Best Coming of Age Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a contemporary teen romance novel that explores the complexities of love, regret, and the impact of relationships. Autumn and Finn were once inseparable, but now they try their best to ignore each other. However, the nagging thought that maybe they should be together doesn't stop Autumn from feeling something every time they cross paths. As they approach the end of high school, Autumn is forced to confront the possibility that life could have been different if they had never parted ways. This emotional and captivating book is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

The Giver by Lois Lowry is a thought-provoking novel that tells the story of Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy who lives in an ideal world where everyone is the same. However, when he is given the life assignment as the Receiver of Memory, he discovers the dark secrets and complex emotions that lie behind his seemingly perfect community. The novel questions our most deeply held beliefs and values and challenges readers to grapple with their own thoughts. The Giver is a powerful and influential novel that is a must-read for all fans of fiction about emotions and feelings.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a cult-favorite coming-of-age story that offers a captivating look at high school life. Stephen Chbosky's debut novel follows the experiences of Charlie, an observant and introspective teenager, as he navigates adolescence and adulthood. From first dates and family drama to sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, this novel offers a heartwarming and honest portrayal of the roller-coaster days of growing up. The book is a must-read for teenagers and adults alike, and its unique perspective on the challenges of adolescence makes it a modern classic.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a New York Times bestselling novel-in-verse that tells the story of Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina heroine who has learned to let her fists and fierceness do the talking in her Harlem neighborhood. However, Xiomara pours her passion and frustration onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers. Her story is crackling with energy, authenticity, and voice, and is an excellent choice for accelerated tween readers in grades 6 to 8. The book is unique for its powerful truth and the way it amplifies the voices of girls en el barrio.

The Body by Stephen King is a timeless coming-of-age novella set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. The story follows four friends as they embark on a journey to find a missing boy's body and come to terms with the harsh realities of growing up in a small town. The book explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the inevitability of death. King's writing is captivating and emotive, making it easy to get lost in the story. Overall, The Body is a must-read for fans of Stephen King and anyone who enjoys a good coming-of-age tale.

The first book in the Crave series by Tracy Wolff, Crave (Crave, 1) is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Series and an Amazon Best YA Book of 2020. The story follows a mortal girl who finds herself in a school full of gods and monsters and is unsure which faction she belongs to, if any at all. Amidst all this, she is drawn to a mysterious vampire, Jaxon Vega, who has kept himself guarded for a reason. The book is beautifully descriptive with amazing pacing and sinister settings. Overall, Crave is a thrilling and addictive read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Turtles All the Way Down is a compelling novel by John Green that explores the struggles of living with mental illness. The story follows Aza Holmes, a teenage girl who tries to solve the mystery of a missing billionaire while dealing with her own obsessive-compulsive disorder. Green's writing is poignant and insightful, offering a glimpse into the complexities of mental illness. The book has received critical acclaim and is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges of living with mental health issues.

"Antes de ser libres" by Julia Alvarez is a captivating coming-of-age story set in the Dominican Republic during the dictatorship of Trujillo. Anita, a twelve-year-old girl, must confront her fears and leave everything she knows behind to fly towards freedom. Alvarez's writing is as compelling for adolescents as it is for adults, and this novel is a stirring work of art. The book's unique perspective on emigration and immigration themes makes it a must-read for young adults."

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen is a classic romantic comedy of errors that tells the story of two seventh-graders, Juli and Bryce, who have been neighbors since second grade. The book is written in alternating chapters from their perspectives, and the updated anniversary edition includes revelations from the author on the story behind the story. The book has won several awards and accolades, including being named among the SLJ Top 100 Children’s Novels of all time and winning the California Young Reader Medal. With its fresh, funny voices, charismatic leading lady, and wise, wonderful ending, this novel is a great read for teens and young adults who enjoy humorous fiction.

"That Boy" by Jillian Dodd is a heartwarming and hilarious story about a young girl named Jadyn and her relationships with two crush-worthy boys, Danny and Phillip. The novel follows Jadyn from childhood to adulthood as she navigates the ups and downs of friendship, love, and growing up. Dodd's writing is witty and relatable, making it easy to become invested in Jadyn's life and her journey. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story with plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. Overall, "That Boy" is a must-read for anyone who has ever had a crush on their best friend."