One great YA coming of age novel is 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. It follows Charlie as he navigates high school, friendship, and his own mental health journey. Another is 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson, which deals with a girl's struggle to find her voice after a traumatic event. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee also fits this category as Scout grows up learning about justice and prejudice in a small Southern town.
A really good YA coming of age novel is 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell. It tells the story of two misfit teenagers falling in love and growing up in the process. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also a notable one. Holden Caulfield's experiences in New York City as he tries to understand the adult world are very relatable for young adults. 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is another great one where Meg Murry grows and matures while on an inter - dimensional adventure.
Well, 'The Outsiders' by S.E. Hinton is a classic YA coming of age story. It shows the lives of different groups of teenagers and how they deal with class differences and loyalty. Then there's 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green. It's about a boy's experiences at boarding school and his relationship with an enigmatic girl named Alaska. Also, 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery is a wonderful choice. Anne's growth from an orphan to a confident young woman is really inspiring.