Coming of Age

Coming of age is an important theme in the novel “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson. Coming of age involves the personal, spiritual, moral, or emotional growth and maturation of an individual often based on real world experiences, events, or mistakes. In the novel, Jude and Noah both come of age in different ways, but in the end, they are stronger, better people for it.

When the novel begins, Noah and Jude are inseparable as they have been through childhood. But as they grow into their thirteenth year, they begin to grow apart as they pursue separate interests and go through different experiences. Noah discovers he is gay, and begins something of a clandestine relationship with Brian, which Brian requests - and Noah agrees - be kept secret. Noah is worried how others will react if he comes out as gay...