Edited by the renowned Melissa de la Cruz, presents a remarkable collection of true stories from women across various age groups, showcasing their triumphs over gender-related obstacles and inspiring dreams realized. This stunningly designed book is an ideal gift for young girls, conveying the empowering message that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Furthermore, the curated list also features outstanding books about amazing girls, encompassing a range of genres from picture books to young adult novels. What titles would you recommend adding to this diverse and impressive selection?
Picture Books About Amazing Girls
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Henricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
As Audrey Faye Hendricks approached her ninth birthday, she had big plans to make a difference. When she overheard adults discussing the abolition of Birmingham’s segregation laws, she couldn’t help but chime in. The smooth tones of the preacher’s words seemed to galvanize her, and as he outlined the plan to picket white stores, march against unfair laws, and fill the jails, Audrey’s determination ignited. She declared, ‘I’ll do it! I’m going to jail!
‘ Her boldness was infectious, and hers is a remarkable story of one child’s significant contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Adventures of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang, illustrated by Jordi Solano
Eugenie Clark’s journey as a marine biologist was marked by a profound shift in public perception of sharks. Prior to her groundbreaking work, many believed these creatures to be mindless killers driven solely by a thirst for blood. However, Clark’s fascination with sharks began at an aquarium, where she marveled at their sleek forms gliding effortlessly through the water.
As one of the first women scientists in the 1940s, Clark defied convention and pursued her passion for shark research, earning herself the esteemed nickname ‘The Shark Lady.’ Her dedication to understanding these majestic predators led her to embark on research dives and even train sharks, a testament to her unwavering commitment to dispelling myths surrounding these often-maligned creatures.
Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Great Depression by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Sarah Green
As Dorothea Lange prepared to capture her most iconic photograph, she had already been capturing the stories of those struggling during the Great Depression. With a limp from a case of polio, Lange’s empathy for others was palpable as she traveled across America, documenting the faces of those affected by the stock market crash with her camera and fieldbook.
She found the downtrodden: bankers in once-fine suits waiting in breadlines, former slaves struggling to make ends meet, and the homeless sleeping on city sidewalks.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Clara’s arrival in America was marked by a significant challenge: she couldn’t speak English. Unaware of the societal expectations placed on young women at the time, Clara learned that many were forced to sacrifice their education for long hours of labor, leaving them with little time for personal growth or development. Undeterred, Clara took matters into her own hands and enrolled in night school, dedicating countless hours to studying the language and honing her skills.
To make ends meet, she also found work sewing in a shirtwaist factory, where she quickly became an integral part of the team. Despite the many obstacles in her path, Clara refused to accept the status quo, particularly when it came to the mistreatment of women workers. Her frustration with the injustices she witnessed eventually boiled over into action, as she led the largest walkout of women workers in American history.
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small
In the heart of the big gray city, a suitcase full of seeds becomes Lydia Grace Finch’s ticket to transforming her Uncle Jim’s bakery into a haven of joy and beauty. This determined young heroine, with a passion for gardening, slowly but surely brightens up the shop and brings smiles to customers’ faces. But it is in a secret spot that she pours her heart and soul into creating her masterpiece – a breathtaking rooftop garden that she hopes will even win over Uncle Jim’s gruff demeanor.
The story of Lydia Grace Finch unfolds through letters written home, expertly woven by Sarah Stewart, while David Small’s stunning illustrations transport readers to the Depression-era setting, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët
As a young girl in Pakistan, Malala’s childhood fantasies revolved around a magical pencil. She envisioned using it to spread joy and eliminate the pungent stench of garbage from her city’s streets. Her wish list also included sleeping in a bit longer on mornings – a luxury she cherished. However, as she matured, Malala’s aspirations transformed. She witnessed a world beset by troubles and recognized that there were more pressing issues to address.
Though the magic pencil remained an elusive dream, Malala understood that she could still dedicate herself to making a positive impact each day, even without its mystical powers.
Maya Lin, Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
Maya Lin’s creative journey began in childhood, where she spent hours exploring the intricacies of nature. Her backyard forest was a veritable wonderland, teeming with life and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. With a naturalist’s curiosity, she’d observe the creatures that lived there, taking note of their habits and habitats. This early fascination with the natural world would later inform her work as an artist.
