Histria Books is proud to announce the release of Growing Pains by Aubrey Malone, published under the Histria A&E imprint, which is dedicated to outstanding works in arts & entertainment, sports, and poetry.
From Jackie Coogan, the world’s first great child star, to Drew Barrymore, who became a symbol of resilience in modern Hollywood, Growing Pains traces the extraordinary and often heartbreaking journeys of 16 young actors who lit up the screen—and paid a heavy price for fame.
With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Malone examines the highs and lows of Shirley Temple, Deanna Durbin, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Patty Duke, Tatum O’Neal, River Phoenix, Jodie Foster, Hayley Mills, Brooke Shields, and more. Their stories reveal the glittering promise of early success alongside the darker reality of exploitation, personal turmoil, and the struggle to reclaim lives shaped by stardom.
Chronologically structured, Growing Pains not only recounts the triumphs and tragedies of these iconic figures but also paints a broader portrait of Hollywood itself—an industry that elevates its youngest performers to dazzling heights only to abandon many of them when the spotlight fades.
An unforgettable study of innocence, ambition, and endurance, Growing Pains is essential reading for anyone fascinated by film history, celebrity culture, or the resilience of those who survived the harsh glare of the spotlight.
Aubrey Malone is an author and film historian with a keen interest in the personal lives of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures. His work uncovers the untold stories behind the fame, giving readers insight into both the struggles and achievements of stars whose childhoods were spent in front of the camera.
