Reviews by Tag: coming of age

Teen Review
Lord of the Flies book cover

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Mar 27, 2025

Lord of The Flies is a very interesting and popular book depicting the concept of human nature, society, and morality. This book takes place during World War II when a group of British boys get stuck on an island from their plane. There were older boys on the island like Ralph, Piggy, Simon, Jack, and the choir boys who were about the ages of twelve to fourteen. The younger boys included Jonny, Henry, and Jack are about the age of six. The boys came together after Ralph blew the conch which Piggy gave him the idea to.

Teen Review
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl

By Jerry Spinelli
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Z. Ahmed
Mar 22, 2025

Stargirl is a fascinating novel that explores themes of individuality, nonconformity and the challenges of fitting in. The story is about Leo Borlock, an ordinary high school student in Mica, Arizona, whose world is completely changed when Stargirl Caraway, a quirky and free-spirited new girl, arrives at school. She is not like anyone Leo—or the rest of the school—has ever met. She wears strange clothing, plays the ukulele and sings to people on their birthdays. Initially, her personality made her very popular.

Teen Review
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Alex
Mar 17, 2025

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a coming-of-age novel about finding your voice. It follows Xiomara, a Dominican teen in Harlem who feels unheard and misunderstood, especially by her strict and religious mother. Xiomara pours her feelings into poetry, expressing her struggles with faith, family and her first love. When she joins a slam poetry club, she starts to embrace her voice and identity, even when it means standing up to those she loves.

Teen Review
Lord of the Flies book cover

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Z. Ahmed
Jan 29, 2025

Lord of the Flies is an exploration of human nature and the mask of civilization that keeps our instincts in check. The novel is set on a deserted island after a plane crash and highlights the boys' decline from order into chaos as they try to govern themselves. However, it slowly turns into savagery. Golding uses characters like Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and Simon to represent different parts of society, morality, and human behavior. The conch shell becomes a powerful symbol of order and democracy.

Teen Review
Little Women book cover

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Cherry Y.
Jan 16, 2025

Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the women of the March family learn to navigate their individuality. Each sister is adorned with a distinct attitude that provides a balanced yet complex sibling dynamic. Jo is an independent writer while Meg is amicable and responsible. Amy adores painting and extravagance, but Beth is a quiet musician. 

Teen Review
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders

By S.E. Hinton
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Sep 30, 2024

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton will forever remain as one of my favorite novels. Hinton’s exploration of tough themes, including social hierarchies and the emotions involved with growing up and friendship, made the book an emotional, yet important read. The book takes the reader back to the 1960s, and Hinton did a wonderful job displaying that era in contrast to today’s world. Also, it was such an experience learning about each of the Greasers and how unique their personalities were.

Teen Review
Where the Crawdads Sing book cover

Where the Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Mahek
Sep 25, 2024

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a classic novel set in North Carolina during the mid to late 1900s. It follows Kya, a young girl who lives in a marsh with her poor family. Abandoned by her mom and eventually her siblings at the tender age of six, leaving her alone with her abusive and alcoholic father. He too eventually abandoned her at the age of seven.

Teen Review
Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses  book cover

Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses

By Maya Prasad
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Nehanika C.
Jul 26, 2024

Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses by Maya Prasad is a book about four girls Nidhi, Avani, Rani, and Sirisha who are sisters and best friends. After spending the last couple of months in India, Nidhi is finally coming back to the USA to visit her family on Orcas Island, but she gets caught in a windstorm and is struggling to make it on time to sister Rani’s short film contest along with her ex-boyfriend Grayson.

Teen Review
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

A Wrinkle in Time

By Madeleine L'Engle
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Z. Ahmed
Jul 2, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is a beloved classic of children's literature that blends science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin O'Keefe as they start an interdimensional journey to rescue Meg's father. Meg Murry is a 13-year-old girl struggling with self-esteem issues and missing her father, a scientist who disappeared while working on a secret government project. One stormy night, Meg, Charles, and Calvin meet Mrs.

Teen Review
The Catcher in the Rye book cover

The Catcher in the Rye

By J.D. Salinger
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Sriha P.
May 24, 2024

When Holden gets expelled from school, he doesn’t want to tell his parents, because it wasn’t his first time. So, instead, he goes to his hometown and explores on his own. As a 16-year-old Holden jumps around bars and hotels as he thinks he can be independent.

Browse by Tag