Artem's life in Chernihiv, Ukraine, is normal. He spends his days helping on his grandfather's sunflower farm, drawing in his sketchbook—a treasured gift from his father, who works in America—and swimming in the river with his little brother, Yuri. In secret, Artem has begun wrestling with romantic...

Rainbow Boys

For the first printing only! This paperback features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts. This reissue has a brand-new look, a note from the author, and an introduction by Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer. A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021) Navigating through the intolerant world of the early aughts and their own insecurities, three teenage boys find each other and the confidence to come out of the closet in this seminal queer coming-of-age novel. Jason Carillo is a jock with a steady girlfriend. He’s on track to play ball, marry his high school sweetheart, and get as far away from his abusive dad as possible—but that’s if he can get into college with his shaky math grades… and if he can...

All My Rage

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir is a gripping Young Adult novel intertwining the challenges faced by two Pakistani-American teenagers, Salahudin and Noor, in a small Californian desert town. The story navigates themes of friendship, loss, and resilience as the protagonists deal with personal demons and familial legacies. It is a poignant exploration of how the past shapes the present and the fierce determination to overcome obstacles.