Coming-of-Age Journeys

Coming-of-age journeys, academically known as Bildungsromane, focus on the stories of young people embarking on the path to adulthood. These are stories of self-actualization, questions of identity, discoveries of shortcomings and strengths, and lessons learned. This collection of study guides covers classics to contemporary novels, from J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger to As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.

Shipwreck

by Gordon Korman

Publication year 2001

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Hope, Mental Health, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Environment, Friendship, Teamwork, Safety & Danger

Tags Action & Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Survival Fiction, Children`s Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

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Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

Publication year 2009

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Grief, Love, Coming of Age, Animals, Friendship, Self Discovery

Tags Fantasy, Romance

Shiver (2009) is the first installment in Maggie Stiefvater’s young adult paranormal romance series The Wolves of Mercy Falls. Influential in shaping modern fantasy romance narratives, the bestselling series is set in a universe where werewolves exist and their transformations are controlled by the weather. Shiver tracks the story of Grace Brisbane, who was bitten by werewolves when she was child but never changed, and Sam Roth, a werewolf destined to remain a wolf forever... Read Shiver Summary

Siddhartha

by Hermann Hesse

Publication year 1922

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Love, Coming of Age, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction, Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality, Asian History, Philosophy

Siddhartha, written by Hermann Hesse and first published in German in 1922, is a work of philosophical fiction. The book is based closely on the teachings of the spiritual leader Gautama Buddha who lived in present day Nepal or Northern India in the 4th or 5th century BCE. The book tells the story of the physical and spiritual journey of a fictional Brahmin’s son Siddhartha, in his quest for self-discovery and the meaning of existence... Read Siddhartha Summary

Silver Elite

by Dani Francis

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Loneliness, Love, Revenge, Gender Identity, Coming of Age, Future, Nation, Politics & Government, War, Equality, Justice, Truth & Lies

Tags Science Fiction, Romance, New Adult

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Simon Sort of Says

by Erin Bow

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Fear, Memory, Mental Health, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Death, Space, Family, Religion & Spirituality, Safety & Danger, Science & Technology

Tags Realistic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Humor

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Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier

Publication year 2014

Genre Graphic Memoir , Nonfiction

Themes Family, Conflict, Fear, Hate & Anger, Loneliness, Memory, Nostalgia, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Fathers, Mothers, Siblings, Daughters & Sons, Animals, Art, Order & Chaos

Tags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Coming of Age, Children`s Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

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Skeleton Man

by Joseph Bruchac

Publication year 2001

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Indigenous Identity, Coming of Age, Animals, Appearance & Reality, Family, Safety & Danger

Tags Children`s Literature, Horror & Suspense, Mystery & Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Religion & Spirituality

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Sky Full of Elephants

by Cebo Campbell

Publication year 2024

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Forgiveness, Grief, Guilt, Hate & Anger, Hope, Loneliness, Shame & Pride, Gender Identity, Masculinity, Mental Health, Race, Coming of Age, Future, The Past, Family, Fathers, Self Discovery, Community, Politics & Government, Justice

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Skyshade

by Alex Aster

Publication year 2024

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Perseverance, Guilt, Loneliness, Love, Regret, Revenge, Coming of Age, Place, Self Discovery, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Fantasy, Romance

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Skyward

by Brandon Sanderson

Publication year 2018

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Space, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Shame & Pride, Coming of Age, Family, Teamwork, Social Class, Politics & Government, War

Tags Fantasy, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure

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Slam

by Nick Hornby

Publication year 2007

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Future, Coming of Age, Fathers

Tags Magical Realism, Coming of Age, Humor, British Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Slam (2007) is a young adult novel written by Nick Hornby. It tells the story of Sam Jones, a skateboarder who finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant when they are both 16 years old—his mother’s age when she had him. The novel explores themes such as Navigating Teenage Parenthood, How a Few Seconds Can Change Everything, and Relationships, Wisdom, and Growing Up.Nick Hornby is a renowned English writer known for his humorous fiction about... Read Slam Summary