Did this specific Top Picks list help you decide to do any of the following?

Books with Strong Female Characters

If you think "girl books" are just about princesses, romance, gossipy schoolgirls, and vampires, think again. There are plenty of great books featuring strong female main characters in compelling stories that are sure to appeal to boys as well as girls. We've selected a pile of books with universal appeal for kids of different ages and tastes, from best-selling picture books to young adult novels in just about every genre: adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and family and school dramas. Check 'em out! And for more strong women, check out these movies with strong female characters.

Browse Books with Strong Female Characters

The Only Fish in the Sea Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Only Fish in the Sea

age 3+

Strong, spunky girl takes lead in quirky rescue tale.

By Philip C. Stead

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Princesses Wear Pants Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Princesses Wear Pants

age 3+

Spunky tale of active princess dressed to get the job done.

By Savannah Guthrie, Allison Oppenheim

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Eloise Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Eloise

age 4+

Spirited Eloise delights her young readers.

By Kay Thompson

(2003)

(1955)

Continue reading

Lottie Paris Lives Here Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Lottie Paris Lives Here

age 4+

A spunky girl explores the wonders of her everyday world.

By Angela Johnson

(2011)

(2011)

Continue reading

Malala's Magic Pencil Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Malala's Magic Pencil

age 5+

Nobel winner tells what inspired activism in relatable tale.

By Malala Yousafzai

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Princess in Black Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Princess in Black

age 5+

Fun tale of monster-fighting princess who leads double life.

By Shannon Hale, Dean Hale

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

Dory Fantasmagory Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Dory Fantasmagory

age 6+

Funny, relatable tale of 6-year-old with wild imagination.

By Abby Hanlon

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

Goldie Blox Rules the School!: GoldieBlox, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Goldie Blox Rules the School!: GoldieBlox, Book 1

age 6+

Cheery, messy fun in freewheeling female engineer series.

By Stacy McAnulty

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Matilda Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Matilda

age 6+

Kid genius gets revenge on stupid, mean adults.

By Roald Dahl

(2005)

(2005)

Continue reading

Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth

age 7+

Chapter book mystery promises more fun for Fancy Nancy fans.

By Jane O'Connor

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, Book 1

age 7+

Laughs, science in new Callie series for younger readers.

By Jacqueline Kelly

(2016)

(2016)

Continue reading

Zita the Spacegirl Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Zita the Spacegirl

age 7+

Brave girl seeks missing friend in exciting graphic novel.

By Ben Hatke

(2011)

(2011)

Continue reading

Coraline Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Coraline

age 8+

Strange, surreal tale sure to creep kids out.

By Neil Gaiman

(2004)

(2004)

Continue reading

The Detective's Assistant Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Detective's Assistant

age 8+

Action-packed female detective story champions smarts.

By Kate Hannigan

(2015)

(2015)

Continue reading

Escape from Aleppo Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

Gripping, moving tale of Syrian teen fleeing war-torn city.

By N. H. Senzai

(2018)

(2018)

Continue reading

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom

age 8+

Girl conquers middle school worries in fun graphic novel.

By Booki Vivat

(2016)

(2016)

Continue reading

Gabby Garcia's Ultimate Playbook: Gabby Garcia, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Gabby Garcia's Ultimate Playbook: Gabby Garcia, Book 1

age 8+

Goal-focused Latina scores big hit in series opener.

By Iva-Marie Palmer

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Gabriela: American Girl: Girl of the Year, 2017, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Gabriela: American Girl: Girl of the Year, 2017, Book 1

age 8+

Fun American Girl Doll story about finding your voice.

By Teresa E. Harris

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Islands of Chaldea Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Islands of Chaldea

age 8+

Captivating fantasy has strong heroine with magical powers.

By Diana Wynne Jones

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

May B. Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

May B.

age 8+

Riveting and moving account of girl's struggle for survival.

By Caroline Starr Rose

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Prairie Evers Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Prairie Evers

age 8+

Great novel about a girl, her chickens, and her best friend.

By Ellen Airgood

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter

age 8+

Enchanting fantasy boasts spirited heroine, loving family.

By Astrid Lindgren

(2016)

(1985)

Continue reading

Spirit Week Showdown: Magnificent Mya Tibbs, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Spirit Week Showdown: Magnificent Mya Tibbs, Book 1

age 8+

Layered, fun romp focuses on friendship and trust.

By Crystal Allen

(2016)

(2015)

Continue reading

Stef Soto, Taco Queen Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Stef Soto, Taco Queen

age 8+

Warm, funny tale of family, tacos, and middle school.

By Jennifer Torres

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Tua and the Elephant Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Tua and the Elephant

age 8+

Fun, exciting tale of Thai girl who rescues an elephant.

