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.

Rounded up from 4.5. Heavy, and a continual gut punch, but damn good.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Leila Mottley is a powerhouse with prose. Her writing is stunning, but unfortunately, the characters in this one didn’t connect with me. Simone was the standout, but even then, it wasn’t quite enough. I had high hopes going in, but I didn’t feel the depth of the friendship at the heart of the story, which made it a frustrating read. I don’t expect characters to be perfect, but I was hoping for more emotional growth and a little less emphasis on lyrical language.

3.75 stars………The Girls who Grew Big is the perfect title and has the perfect cover for Leila Mottleys novel about young teens raising their children in the back of a red truck in the Florida Pan Handle. Mottley’s writing style draws you in immediately. I love a book that gives me a different perspective on people I normally would not relate to. This book did just that. There are all different types of mothers, from all different walks of life but one thing that resonated in this novel was how much these poor, homeless mothers who gave birth to unwanted children ended up loving and protecting their children no matter what was thrown at them. I loved the bond these young girls formed. I loved their determination and I loved how they grew from the beginning of the book to the end. I loved the first half of the book but felt it dragged a little after that. Either the book could have been shorter or there could have been more of a storyline woven in.

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor0 for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There’s a special kind of magic in finishing a book that leaves you both elated and gutted—because you know you’ve just experienced something extraordinary. The Girls Who Grew Big is that kind of book.

Leila Mottley’s talent is astonishing. Her writing is lyrical, layered, and emotionally resonant, and her characters feel so real they linger with you long after the final page. I’m in awe of what she’s accomplished at such a young age—and I’m committed to reading everything she writes from here on out.

Set in a forgotten beach town in Florida, this novel follows a group of teen mothers navigating poverty, isolation, and impossible choices. It’s a story about choosing motherhood—or not—and about claiming space, growing big, and dreaming beyond the limits the world sets. These young women shine with strength and quiet rebellion, and their resilience will stay with you.

If you’re drawn to books that tackle real, difficult issues with grace and poetic power, this one is a must-read.

Thank you for the advanced copy of The Girls Who Grew Big! I loved reading about all the different girls and their journey through teen pregnancy and motherhood. As someone who recently gave birth for a 2nd time, I was sad to see how they were treated. I enjoyed the diverse and realistic experiences they all faced. The story of their friendships was very well written and how they stuck beside each other and supported when nearly no one else would. But that didn’t mean the friendships were perfect. This was a good read. Thank you again for the arc!

I could not get into this one, unfortunately. In a time when I was in between a lot of books, there was not anything pulling me to read. But kudos to the author and publishing group - I am honored to receive the copy!

I’m not usually the biggest fan of character driven novels, but this book proved that when one is well written, I can’t put it down.

The Girls Who Grew Big follows 3 POVs. Simone, a teen mom of 4 year old twins who is doing her best despite her circumstances. She becomes a mother hen, if you will, to other girls in Padua Beach, FL that wind up pregnant and not knowing what to do. She’s made her mistakes, but when her girls and kids need her, she’s there. Emory is a new teen mom who has just had her baby. Her baby’s father is Simone’s brother, so she quickly becomes a part of the girls. Emory is different though. She doesn’t accept that being pregnant young means she has to put her dreams on hold, and she’s willing to prove everyone wrong. Adela has just gotten pregnant and is shipped off by her parents to Padua Beach to “take care of it.” Adela believes that once this baby comes, her life will go back to how it was. I can’t go much more into her character without dipping into some spoiler territory. All three of these girls’ lives intertwine as the story progresses their stories are both tragic and hopeful.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’n het second book, Motley brings together a cast of teenage moms that reveals a breadth of life experience and situations many people never think about. Each of these girls is unique and finds herself pregnant for very different reasons. They are all rejected by varying degrees by society and come together to support one another in a really beautiful and necessary way. Motley demonstrates an understanding and humanity that belies her age. She makes strong statements about taking the time to understand someone rather than judging them. My only complaint is that it swerves a bit too close to preachy for my taste, but overall it’s a superb book.

Every now and then we are gifted with a poignant, soul-baring story written by an author with incredible voice. The Girls Who Grew Big is that book, and Leila Mottley is that author. From the very first sentences, I knew that this novel was going to be something special.

Set in the fictional town of Padua Beach, Florida, The Girls Who Grew Big follows a group of pregnant teenage girls as they navigate not only their burgeoning coming of age, but also friendship, romantic relationships, growing responsibility, and motherhood.

Simone, the group’s ringleader, gave birth to twins in the back of her boyfriend’s truck, where they now live after her parents kicked her out upon learning that she was pregnant. Said boyfriend can’t commit to anything more than a minute here or there with his kids and casual hook-ups with Simone, so when she learns that she is pregnant again, she becomes desperate.

Emory, the group’s only white girl, is brought into the fold after having a baby with Simone’s brother. One of the most promising students at her high school, Emory is determined to not let anything stand in her way of following her dreams - which is why she demands that her school allow her to bring her son to class. However, with the grandparents who raised her not supportive of her mixed race relationship or baby, can Emory find the footing she needs to graduate and embark on the life she has always dreamed of?

Adela a champion swimmer who grew up in the Midwest, the daughter of a white mother and black father, finds herself in Padua Beach after falling pregnant. Her parents don’t want her chances of swimming competitively to be dashed, so they send her away to have her baby in secret. What they don’t know is that Adela’s time in Padua Beach living with her supportive grandmother will change her in ways she never imagined. How can she return to her old life the same girl she was before when so much is different?

As Adela’s life is rapidly changing, she, in fact, becomes the catalyst that rocks the group of young mothers to their core. Boundaries are tested and lines are crossed as the girls become more entangled over the course of Adela’s pregnancy. Just who do we owe our loyalties to - our friends? Family? Partners? Children? Or perhaps, just maybe, ourselves?

When you read Leila Mottley’s The Girls Who Grew Big, you know that you are holding something raw and real in your hands. Mottley’s characters are vivid, whole people who leap off the page with everything they feel, hope, and dream about their lives and fates. Mottley rips the faux veneer off of everything that is sugar-coated or glossed over in life and exposes it for how it is, while at the same time, showing people for who they really are.

This story of a group of girls who found each other through circumstance when no one else wanted them is a truthful, yet touching story of what it means to be both a girl and a mother in a world that holds firmly onto the belief that those who make their beds must lie in them. Readers who don’t flinch at the ugly, unyielding corners of society will find much to ponder in this thought-provoking book.