From: G Gallagher <gglibrarian>
Date: Tue, 04 Nov 2003 14:05:04 -0500

Megan's post made me think of this idea that coming of age happens in a way at both ends of adolescence and is a process that continues throughout although the exact expression may change.

Like Wringer, the characters in two of our "community" novels also deal with
"birthday events" on the younger end of the spectrum. In The Giver and The City of Ember, jobs are assigned at 12 and the characters' stories begin. I think that for children on the verge of their teens or even double digit birthdays, this is something they can relate to- the mystique of their birthday.

A coming of age book on the other end of the spectrum (it is more of a coming into her own sort of book) that I highly recommend is Faultline by Janet Tashjian. The main character is 17 and during the story she comes to terms with and breaks away from an abusive boyfriend while discovering her inner strength.

I think that although the ages are different, the process is one that is relevant to 10 and 17 year olds alike (but in very different ways). I guess I don't have a strict definition for coming of age, but I know it when I read it :-)

Genevieve

Genevieve Gallagher Youth Services Librarian Orange County Public Library Orange, Virginia






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Received on Tue 04 Nov 2003 01:05:04 PM CST