By R.P. Harris

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

All's Faire in Middle School Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

All's Faire in Middle School

age 9+

Fun graphic novel about Ren Faire girl has great messages.

By Victoria Jamieson

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Breadcrumbs Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Breadcrumbs

age 9+

Brilliant tale of girl's enchanted-woods search for friend.

By Anne Ursu

(2011)

(2011)

Continue reading

Destiny, Rewritten Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Destiny, Rewritten

age 9+

Utterly charming tale of Berkeley girl in search of father.

By Kathryn Fitzmaurice

(2013)

(2013)

Continue reading

Gertie's Leap to Greatness Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Gertie's Leap to Greatness

age 9+

Spunky 5th-grader learns life lessons in warmhearted tale.

By Kate Beasley

(2016)

(2016)

Continue reading

Harriet the Spy Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Harriet the Spy

age 9+

Great young sleuth helps kids be true to themselves.

By Louise Fitzhugh

(2003)

(1964)

Continue reading

Inkheart Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Inkheart

age 9+

Lengthy but rich fantasy great for book-loving tweens.

By Cornelia Funke

(2005)

(2004)

Continue reading

Keeper of the Lost Cities, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Keeper of the Lost Cities, Book 1

age 9+

Super-imaginative adventures of girl whisked to elf world.

By Shannon Messenger

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

The Luck Uglies Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Luck Uglies

age 9+

Strong heroine faces monsters and mayhem in fun fantasy.

By Paul Durham

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

The Mighty Miss Malone Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Mighty Miss Malone

age 9+

Unforgettable 12-year-old girl battles the Great Depression.

By Christopher Paul Curtis

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

age 9+

First-rate, spellbinding story of misfit girl who's magic.

By Jessica Townsend

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Rules Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Rules

age 9+

Newbery honoree about life with an autistic sib.

By Cynthia Lord

(2007)

(2006)

Continue reading

The Secret Garden Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Secret Garden

age 9+

Beautiful classic filled with magic and realism.

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

(2004)

(1911)

Continue reading

Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution

age 9+

Girl becomes spy in absorbing American Revolution tale.

By Avi

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

The Spindlers Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Spindlers

age 9+

Fantastic, creepy tale for tweens features fierce big sis.

By Lauren Oliver

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Stella by Starlight Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Stella by Starlight

age 9+

Compelling, nuanced tale of loving family under segregation.

By Sharon M. Draper

(2014)

(2015)

Continue reading

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

age 9+

Brilliant high-seas adventure is a classic.

By Avi

(2009)

(1990)

Continue reading

Urban Outlaws Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Urban Outlaws

age 9+

Fun, tech-savvy start to orphaned spy kids series.

By Peter Jay Black

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

Virals: Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Virals: Book 1

age 9+

Exciting story of murder-solving heroine with superpowers.

By Kathy Reichs

(2011)

(2010)

Continue reading

Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1

age 9+

Exciting enchanted forest adventure to save baby brother.

By Colin Meloy

(2011)

(2011)

Continue reading

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

age 10+

Newbery Honor book about a smart Southern tomboy in 1899.

By Jacqueline Kelly

(2010)

(2009)

Continue reading

The Glass Town Game Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Glass Town Game

age 10+

Fairyland author channels Brontë kids in wild fantasy tale.

By Catherynne M. Valente

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1

age 10+

Nail-biting, violent fantasy has elements of mystery.

By Philip Pullman

(2005)

(1998)

Continue reading

Hattie Big Sky Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Hattie Big Sky

age 10+

Teen girl homesteads alone in Newbery Honor book.

By Kirby Larson

(2011)

(2006)

Continue reading

Island of the Blue Dolphins Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

age 10+

Smart girl learns to survive alone in compelling adventure.

By Scott O'Dell

(2003)

(1960)

Continue reading

Lumberjanes, Vol 1: Beware the Kitten Holy Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Lumberjanes, Vol 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

age 10+

Wacky, action-packed camp adventures promote girl power.

By Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters

(2016)

(2015)

Continue reading

Pashmina Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Pashmina

age 10+

Big-hearted graphic novel explores Indian culture.

By Nidhi Chanani

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Scavengers Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Scavengers

age 10+

Tough tween girl fights to save family in bleak future.

By Michael Perry

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

Turtle in Paradise Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Turtle in Paradise

age 10+

Depression-era story teaches history, meaning of family.

By Jennifer Holm

(2011)

(2010)

Continue reading

The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons

age 10+

Brave heroine faces danger with help of magic and friends.

By Barbara Mariconda

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

When Mischief Came to Town Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

When Mischief Came to Town

age 10+

Girl shakes up Danish island in heartfelt outsider tale.

By Katrina Nannestad

(2016)

(2016)

Continue reading

The Apothecary Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Apothecary

age 11+

Cold War kids use magic to save world in brilliant novel.