At home, Maya’s imagination ran wild as she built miniature towns out of paper and scraps, using her house as a model to craft entire cities. The daughter of a clay artist and a poet, art was never far from her fingertips. She learned to think with her hands just as much as her mind, an approach that would serve her well throughout her career.
From the earliest experiments with light and lines to the heights of national acclaim, Maya Lin’s story is one of artistic vision and determination, a testament to the power of creativity to shape our understanding of the world around us.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court justice, has built a career on challenging inequality and advocating for fairness. A new biographical picture book delves into the justice’s remarkable story by examining her most notable dissents, which have become a hallmark of her tenure on the court.
Chapter Books About Amazing Girls
Jasmine Toguchi by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic
Jasmine Toguchi, an eight-year-old ball of energy, is a self-proclaimed flamingo fanatic and tree-climbing expert. She’s also notorious for leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. However, Jasmine’s biggest frustration is watching her big sister Sophie always get to do things first. The prospect of being the one to do something special and different for once has become an all-consuming desire.
As the Toguchi family gathers in Los Angeles to ring in the new year, Jasmine’s jealousy reaches a boiling point. Her mom’s decision to exclude her from helping with traditional mochi-making activities only fuels the fire. Undeterred, Jasmine concocts a plan to sneak into the men’s domain and lend a hand – or rather, a small fist – pounding away at the mochi rice. It’s a move that’s sure to catch Sophie off guard.
Jada Jones by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
As Jada Jones navigates the challenges of middle school without her best friend by her side, she finds solace in the simplicity of collecting rocks. Her passion for geology is reinvigorated when her teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals. However, Jada’s excitement is short-lived as she realizes that one of her teammates is not only unimpressed with her ideas but also seemingly dismissive of her very presence.
With the science fair fast approaching, Jada must find a way to balance her creative vision with the need for collaboration and camaraderie. Will she be able to create a winning project while forging a new connection with her teammate?
Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet by Jacqueline Kelly, illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer
Travis’s compassionate nature gets the better of him when he stumbles upon an abandoned baby skunk, which he promptly takes home and raises as his own – naming him Stinky. The little guy quickly settles in, but things take a chaotic turn when Travis finds Winky, Stinky’s litter-mate, in dire need of assistance. While caring for one skunk was a breeze, two is an entirely different story.
As Travis and Callie struggle to keep the unwanted critters at bay, they must also navigate the challenges that come with hiding their new furry friends from Mother’s watchful eye – and nose.
Lola Levine Is Not Mean! by Monica Brown, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Lola Levine’s creative outlets include scribbling in her diary, savoring her mother’s rich cafe con leche, indulging in her father’s savory matzo ball soup, and kicking the soccer ball with her Orange Smoothies teammates. Despite not always conforming to the norm, Lola is a force to be reckoned with on the field. However, when a recess game gets too intense and she accidentally hurts classmate Juan Gomez, her reputation takes a hit. Overnight, she’s branded as Mean Lola Levine!
Feeling terrible about the incident, Lola finds solace in her family, trusted friend Josh Blot, and an unexpected ‘pencil power’ that may just help her make amends and change people’s perceptions.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee
Clementine’s week has been one to forget. The trouble started on Monday when she found herself in the principal’s office for cutting off Margaret’s hair. Tuesday only got worse as Margaret’s mother was furious with her. On Wednesday, Clementine received another visit from the principal’s office, which seemed to set a pattern for the rest of the week. By Thursday, Margaret had stopped speaking to her, and things took a turn for the worse on Friday when she was served yucky eggs.
To make matters more dire, by Saturday even her own mother had lost patience with her. It’s safe to say that Clementine has had a truly disastrous week.
Middle Grade
Ahimsa by Supra Kelkar
As India’s freedom struggle gained momentum in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi called upon citizens to make sacrifices for the cause. For ten-year-old Anjali, this meant grappling with the idea of her father putting his life on the line. But fate had other plans – it was actually her mother who decided to join the movement. This unexpected turn of events led to a series of adjustments designed to bring about positive change and promote ‘ahimsa’ or non-violent resistance against British rule.
The family’s transformation began with a simple yet significant change: trading their fine foreign-made garments for homespun cotton, which forced Anjali to part with her favorite possessions. As her mother became more deeply involved in the movement, she also reached out to the Dalit community, often marginalized and ostracized by society. This development required Anjali to confront and overcome her past biases as her family became an integral part of the freedom struggle.
