Between its cheeky humor, nostalgic early-2000s vibe and touching coming of-age themes, kids and adults alike can’t stop talking about Pixar’s “Turning Red.” This hit animated film addresses topics like puberty, parent/child relationships and being a teen in a way that makes students feel understood.

If your students love the movie “Turning Red,” they will adore these coming-of-age stories that deal with similar themes like family expectations and body positivity.

1. The Moon Within
by Aida Salazar 

Interest level: 3-7 
Celi Rivera’s body is changing. She’s experiencing her first crush, and her best friend is exploring being genderfluid. When Celi’s period comes, her mom wants her to have a Mexican moon ceremony, but Celi isn’t convinced. Share this story about gender, romance and puberty with students to help them to define their identities on their own terms.

2. The Okay Witch 
by Emma Steinkellner

Interest level: 3-7 
13-year-old Moth Hush’s town of Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts has a centuries-old history of witch drama, and her family is at the center of it. When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out of control. Students will relate to finding their footing as teens when they read the weird and wonderful adventures of a witch-in-progress.

3. Bayou Magic 
by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Interest level: 3-7 
City girl Maddy is spending her first summer in the beautiful and mysterious bayou. As her grandmother shares her wisdom and sayings, Maddy wonders if she is the only member of her family to carry on their magical legacy. When a disastrous oil leak threatens the bayou, does Maddy have what it takes to be a hero? Share this book and teach readers how to celebrate the magic within.

4. The Girl Who Speaks Bear 
by Sophie Anderson

Interest level: 3-7 
Unusually large and strong Yanka was discovered in a bear cave as a baby, so the 12-year-old often wonders who she really is. Yanka is out of place in the village, and feels she belongs elsewhere. So when Yanka wakes up one morning to find she suddenly has bear legs, she leaves her village, risking everything to find the truth. Share this transformation story with students who loved the animal shapeshifting aspect of “Turning Red.”

5. Honest June
by Tina Wells

Interest level: 3-7 
Middle school is hard enough without a fairy godmother putting you under a truth-telling spell! People-pleaser June relies on harmless small lies to keep her loved ones happy. That is until she’s “blessed” with the gift of honesty. Can June find freedom in radical honesty, or will her life fall apart? Share this title to encourage students who struggle under the weight of others’ expectations.

6. That Thing About Bollywood 
by Supriya Kelkar 

Interest level: 3-7 
Share this magical middle grade novel about an Indian American girl who starts involuntarily bursting into song and dance when she gets big feelings. When everyone around Sonali gets a magical Bollywood makeover, can she learn to manage her emotions and get her life back?

7. The Girl Who Drank The Moon 
by Kelly Barnhill

Interest level: 5-9
Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as a peace offering to the witch who lives in the forest. But they’ve got it all wrong. Xan the witch kindly guides the children to families on the other side of the forest. Xan accidentally gives one baby dangerous powers. When the baby, Luna, turns 13, her powers come to the surface and her life is in danger. Share this unique coming-of-age fantasy and inspire your magic-loving readers.

8. Go With The Flow 
by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann  

Interest level: 5-10  
Hazelton High never has enough menstrual products or adults who care for that matter. Four sophomore girls are fed up with their concerns being ignored and decide to stop going with the flow and start a revolution. Teach your students about self-advocating when you share this engaging graphic novel.

What coming-of-age stories do your students relate to the most? Are there any other movies you would like a booklist for? Tell us in the comments below!