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Adolescence is the most dramatic, formative but misunderstood period of our lives. Coming of Age exposes the myths and presents a refreshing and often counter-intuitive understanding of what is really going on.

'Lucy Foulkes’s wonderful and deeply moving book shows us the potentially positive aspects of adolescent experiences so often seen as negative' MARK HADDON

‘Compelling, useful and fascinating . . . revealing adolescence's unwritten rules’ JO BRAND

Drawing on the latest research and moving, in-depth interviews, adolescent psychologist Lucy Foulkes demystifies adolescent behaviours – peer pressure, risk-taking, sex, love, bullying and more. She reveals that teenagers are far more conservative than rebellious, that apparent recklessness is often calculated and risk-averse and that popularity is actually a mixed blessing even while friendships can be a life-changing good.

She explains why social hierarchies are so fiercely policed, why appearances are overly important and why rejection hurts so much, but also shows that - contrary to the stereotype - adolescents have an extraordinary capacity for empathy and mutual support. We see that even the most difficult experiences are part of an essential process of self-discovery.

If our identities are story, then the crucial first draft is written in adolescence. Coming of Age shows us how to read that story with clarity and compassion, helping us appreciate the adolescents in our lives but also those we once were.

‘Hopeful, inspiring . . . leaves you with a greater understanding of your own adolescence, and greater compassion for those currently in its throes’ Camilla Nord, author of The Balanced Brain

‘A must read for everyone interested in what is going on with adolescents’ Essi Viding, Professor of Developmental Pyschopathy, UCL

‘Wise and compassionate, well-researched and straight-talking . . . shows how today's adolescents can be helped to flourish in life’ Dr Gavin Francis, author of Recovery

‘Comprehensive, accessible and super useful’ Dr Tara Porter, clinical psychologist and author of You Don't Understand Me