Sonia Sotomayor: A Biography by Sylvia Mendoza
Sonia Sotomayor’s remarkable journey to the US Supreme Court is marked by perseverance and determination. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she has consistently pushed for reform and challenged discrimination throughout her career. A notable challenge was being diagnosed with diabetes at just eight years old, which she has learned to navigate alongside the difficulties of growing up in housing projects in the Bronx.
Today, as a respected member of the Court, Justice Sotomayor stands out as the first Latina justice, one of only three women justices, and among the youngest to hold this position – an impressive achievement in her early 60s.
Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz
To twelve-year-old Molly Nathans, perfection has a very specific meaning. It’s about the number four, the sharp tip of a No. 2 pencil, crisp paper, and her meticulously arranged glass animal figurines all aligned with precision. But amidst this order, Molly struggles with the uncertainty that her mother’s departure for a one-year work assignment abroad has brought. Her mother had promised to return, but Molly knows that promises can be broken.
Determined to bring her mother back home, Molly concocts a plan: she’ll win the Lakeville Middle School Poetry Slam Contest and secure an invitation to the prestigious banquet with its white tablecloths. She’s convinced her mother wouldn’t miss that for the world.
Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin
As the Owens family embarks on a journey to a new cancer treatment opportunity, eleven-year-old Thyme faces an unexpected challenge. Her little brother Val’s acceptance into the trial means leaving behind everything she holds dear – her best friend and the comfort of familiar surroundings – to start anew in New York City, thousands of miles away. The concrete jungle of Manhattan, far from being a symbol of fresh starts, initially fills Thyme with uncertainty.
Yet, she strives to view this significant change as merely a temporary disruption, rather than a permanent goodbye to her old life.
Forever, Or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter
Flora and her brother, Julian, have always felt like they’re starting from scratch. Having bounced between foster homes for as long as they can remember, the concept of a permanent family feels foreign to them. Despite being adopted, Flora’s lingering sense of uncertainty makes it difficult for her to wrap her head around the idea of forever. So, along with their new mother, the siblings embark on a quest to unravel the mystery of their past.
Only by confronting and understanding where they came from can they truly begin to envision and build a future that feels grounded and authentic.
The Way to Bea by Kat Yeh
In the midst of seismic changes in Bea’s life, she finds herself navigating uncharted territory as a newly friendless seventh-grader. The prospect of becoming a big sister and leaving only-child status behind further amplifies her sense of disorientation. Seeking solace in the quiet power of writing haiku in invisible ink, Bea anonymously shares her thoughts with the world, hiding them away for safekeeping. But little does she know that her words will soon find an unlikely audience.
A mysterious correspondent begins to respond to her haiku, and through these subtle exchanges, Bea starts to forge connections with like-minded individuals – including a classmate fixated on unraveling the secrets of a nearby labyrinth. As Bea ponders her next move, she may just discover that her words, once lost in the void, have finally found their place in the world – and so has she.
I Got This: To Gold and Beyond by Laurie Hernandez
Laurie Hernandez, at just sixteen years old, has already achieved remarkable milestones in her life and career as a talented gymnast. Hailing from New Jersey, Laurie’s journey took a significant turn last summer when she was selected to join the 2016 US Olympic gymnastics team.
Following her triumphant performance in Rio, where she won gold as part of the Final Five and secured an individual silver medal for her outstanding balance beam routine, Laurie went on to captivate audiences on the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars. Nicknamed ‘the Human Emoji’ for her expressive facial contortions, Laurie’s infectious enthusiasm and charismatic presence earned her the title of youngest-ever Mirrorball Trophy winner.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Aven Green has mastered the art of storytelling, regaling others with tales of losing her arms in an alligator wrestling match or a wildfire in Tanzania. However, the truth is far more ordinary: she was born without them. As her parents take on a new role at Stagecoach Pass, a struggling western theme park in Arizona, Aven embarks on a journey across the country, prepared to face the inevitable questions about her physical abilities.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she forms a bond with Connor, a classmate who also struggles with his own disability. Together, they stumble upon a mysterious room at Stagecoach Pass that holds secrets far greater than Aven ever could have imagined. As she navigates solving the mystery, helping a friend in need, and confronting her deepest fears, Aven discovers that even without arms, she’s capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
In the heart of Fruitless mountain, Minli’s ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn. Her parents reside in a humble abode, where her father weaves tales of yore about the enigmatic Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, keeper of life’s secrets. These bedtime stories ignite Minli’s curiosity and a burning desire to uncover the truth.
