Coming of Age: 10 Books Every Young Adult Should Read

1. “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers

Steve Harmon, age 16, faces 25 years to life in prison for acting as a lookout during a robbery that turns into a murder. The prosecution calls him a “monster,” but readers get the full story of Harmon’s complicated life growing up in Harlem through a series of journal entries he keeps while in prison awaiting trial.

The lessons in coming-of-age books can greatly benefit children everywhere.

Learn about one 11-year-old girl’s mission to diversify the book selection at her school’s library.