101 Most Influential Coming of Age Movies

A writer of screenplays, newscasts, commercials, and articles on film has put his knowledge and passion on paper to showcase the best films of his favorite genre—coming-of-age movies, from Shirley Temple in 'The Little Princess ,' to 'The Breakfast Club,' 'Almost Famous' and other more contemporary takes, simultaneously illustrating how the movie industry itself came of age.

Having selected the most moving and representative films of each decade, the author did more than just look at the movie angle: in this book he takes a look at what it was like to be young in each era since the 1920s, simultaneously tracking the evolution of film-making techniques and technology, and social trends that influenced what could and would be shown on the silver screen, especially as "youth" came to be identified as a lucrative market for the entertainment industry.

Selecting movies that reflect their specific eras while illustrating the ageless turbulence and confusion of adolescence, the author points out some of the finest acting, the most poignant moments, and the funniest gags.

It’s a perfect read for film lovers of any age. This book is for anyone who looked to these characters as role models during the tumultuous times of growing up, anyone who found comfort in the friendships on screen and the examples of others who were struggling to find their place, and everyone who just went to the movies to take a break from the pressures of coming of age — from those who remember the days of no dialogue to those who now speak only through texting.