A punch in the gut!
Incredible character driven novel of strong girls who become women in a short nine months. All changed by circumstance and evolving through strong friendships. The girls of Padua, Florida, outcasts, who have come together by necessity sharing their needs and knowledge of young motherhood. Through it all we watch them grow and come of age while caring for infants on their own and together. The struggles and challenges are all here and sometimes the finding of one’s self.
Astonishing how they are forced to live and what they must give up in return to keep their children, but also to keep them safe.

This book hit home with me through the elegant and sometimes heartbreaking dialogue between these women. How women often suffer at the hands of boys and men. The redemption of strong women raising strong men who are kind and caring. The struggle to find a better life while caring so deeply for those little hearts and minds that depend on us.


A thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for offering this ARC ebook for an honest review.

Beautifully written and a slow burn narrative of self discovery. The author gave equal attention to all the characters, highlighting where they’ve been and where the could go. Love, laughter, friendship, and the need to give your self grace and embrace your peace at all costs were a reminder to me, even at 41.

Written in a poetic style that often soften the reality of the subject matter, I still feel this books needs a HUGE trigger warning - I wasn’t ready. Even knowing the context, imagining the target audience, and figuratively seeing it coming, I still wasn’t ready for the unapologetic and detail level of certain scenes.

Ultimately, well done and so much room for discussion for the young mothers and the seasoned ones - still trying to navigate who you are after the the decision to give life.

As a fan of Mottley's Nightcrawling, I was eager to read her next novel. While there are plenty of stories out there about pregnant teenagers, I found this one unique, as we meet a whole group of young and expecting mothers who have created their own system of support and chosen family. While the three main characters all had different backgrounds and situations in which they became pregnant, it was sometimes frustrating to read of the choices they each made throughout the novel. Of course, we are reading about teenagers here, so that is not something to be surprised about: it's typical. The chapters alternate from the perspective of the three main characters. One criticism of the novel is that I sometimes had go back and check which character was telling their story. Their "voices" didn't particularly stand out to me. There were also a couple of seemingly unrealistic things that happened (no spoilers here, but one of them happens very early on). Overall. Mottley is a good writer and I will continue to look forward to her novels, and I was especially satisfied with how it ended for each of the three young women. I would give this book 3.5 stars.

I was eager to read this coming of age + motherhood + friendship story, but ultimately I didn’t like it. The writing is excellent - raw and emotional - which makes the content challenging for the reader. This didn’t bother me, nor did the poor decision-making of the characters (they’re teenagers after all). What caused me to struggle with this one was that I couldn’t reconcile some unrealistic plot points around the halfway mark. I would certainly try this author again because the writing is so strong, but this one was not a win for me.

This is a fresh and heart-wrenching story about teen mothers, a very timely read in today’s unfortunate climate. I’ll be thinking about these girls for a long time.

4 stars! In a world of narratives often sidelined, The Girls Who Grew Big emerges as a vital exploration of the lives of pregnant teens and young mothers. Set in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida, the novel is told through the intertwined stories of three girls navigating the complexities of their circumstances.

We meet Adela, an aspiring Olympic swimmer whose life takes an unexpected turn when a fleeting romance leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Sent to live with her grandmother in Padua until she gives birth and gives the child up for adoption, Adela's story reflects the harsh realities faced by many young women.

Then there’s Emory, a brilliant girl with aspirations of attending university far from home. Balancing her dreams with the demands of motherhood proves daunting, especially as her grandparents refuse to help with her newborn. Emory’s determination to succeed despite overwhelming obstacles is both inspiring and relatable.

Simone, the mother of four-year-old twins and expecting her third child, grapples with the weight of her choices. Despite her intelligence and awareness of the challenges ahead, she feels trapped in Padua, caring for her children and supporting her peers—other outcast mothers in the community.

These characters are fully realized, each with a distinct voice and story. The author adeptly crafts their struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to feel deeply for them without pity. Their fierce determination and resilience shine through, making it clear that they are not defined by their circumstances but rather by their aspirations and strength.

