In boys' coming - of - age tales, there can be a strong emphasis on achieving goals and being competitive. This could be in the form of winning a game or getting into a top college. Girls, on the other hand, may have coming - of - age stories that involve learning about feminism and equality. They may realize the disparities between genders and start to fight for their rights. It's also common for girls to have stories about growing out of being a 'daddy's girl' and finding their own identity apart from their family.
For boys, coming - of - age stories often involve finding their place in the world in terms of career or social status. They might face challenges like standing up to bullies or proving themselves in sports or academics. For girls, it could be about self - discovery in terms of body image, friendships, and dealing with the different expectations society has for them. For example, a girl may struggle with the pressure to look a certain way, while a boy may struggle with the pressure to be tough.
Girls in such stories might develop their sense of self - worth through relationships more often. They could learn about love and friendship in a more emotional and nuanced way. Boys may grow through challenges that test their physical and mental strength, like facing a tough opponent in a game. This can shape their confidence and understanding of their own capabilities.
Girls often include more details about emotions and relationships in their stories. For example, a girl might tell a story about two friends falling out and spend a lot of time on how they felt and how it affected their other relationships. Boys, in contrast, are more likely to focus on action and events. A boy might tell a story about a sports game and mainly talk about the plays and the final score.
There's the story of a boy who goes on a camping trip with his father for the first time. He learns survival skills like building a fire, setting up a tent, and finding his way in the woods. This experience makes him more self - reliant and gives him a stronger bond with his father.
Young adult novels tend to have a more defined audience in terms of age. They may have a more contemporary setting to appeal to the current young adult generation. Coming - of - age novels can span different time periods. In a young adult novel, the writing style might be more accessible and fast - paced. However, a coming - of - age novel could have a more complex narrative structure as it delves deeper into the psychological and emotional growth of the character. For instance, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a coming - of - age story that also has a strong social commentary.
One story could be about a school event where girls choose to wear dresses for a formal dance while boys opt for suits. The girls spent time picking out the perfect flowing gowns with different colors and patterns, while the boys focused on getting a sharp - looking suit and tie combination.
One great coming - of - age story could be about a girl who overcomes her shyness to participate in a public speaking competition. She starts off very timid but through practice and self - belief, she manages to deliver an amazing speech in front of a large audience. This shows her growth in self - confidence.
A girl might have a coming - of - age moment when she stands up for what she believes in against peer pressure. For example, if her friends are engaging in unethical behavior like cheating in an exam or bullying someone, and she decides to take a stand and encourage them to do the right thing. This shows her moral growth and the development of her own principles.
When girls tell a story, they might use more descriptive language about how characters look and feel. Their stories could be like a detailed painting of emotions. Boys may tell stories with a more straightforward plot. They might jump right into the action, like 'There was a boy who found a magic sword and had to fight a dragon right away'.
A story where a young boy overcomes his fear of public speaking is also a great coming - of - age story. He might start out really nervous but through practice and support from family and friends, he becomes confident and is able to give a great speech at school. This shows his growth in self - confidence and facing his fears.
A boy who dreams of becoming a great athlete but has an injury that sets him back. He has to overcome his self - doubt and work hard in rehabilitation. Eventually, he is able to compete again and learns valuable lessons about perseverance and self - belief.