Driven by a quest for answers, she sets out to find the Old Man on the Moon, embarking on a fantastical journey that introduces her to an eclectic array of characters and mystical beings – including a loyal dragon companion who joins her in her pursuit of ultimate understanding.
Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge! by Kristin L. Gray
Vilonia, a fourth-grader, has been diligent about taking care of her new raincoat, letting three weeks pass without losing it. Similarly, she’s developed a consistent routine by brushing her teeth every night. Her hard work is motivated by a bigger goal: getting a dog. This desire isn’t just driven by Vilonia’s lifelong passion for having one; it’s also inspired by the idea that pets can help alleviate sadness.
Specifically, she wants to bring comfort to Mama, who has been struggling with grief since Nana’s passing forty-three days ago. To make this dream a reality, Vilonia must first prove herself capable of caring for the library’s goldfish over spring break, avoid bringing home stray animals, and help Mama keep her job. The catch is that she needs to accomplish all this before the Catfish Festival – a daunting task, but one she believes is achievable.
Life in Motion: Young Reader’s Edition by Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland’s journey as the first African-American principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre has been marked by numerous milestones and barriers broken. However, her path to success was far from conventional. At 13, she began dancing in a world where discipline, precision, and poise are paramount. The contrast between her chaotic home life – with several siblings and a single mother struggling to make ends meet – and the structured environment of ballet couldn’t be more striking.
As her dance talent flourished, so did the tension between her personal and professional life. Copeland’s determination to pursue her dreams meant confronting the complex dynamics at play in her family, particularly with her mother, all while navigating the demands of her craft.
Young Adult Books About Amazing Girls
Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time by Tanya Lee Stone
Award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone’s latest work is a powerful exploration of the impact education can have on breaking the cycle of poverty. Building upon the stories showcased in Girl Rising’s film, which follows nine inspiring girls from developing countries, Stone delves deeper into the research to reveal the stark realities faced by many more girls worldwide.
With a keen focus on the interlocking barriers that prevent girls from accessing education – including early child marriage and childbearing, slavery, sexual trafficking, gender discrimination, and poverty – Stone illustrates how removing these obstacles not only transforms individual lives but also cultivates safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities.
It All Comes Down to This by Karen English
In the sweltering summer of 1965, Los Angeles was a city on the cusp of change. Amidst this backdrop of social upheaval, twelve-year-old Sophie found herself grappling with a multitude of concerns. She longed to pour her heart and soul into writing her own book, take center stage in the community play, and spend quality time with her closest friend Jennifer. However, life had other plans. As the new black kid in a predominantly white neighborhood, Sophie struggled to find her place.
The impending departure of her beloved sister Lily, who was set to leave for college, added an extra layer of emotional complexity to Sophie’s already tumultuous world. Her parents’ marriage was also on shaky ground, and the disapproving presence of their new housekeeper only served to further complicate matters.
When rioting broke out in nearby Watts and a friend fell victim to unfair arrest, Sophie was forced to confront the harsh realities of her own place in the world and the intricate web of relationships that surrounded her.
How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
Sandra’s journey began at the tender age of ten, when a rebel’s gun was pressed against her head after witnessing the brutal murders of her mother and six-year-old sister in a refugee camp. Miraculously, the shooter spared her life, setting her on a path towards rebuilding her shattered world. With no home, no money, and only the faintest glimmer of hope, Sandra and her surviving family members battled to stay alive.
Eventually, through the United Nations’ refugee program, they found themselves in America, only to confront yet another formidable barrier: cultural disconnection. Despite crossing an ocean, Sandra faced a far greater challenge – finding her place in a new country, where middle school in New York would prove to be a daunting hurdle. This memoir chronicles Sandra’s story of survival, resilience, and hope as she strives to give voice to her people, forging a path towards a brighter future.
The Heartbeats of Wing Jones by Katherine Webber
Wing Jones has always idolized her older brother Marcus, a charismatic football star who embodies everything she’s not. With his chiseled good looks, effortless popularity, and athletic prowess, he’s been the center of attention in their small town for as long as Wing can remember. But when Marcus crashes his car drunk after a party, killing two people and nearly losing his life, everything changes. The guilt-ridden sibling is now haunted by the memory of that fateful night.