By Maile Meloy

(2011)

(2011)

Continue reading

The Breadwinner, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Breadwinner, Book 1

age 11+

Harsh but hopeful story about brave girl defying Taliban.

By Deborah Ellis

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Green Bicycle Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Green Bicycle

age 11+

Funny, poignant, cheer-worthy tale of spirited Saudi girl.

By Haifaa al Mansour

(2015)

(2015)

Continue reading

Homecoming Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Homecoming

age 11+

Classic novel of four brave children looking for a home.

By Cynthia Voigt

(2003)

(1981)

Continue reading

The Red Pencil Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Red Pencil

age 11+

Moving verse tale of girl's experience in Darfur genocide.

By Andrea Davis Pinkney

(2014)

(2014)

Continue reading

Dust Girl: The American Fairy Trilogy, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Dust Girl: The American Fairy Trilogy, Book 1

age 12+

Intricate historical novel contrasts Dust Bowl, fairy world.

By Sarah Zettel

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo

age 12+

Gripping fantasy with strong characters, humor, adventure.

By F.C. Yee

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Hired Girl Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Hired Girl

age 12+

Absorbing tale of feisty, sweet teen will hook girls.

By Laura Amy Schlitz

(2015)

(2015)

Continue reading

The Hunger Games, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Hunger Games, Book 1

age 12+

Exciting, provocative tale of lethal reality show.

By Suzanne Collins

(2008)

(2008)

Continue reading

Legend, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Legend, Book 1

age 12+

Stylish dystopian thriller in a not-so-future Los Angeles.

By Marie Lu

(2012)

(2011)

Continue reading

Outrun the Moon Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Outrun the Moon

age 12+

Chinese-American girl fights bias in compelling 1906 tale.

By Stacey Lee

(2016)

(2016)

Continue reading

Rook Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Rook

age 12+

Dynamite heroine in romantic dystopian-future swashbuckler.

By Sharon Cameron

(2015)

(2015)

Continue reading

Seraphina Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Seraphina

age 12+

Richly conceived dragon fantasy with stellar young heroine.

By Rachel Hartman

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Tokyo Heist Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Tokyo Heist

age 12+

Manga, art, and life lessons in top-notch mystery adventure.

By Diana Renn

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

The Valiant Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Valiant

age 12+

Female gladiator brings it in violent, exciting tale.

By Lesley Livingston

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Wonder Woman: Warbringer: DC Icons Series Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer: DC Icons Series

age 12+

Modern, diverse characters + super action = huge win.

By Leigh Bardugo

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Book Thief Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Book Thief

age 13+

Powerful testament to humanity in Nazi Germany.

By Markus Zusak

(2006)

(2006)

Continue reading

A Girl Named Digit Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

A Girl Named Digit

age 13+

Fun story of math whiz girl who fights crime, finds romance.

By Annabel Monaghan

(2012)

(2012)

Continue reading

Fallout: Lois Lane, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Fallout: Lois Lane, Book 1

age 13+

Comics reporter updated as teen in fun, slick mystery.

By Gwenda Bond

(2015)

(2015)

Continue reading

Flame in the Mist Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Flame in the Mist

age 13+

Riveting Mulan-themed adventure set in feudal Japan.

By Renee Ahdieh

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Girl in the Blue Coat Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Girl in the Blue Coat

age 13+

Extraordinary tale of Dutch teens resisting the Nazis.

By Monica Hesse

(2016)

(2016)

Continue reading

Jane Eyre Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Jane Eyre

age 13+

Strength of character triumphs in Bronte's masterpiece.

By Charlotte Bronte

(2011)

(1900)

Continue reading

The Librarian of Auschwitz Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Librarian of Auschwitz

age 13+

Unforgettable story of a teen heroine of the Holocaust.

By Antonio Iturbe

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

The Poet X Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

The Poet X

age 13+

Powerful, haunting story of finding your voice and power.

By Elizabeth Acevedo

(2018)

(2018)

Continue reading

Spill Zone: The Spill Zone, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Spill Zone: The Spill Zone, Book 1

age 13+

Strong female hero drives exciting sci-fi horror thriller.

By Scott Westerfeld

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Warcross, Book 1 Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Warcross, Book 1

age 13+

Winning teen girl drives cyberpunk virtual reality thriller.

By Marie Lu

(2017)

(2017)

Continue reading

Where I Live Book Poster Image

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Where I Live

age 14+

Uplifting story of fearless, homeless teen in high school.

By Brenda Rufener

(2018)

(2018)

Continue reading

Other great lists from our editors

Girl Heroes and Detectives

Movies with Strong Female Characters

Articles

13 Smartest Female Characters from Movies, TV, and Books

How to Raise a Reader

Boys, Girls, and Media Messages