While the themes of teen pregnancy and survival carry heavy implications, Mottley’s writing ensures that hope and optimism are never far behind. The scenes unfold with an urgency that kept me on edge, especially during a hurricane that tests their resolve. A particularly gripping moment weaves a thought-provoking take on abortion into a game of truth or dare, showcasing the complexities of their situations.

However, I found certain aspects of the writing style challenging. While I admire the authenticity in Emory and Simone’s dialogue, I occasionally struggled to grasp the nuances, requiring multiple readings of some passages. Additionally, some metaphors felt overly elaborate, bordering on purple prose.

In summary, The Girls Who Grew Big is a remarkable and necessary read that offers a fresh perspective on the lives of young mothers. It highlights the importance of their stories and the strength they embody. If nothing else, this novel serves as a powerful reminder that women’s experiences deserve to be heard and celebrated.

Many times a book only provides entertainment. The Girls Who Grew Big actually made me think about young, often single mothers and their experiences and feelings. I honestly want to go out and volunteer at a local non-profit that works with pregnant girls after finishing this book! Each character Mottley created was unique, with individual experiences, hopes, and a voice...and this hit home the idea that each pregnant teenager is exactly this and their stories need to be shared. Especially in today's world, we as a society tend to group people under large umbrellas and pass judgment on them. This book was the perfect reminder how much we lose when we do this.

I loved this book! These charects were so loveable and you wanted them to win so badly the only problem I have with it is that towards the end it did drag a little and I felt it could've been shortened but I loved it nonetheless.

Nightcrawling is a book that I am constantly recommending to others, so I was extremely excited to hear this author has another book coming out. Tackling the subject of teen mothers, mostly in poverty, is no easy feat. This book was filled with extremely realistic and all too common struggles, which made it extra heartbreaking. I love how the author didn’t shy away from the flaws of the characters. We love and care for them inherently, even when they are making questionable decisions. The character development was off the charts. I loved seeing each of the Girls grow into themselves and become stronger, more mature women. As for Tooth….puke.

THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG

Literary Fic — 5⭐️

In a quiet town along Florida’s panhandle, a group of shunned teenage mothers is seen as lost, but they’re actually on a journey of growth & self-discovery.

“…but really maybe you should’ve known better to believe a camera is a mirror or an ocean is a pool or a mother is anything but a mother.”

I’ve been captivated by Leila Mottley’s writing ever since reading Nightcrawling a few years ago, and GIRLS further solidifies her incredible talent. This novel offers a raw, unflinching look at the complexities of teenage motherhood.

The story follows three young mothers, each on a deeply emotional journey filled with moments that left me in tears. I loved their individual stories but the bond and community these girls form—despite the ups and downs of their friendships—was my biggest takeaway.

Mottley writes with such empathy, but never shying away from the harsh realities of young motherhood. GIRLS is a powerful story of innocence transformed into resilience, and it’s one I won’t soon forget.

Thank you @aaknopf for the #gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review. THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG comes out June 24!

Incredibly moving, vivid, and immersive. A character-driven story so propulsive I didn't want to put it down. I have a high bar for multi-POV stories, and Mottley far exceeded it (reminiscent of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) - each character was fully realized, and I was so absorbed that I was momentarily disappointed when the perspective switched, only to immediately be sucked in again.

*The Girls Who Grew Big* by Leila Mottley is a powerful and poetic exploration of girlhood, resilience, and identity. Mottley’s lyrical writing captures the raw emotions of her characters, making their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The novel pulses with beauty and heartache, offering an unflinching look at the ways young women navigate a world that often tries to shrink them. It’s a breathtaking read that lingers long after the final page.

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. I enjoyed the viewpoints from all the girls. It was heartfelt, tragic at times but beautifully written.

"The Girls Who Grew Big" is a powerful portrayal of the fallibility and resilience of womanhood. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of young motherhood but honors the strength and determination of the central characters. As with the author’s debut, the novel is written in a matter-of-fact style that dives deeply into the lives of three young mothers—Adela, Simone, and Emory—each facing their own unique challenges while navigating the complexities of motherhood in Padua Beach, Florida. Leila Mottley has crafted a story that is reflects the dysfunction, poverty-ridden environment, the hopelessness and hope that’s wrapped up in their reality. The essence of girlhood strength and resilience echoes between the lines.