In the dead of night, Wing finds solace on the empty track at school, where she pours out her emotions through running. It’s here that Aaron, Marcus’ best friend, stumbles upon her, recognizing the potential in her athletic abilities. He proposes she joins the track team, with the promise of a coveted sponsorship from a major athletic gear company. The prospect of training alongside her long-held crush and helping her struggling family is too enticing to resist.
But can Wing truly handle being yanked out of Marcus’ shadow and thrust into the spotlight? Her journey will be filled with self-discovery, perseverance, and the unearthing of hidden strengths.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
As the protagonist, 16-year-old Starr Carter, navigates two vastly different worlds – her impoverished neighborhood and the affluent prep school she attends – the delicate balance between them is disrupted by a tragic event: the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Unarmed and innocent, Khalil’s death sparks widespread outrage, with some labeling him a thug, drug dealer, or gangbanger in the media spotlight.
The streets erupt into protests as people demand justice for Khalil, while others – including law enforcement and local drug lords – attempt to intimidate Starr and her family. Amidst this chaos, one question echoes through the community: what truly happened that fateful night? And the only person with the answer is Starr herself, now forced to confront the harsh realities of racism and police brutality.
Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
Jade’s journey is marked by a constant tug-of-war between two worlds: her impoverished neighborhood and the private school she attends daily. While her mother urges her to seize every opportunity that comes her way, Jade feels like an outsider at the new school, where she’s forced to navigate unfamiliar social circles. However, it’s here that she’s exposed to opportunities she wouldn’t have otherwise had, even if they don’t always align with her desires.
Take, for instance, her invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program aimed at supporting ‘at-risk’ girls. While the presence of a black mentor who graduated from Jade’s high school may seem like a positive, it only serves to highlight her frustration with being pigeonholed as someone in need of rescue or repair. Jade yearns to be heard, to express herself authentically and find ways to make a meaningful impact.
Perhaps there are valuable lessons she could impart to other women about embracing their true selves and making a difference in the world.
Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
In 1849, Samantha’s dreams of returning to New York to pursue her music seemed all but impossible, especially as a Chinese girl living in Missouri. Her world was turned upside down after a devastating accident left her with nothing and forced her hand into taking drastic measures for self-defense. Seeking refuge from the law, she fled town alongside Annamae, a runaway slave she met at the scene of the crime, bound for the unknown frontier.
Their journey took them along the Oregon Trail, where the dangers lurked in every shadow. To avoid detection, they donned disguises as Sammy and Andy, two boys heading to California in search of gold. As they navigated this treacherous landscape, each girl grappled with her own demons, searching for a connection to their past while trying to stay one step ahead of those who would do them harm.
Just when it seemed like the path was clear, they crossed paths with a group of cowboys turned unlikely allies. For Samantha, the allure of one cowboy in particular proved irresistible, but just as she began to let her guard down, the law closed in and new challenges arose daily. As they traversed the open trail, the girls would soon discover that hiding was an impossible feat.
You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins
Award-winning author Mitali Perkins masterfully crafts a heartwarming tale of sisterhood, love, and cultural identity through the eyes of five distinct Indian-American women.
Ranee’s concerns about her children losing their cultural heritage; Sonia’s bold pursuit of a biracial romance; Tara’s quest for self-acceptance beneath the spotlight; Shanti’s efforts to mend familial tensions; and Anna’s unwavering dedication to preserving Bengal tigers and her Bengali roots are all skillfully intertwined.
Perkins’ poignant storytelling brings these relatable yet unique characters to life, ultimately revealing a powerful exploration of what it means to be American and Indian simultaneously.
Victoria: Portrait of a Queen by Catherine Reef
Victoria’s life took an unexpected turn at the tender age of eighteen when her uncle’s passing left her with the weight of royalty on her shoulders. The next sixty-three years would see her reign as queen, leaving an indelible mark on history that would forever bear her name – the Victorian period. Her story is a tapestry woven from intrigue and deception, power struggles and assassination attempts, all set against the backdrop of grand passion and turmoil.
As we delve into the world of royal intrigue, what books about remarkable young women have captured your imagination?