I’ve been anxiously looking forward to Leila Mottley’s next book after reading Nightcrawling. She writes with such raw emotion. This book is about a group of young new mothers living in a Florida town. These young women are cast aside by society and develop familial relationships with one another. They lean on one another because each of them deeply understands the hardships they all face. Mottley tells their stories in a way that highlights perseverance, empathy and determination. Rather than feel pity for these women, she makes you root for them and lift them up. It was truly an outstanding book and characterization of unplanned, young motherhood.

Such a poignant story! Leila captures our attention from the first few pages as we are ensconced in the journey of teenage motherhood in rural Florida. The girls' stories will although different will incite emotional responses from readers including hope, compassion, and empathy. A very necessary and touching read

I just love the way Leila Mottley tells a story. Nightcrawling was such a devastating, beautiful book so I couldn’t wait til read her newest release.

When I started The Girls Who Grew Big, I felt a 5 star book in my bones. I loved the writing and the story and I felt that way for the first half. After awhile some of the characters just became insufferable to the point it was hard to root for them. Loved Noni though!

I love the way Leila Mottley writes though so I’ll be waiting for her next release!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

This was my first Leila Mottley novel, but certainly not my last. I was immediately hooked by Mottley's incredible prose. And then I found myself fully invested in the lives of all the Girls (and their babies). I was rooting for all the Girls to succeed and thrive and win and most importantly, be happy. How lucky are we that Leila Mottley is so young and so talented and that we'll hopefully be reading her words for years and years and years to come!!!!

An exploration of community, family and the strength of mothers. This book was heavy and heartbreaking. A raw look into the lives of women with little support, money or resources. But instead of focusing on what these women lack it’s really a study of what they find in each other. A community of women in similar situations who rely on each other & grow together.

So much of this book was painful and heartbreaking to read. I wanted to reach out to these girls and help them make better choices! But I also felt that it was a real look at teenagers faced with difficult circumstances without the support they needed, just trying to do their best.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine alone.

This book was so beautifully written. The stories of each of these complex characters provide an entanglement of girlhood, womanhood, and motherhood and how these young girls must navigate all three somehow. The author really evoke your feelings for and connection to each of the characters

If there is one thing Leila Mottley is gonna do, it's write absolutely unforgettable characters.
This book is raw and sometimes ugly. It's the story of motherhood, friendship, chosen family and survival.
I do not think there is a portrayal of motherhood in this light that exists.
Thank you for the opportunity to read.

Damnit. This one struck me right in the tenderest, most vulnerable part of my heart. As a new mother myself, it’s rare that I don’t feel isolated by my own doing, left to consider my place and value, all while knowing the love I hold for my son conquers all.

Leila Mottley spins narratives so genuine and real, I felt as though I KNEW The Girls, and was very guided by their wisdom. I truly feel like this will be one of my favorites for the year. I couldn’t get enough of the goings-on of Adela, Simone, and Emory as they journeyed along their path into motherhood.

I am BEYOND grateful to aaknopf books, Leila Mottley, and Netgalley for granting me advanced access to this emotionally powerful novel about a clan of girls, sisters rather, living in Florida’s panhandle, living off the sand as they navigate teen motherhood.

When Adela falls pregnant in her whitewashed, privileged life, her parents send her to live with her Noni until the child is born and can go live with capable and willing family - so Adela can return to her cushy life. Upon arriving in Padua Beach, she’s intimidated and hesitant, at first, to join The Girls’ way of life, but curious as to what such path could hold.

Take away the superficial parts of motherhood with the frills and appearances, and you’ll see a love so strong and animalistic, baring its teeth for all to see.

In true Leila Mottley style, I sobbed and held my son as close to me as possible.

I am so stoked for this one to hit shelves on June 24, 2025.

