One could also say 'adolescence novel'. This term clearly indicates that the story mainly focuses on the adolescent period of a character, which is a central part of coming - of - age stories. The characters in these novels usually experience significant growth, self - discovery, and face various challenges during their teenage years, just like in a coming - of - age novel.
One could also use the term 'coming - of - age story' or 'adolescence novel'. A coming - of - age novel typically focuses on the growth and development of a young character, often from childhood to adulthood. It explores themes like self - discovery, identity formation, and the challenges of growing up. For example, 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a well - known coming - of - age novel that follows the journey of Holden Caulfield as he grapples with the adult world.
Themes of self - exploration are common. The character is usually on a journey to figure out who they are. Take 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' for instance. Charlie is constantly trying to understand his own identity, his place in the world, and his relationships with others. It's a very important aspect of coming - of - age novels. They also tend to show the character facing and overcoming challenges, which contribute to their growth.
Word meaning in a coming - of - age story also shows the cultural and social context. If it's a novel set in a particular era, words might carry the values and norms of that time. For instance, words related to family expectations can be very different depending on the cultural background. In some cultures, words like 'duty' towards the family are emphasized more strongly in a coming - of - age narrative, which shapes the overall meaning of the story.
Word meaning can drive the plot forward. For example, if a key word like 'ambition' is introduced early in the story, it sets a path for the protagonist's actions. As the character's understanding of 'ambition' changes, so does the plot. Maybe at first, 'ambition' means getting good grades, but later it might evolve into something bigger like making a mark in the world.
You could name it 'Rites of Passage'. It directly refers to the important events and changes that mark the transition from youth to adulthood, which is a central theme in coming - of - age novels.
How about 'Growing Pains: A Coming of Age Tale'? This title captures the essence of the challenges and changes that characters typically go through in a coming - of - age novel.