Best Coming of Age Fiction Books of 2025

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a coming-of-age novel that takes place in the mountains of southern Appalachia. The story follows a boy born to a single mother, who faces a range of modern perils such as foster care, child labor, addiction, and crushing losses. Through it all, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture that has abandoned rural people in favor of cities. Kingsolver's book is a unique take on a literary classic, transposing a Victorian epic novel to the contemporary American South. Overall, Demon Copperhead is a compelling and heart-wrenching read that speaks for a new generation of lost boys.

The Never Never series is a gripping, twisty, and angsty romance that will leave readers breathless. Co-authored by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, the series follows best friends turned lovers, Charlie and Silas, as they wake up with no memory of who they are. As they work together to uncover the truth about their past, they begin to question why they were ever together to begin with. The complete series, available in one volume, is heart-stopping and utterly captivating, showcasing the power of love and the terrifying nature of forgetting. This book is a must-read for fans of suspense thrillers.

Maybe Not: A Novella (2) (Maybe Someday) by Colleen Hoover is a humorous and heartwarming story about Warren and Bridgette, two roommates who can hardly stand each other. Warren believes that Bridgette's passionate hatred may be a sign of her ability to love with the same intensity, and he sets out to test his theory. This novella is a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance. Colleen Hoover's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it hard to put the book down. Overall, Maybe Not is a great addition to the Maybe Someday series and a must-read for Colleen Hoover fans.

West with Giraffes is an emotional and heartwarming coming-of-age love story that explores the power of human connection and animal magnetism. Inspired by true events, the novel follows the twelve-day road trip of two giraffes to Southern California's San Diego Zoo during the Great Depression. The book weaves together real-life figures with fictional ones, creating a perfect balance between history and fiction. Lynda Rutledge's flawless writing style and her ability to capture the grace of animals and the kindness of strangers make this book a must-read. Overall, West with Giraffes is a larger-than-life story that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

Credence by Penelope Douglas is a standalone romance novel that tells the story of Tiernan de Haas, who after the sudden death of her parents, is sent to live with her father's stepbrother and his two sons in a remote cabin in the mountains of Colorado. As she learns to survive and work with the three men, she finds herself drawn to one of them, while the other wants her for himself. This novel is a coming of age story suitable for readers 18+ and explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. Douglas' writing is compelling and the characters are well-developed, making Credence a must-read for fans of romance novels.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a best-selling coming-of-age novel that tells the story of Kya, a young girl who has survived alone in the marshes of North Carolina. As the town suspects her of a murder, Kya opens herself to new connections and possibilities. The novel is a celebration of nature, a murder mystery, and a heartbreaking coming-of-age tale that explores themes of isolation, trust, and love. The author, Delia Owens, delivers a lush debut novel that captures the beauty and violence of the natural world. The book is a must-read for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and those who appreciate a unique and beautifully written story.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a poignant portrayal of love and friendship in the 21st century. The story follows four college friends as they move to New York in pursuit of fame and success. Their relationships are tested by addiction, pride, and success, but they remain bonded by their devotion to the enigmatic Jude, who bears deep emotional scars from his traumatic childhood. Yanagihara's writing is immersive and captivating, and the book has been praised as a masterpiece by many. A Little Life is a unique and deeply moving family saga that explores the bonds we form and the families we create for ourselves.

Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash is a touching love story set during World War II. The novel follows the journey of a young girl, Bea, who is sent to America from England to live with another family for the duration of the war. As she adjusts to her new life, she becomes part of the Gregory family and grows close to both sons. When the war ends and she returns to London, she struggles to leave her American family behind and move on with her life. This debut novel is beautifully written, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that keeps the reader engaged until the end.

"Every Summer After" by Jamie Fortunes is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Percy and Sam's six summers of love and friendship. After a decade of avoiding her hometown due to her past mistakes, Percy returns and reunites with Sam during his mother's funeral. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but they must confront their past and learn to forgive themselves before they can move forward. The book is filled with nostalgia, compelling characters, and a nuanced storyline that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Losing Hope, the second novel in the Hopeless series by Colleen Hoover, delves into the story of Dean Holder, a character introduced in the first book, Hopeless. Haunted by guilt and remorse, Holder has been searching for a little girl he couldn't save from danger. However, his search leads him to even greater pain when he reconnects with Sky, the troubled girl he met in the first book. Losing Hope explores the way Sky's past affected Holder and his family, and how he seeks redemption in the act of saving her. This emotional novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary women's fiction.