This book is a wonderful look at teenage mothers and the stigma and scrutiny that surrounds and follows them by nearly everyone.
Leila Mottley has written a story so beautiful and compelling and one which puts the reader right in with a group of teenage mothers, all of whom have different stories, different backgrounds, and different dreams. Told by three protagonists, Simone, Adela, and Emory, Ms. Mottley gives us an up close look at the struggles pregnant teen girls face, regardless of their backgrounds.
Through Simone, Adela, and Emory we see the struggles of a girl who had to drop out of high school but is wiser than most adults, a girl willing to hide who she truly is for the sake of her son, and a girl who’s dreams of being an Olympian need to be put on hold while she deals with the consequences of her sheltered life and lack of knowledge. All of the teen moms have essentially been black listed by their families but The Girls (the name they call their group) have formed their own village, always having another’s back when one finds herself struggling.
I love that Ms. Mottley has written a book that sheds light on a group of people who are mostly looked down upon. Clearly this is a novel but the it reads as though the lives of the teen mothers in The Girls could be real.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an advanced copy of this. I’m sorry it took so long for me to get to. The Girls Who Grew Big hit the shelves on June 24th.

The Girls Who Grew Big is Leila Mottley’s much anticipated second novel, and like her debut, it’s another raw, emotional, and beautifully written story. Set in Florida, the book follows the lives of three pregnant teenagers as they navigate some of the most defining moments of their youth. Each girl faces her own unique struggles, being disowned by family, feeling like an outcast, discovering love, and making incredibly tough decisions about their futures.

Mottley’s writing is immersive and powerful. Each point of view is distinct and I was never confused about whose chapter I was in, which is a testament to how well crafted these characters are. They felt heartbreakingly real, and I found myself feeling deep empathy for each of them.

This is a coming-of-age story grounded in truth, tenderness, and resilience. It’s full of heart and hope, even as it tackles difficult topics like abortion, reproductive rights, and familial rejection. I’d definitely recommend checking content warnings beforehand if you’re a sensitive reader, but I highly recommend this book overall. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

The Girls Who Grew Big is about a group of young teen moms, yes, but it's also about relationships, family, coming of age, grit, motherhood, overcoming societal stereotypes, bonds, loving your children.....etc etc etc

I loved all the characters in this gorgeous book, even the ones who I often didn't like. This story smashed teenaged pregnancy wide open and let us get our hands dirty in it. Velvety rich and unapologetically real, each girl and her story was unique but common. These girls found in each other the foundation to love their families, themselves, and most importantly to keep going no matter how difficult and unfair it may be. If you are drawn to character driven family dramas with a dash of coming of age and teen pregnancy thrown it - read this book! You probably will devour it much like I did!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review. Fantastic book, one I won't soon forget!

After loving Nightcrawling, I was very happy to receive an ARC of Mottley's newest book. This story centers around young mothers in a small town in Florida: Padua Beach.

This story sucks you in, you immediately feel that you want to protect these girls who have been shunned by the whole town for the choices that they've made. These girls fight with and for each other and as the book progresses and dynamics shift, the story never loses its focus: The power of sisterhood and the female spirit.

One of the most beautiful stories I've read this year. The last chapter will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Read this!

Leila Mottley tells a story about teenage mothers who form a bond on an island in Florida, but it's so much more than that. We follow these girls as they deal with familial and societal pressure about what others think is best for them and their lives. "The Girls" as they're referred to by their leader Simone. Some of the girls learn how to trust, some learn what love really means to them, and through it all they lean on each other while dealing with all kinds of obstacles. Adela is the newest girl to join their group, she's been sent to Florida to live with her grandm. Her parents sent her so as to avoid any unwanted questions by her neighbors and classmates in her hometown in Indiana. Emory is trying to continue her high school education with her son strapped to her in a baby sling. In each chapter the author alternated between these girls' POVs. Mottley writes of the community these girls create amongst themselves even when they argue with each other, they still have each other's back. Mottley's prose is subtle in its beauty as she describes the inner thoughts of each respective character. I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend to readers who've enjoyed Mottley's other works, also to readers who enjoy following multiple POVs and to readers who enjoy the found family trope.


