Jumia Books The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley (Author)

The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley is a powerful coming-of-age novel centered on Simone, who at sixteen gives birth to twins under difficult circumstances and leads a supportive group of teen mothers called "the Girls" in Padua Beach, Florida. The story explores the challenges of young motherhood, personal growth, relationships, and societal judgment. Simone struggles with her unstable relationship with Tooth, the father of her children, and the pressures of another unexpected pregnancy.

The narrative also follows two other young mothers: Adela, a former promising swimmer sent to live with her grandmother after becoming pregnant, who faces alienation and loss of her Olympic dreams; and Emory, who planned her pregnancy but finds motherhood overwhelming amid family difficulties. The Girls become a surrogate family, with themes of sisterhood, resilience, and survival.