Adela, a swim star from Indiana, finds herself pregnant after a night of romance and is sent to live with her grandmother. Simone, the natural leader of the group, is raising twins on her own after being kicked out of her home. Emory, abandoned by her mother, struggles with her identity and the prejudices of her grandparents. Despite their different backgrounds, these young women form a sisterhood that provides them with the love and support they need to survive.

Mottley's writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life the raw emotions and struggles of these characters. The novel explores themes of personal agency, societal expectations, and the power of chosen family. While the writing style may be challenging at times, the depth and authenticity of the characters offers a glimpse into a world that is far too common for far too many.

As I read this book, I initially thought, "Oh, this is The Lost Girls," as if I could compare it to Peter Pan's "Lost Boys."

Boy, how short-sighted of me.

These girls are not lost as they seek a home—physical, spiritual, emotional—you name it. Each girl we follow (three perspectives, mind you) possesses a strong voice and personality worthy of attention. They are not lost, but they wander through this small era in their lives until they right whatever wrong they've faced.

Hopeful. Inspiring. Strong. These girls do indeed grow big.

Spoiler....







Throw Chris/Tooth under the jail. Seriously.

What a special writer the world has in Leila Mottley, and we are so lucky she writes books for us to read! Thank you @aaknopf for my #gifted copy of ‘The Girls Who Grew Big.’ This is out June 24th.

🤰🏽 I buddy read this with @readingthroughatlanta and I’m so glad I did. We had so much to talk through and dissect at the end of each day. This is great for buddy reading or would be an awesome pick for a book club!

🤰🏽 The Girls have the odds stacked against them, and are showing up for each other and their children anyway. This book takes on:
- teenage pregnancy and society’s views surrounding it
- women’s health resources
- education surrounding sex pregnancy
- expectations for mothers vs fathers
- racism
- parental expectations & relationships

And it’s all done through Mottley’s beautiful and poetic storytelling. It’s heartbreaking and encouraging and uplifting snd terribly sad all at the same time.

🤰🏽Ultimately, this book serves as a reminder that a lot of people are doing the absolute best they can, with the cards they’ve been dealt, and who are any of us to judge them? It certainly won’t help the situation.

🤰🏽 I would recommend this to anyone who reads to stretch their perspectives and is willing to think a little differently about the subjects listed above. I’m not sure I did this review justice- but I don’t think you’ll regret picking this up!

I read Nightcrawling where the vibe was totally different and although this one was serious, I loved the sense of community and the way each perspective was written!

Thank you Knopf and NetGalley for access to this ARC!
These girls will stay with me always. The writing and prose of this book was perfect. The character arcs were so fulfilling to read. My heart broke for Simone and she ended up being my fave. She does so much for everyone but I love how her story is wrapped up in this book. If you like multi-pov then you'd def like this one!
I could go on and on but this is such a masterpiece of a novel imo. I finished this in less than 2 days, that's how much I loved it!

Thank you to @netgalley for the advanced copy!! The Girls Who Grew Big had my emotions all over the place! For a moment I was happy, then angry, then sad, then excited, it was all emotions wrapped up in a beautiful story. I could feel the character emotions, hear the ocean, feel the humidity, and smell the sand. Leila’s writing pulls me in, keeps me completely engaged and wanting more! Another beautiful novel!

I'm honestly speechless.
This book is a perfect representation of the feelings and struggles that not only come with motherhood itself but specifically teenager pregnancies.
It was brutally honest, emotional and conflicting. You catch yourself feeling empathetic, happy and also angry as you follow the life's of Simone, Emory and Adela.

I was also impressed with the fact that the author didn't romanticized anything. Whether it was the act of birth and pregnancy, the family problems that come along with it, the racism and also classism.
The conflicting feelings and thoughts. The anger and relief.

A really good read, my first five star read of the year and definitely something I'll recommend.