Definitely check out content warnings for this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for a review copy in return for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to read an early digital copy of The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley. Before my days as a stay-at-home-mom, I was a high school teacher. There were a couple of times that I had teenage students who were pregnant. This story may be fictional but the struggles and emotional toll of teenage pregnancy is a very real thing. As a mom of two young girls, this story hits different. There were so many emotional moments throughout this story, and Mottley proves she is here to stay. Her ability to write such rich and complex characters who seem so real is a testament to her talents as a writer. This is one of those stories that stays with you and makes you think about your own life, your relationship with your mother, and your relationship with your daughter(s).

Beautiful and raw. This evocative book tells the story of teen motherhood, by young women who have been left motherless themselves either literally or figuratively, with their determination to love and raise their children. Told from the perspectives of three different young women, set in a small and poor Florida town this book highlights the importance of a tribe, the recognition of what women know inherently, and makes one take a good look at the judgments we make of the young, the poor, the real.

Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book. I’m a sucker for multiple pov’s so this really made me happy. I liked how each girl was different yet they all had a common thread. Once they realized they aren’t that much different from one another, it was really comforting to watch them work and grow together in support of one another and the bigger picture. I would definitely recommend this book.

"The Girls Who Grew Big" by Leila Mottley is an absolutely profound and breathtaking novel that deserves every single one of its five stars. From the very first page, I was completely immersed in the lives of Adela, Emory, and Simone, a group of teenage mothers navigating the complexities of girlhood, motherhood, and unwavering friendship in a small Florida town. This book is a true masterpiece of emotional depth, character development, and storytelling that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Mottley's writing is simply exquisite. She crafts a narrative that is both raw and tender, unflinching in its portrayal of the challenges these young women face, yet brimming with hope and the fierce power of their bonds. The characters are so richly drawn, so real, that I felt every one of their triumphs and heartbreaks as if they were my own. Adela's journey, from her banishment to Padua Beach to finding her place among these strong women, is incredibly compelling. Emory's determination and Simone's quiet strength are equally captivating, and their interwoven stories create a tapestry of resilience that is truly inspiring.

What makes this book a definitive 5-star read is its ability to explore weighty themes—motherhood, societal judgment, self-discovery, and the unbreakable spirit of female solidarity—with such nuance and grace. It's a powerful testament to the strength found in community and the profound love that can exist between women supporting each other through life's toughest moments. The emotional resonance of this story is immense, and I found myself constantly moved by the characters' resilience and their unwavering commitment to each other.

"The Girls Who Grew Big" is more than just a story; it's an experience. It's a book that challenges you, makes you feel deeply, and ultimately leaves you with a sense of awe for the human spirit. Leila Mottley has crafted a truly unforgettable novel that is both timely and timeless, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a powerful, beautifully written story that will touch your heart and soul.

The Girls Who Grew Big is an awe-inspiring novel that masterfully navigates the complexities of teen pregnancy. The narrative skillfully introduces characters from diverse lifestyles, highlighting that teen pregnancy does not discriminate across social or economic boundaries. The fresh perspective allows readers to connect with the characters without judgement. One of the book's standout features is its excellent and authentic use of dialect, which deeply enriches the characters and their settings. The novel’s core themes of unwavering friendship and profound resilience remain at the forefront of the story. It also candidly reveals the numerous hardships and emotional tolls they must endure throughout their journeys. The author's ability to balance these challenging realities with moments of hope, the importance of a community, and making hard decisions is remarkable. Ultimately, The Girls Who Grew Big is a deeply moving experience that manages to be hopeful and heartbreaking all at once. This powerful and empathetic story will resonate with many readers long after they finish the book.

This is a really special book. Each perspective had her own clear voice and the experiences felt genuine. This was a topic that is not frequently discussed or handled with such grace.

This novel was not for me. I understand the writing was in the voice of the characters, but I really struggled with that tone and voice.