Think about the last book you read. Did the main character:
-go on a journey
-experience something sad or painful or scary
-change, grow and learn something about the world?
Then it could be a coming-of-age story! To come of age means to become an adult. In real life, growing up happens over the course of years. But in books, by the time you turn the last page the main character has (probably) become more mature. Something happens that opens their eyes or changes their perspective. They figure out how to deal with both the positive and negative sides of life.
The coming-of-age story has been around for a long time. It's a universal experience, and books are becoming more diverse to reflect that. Check out some of these stories by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) authors for the Reading Challenge. You can also ask for more recommendations at your library! 
Aggie & Mudgy by Wendy Proverbs
When Maddy asks her grandmother about an old photograph, she learns the story of two sisters. They were Indigenous kids taken from their families and forced to go to a residential school. 
Isaiah Dunn is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
Can Isaiah become the hero his family needs? Ever since his dad passed away, things have been tough at home and school. But hope and inspiration grows when he finds a story his dad wrote starring Isaiah as a superhero. 
Listen, Slowly by Thanhhà Lại
At first Mai isn't thrilled about her summer trip to Vietnam. Then she starts bonding with her grandma and learning about her culture. She even helps find out what happened to her missing grandfather! 
More to the Story by Hena Khan
Jameela is determined to write a great article for her school newspaper. But will it cost her a friend? Her sister getting sick and their dad being away overseas add to her stress. 
What Lane? by Torrey Maldonado
Stephen is a regular Grade 6 kid who loves basketball and superheroes. He starts to notice that some people treat him differently from his white friend.
Have you completed the 2022 TPL Reading Challenge? Great job! Let a grown-up know if you want to receive a certificate, enter the prize draw, or both. You need to have a library card and to fill out this form by December 31, 2022.