By Jennifer de Beer, A Mighty Girl Research Intern
The season of reflection is upon us, and here at A Mighty Girl we’ve been taking a look back at the year’s new releases. As it is also the season of gifting, many of you are likely interested in finding some fresh, new material to inspire and delight the Mighty Girls in your life. Whether you like to stay on top of new releases or are seeking the perfect present for a young book lover, you are in luck!
Our latest special collection, 2012 Mighty Girl Books: A Year in Review features more than more than 100 empowering books for girls, the majority of which are brand new additions to our site.
Over the course of this past year, a wide variety of books have hit the market that feature stellar Mighty Girl characters. The new titles run the gamut, from picture books to young adult novels, historical fiction to fantasy, and the return of old favorites alongside newcomers.
In the world of picture books, we have found some beautiful additions. Books like Black Dog exemplify the bravery that can be found in even the smallest Mighty Girl, while I’m Bored shows off all the fabulous things kids can do. Atypical subjects include Infinity and Me, where a child contemplates the significance of a number without end; Unspoken, a wordless book depicting a young girl’s involvement with the Underground Railroad; and hello! hello!, the humorous story of a girl’s efforts to convince her family to say ‘goodbye’ to their gadgets and ‘hello’ to the outside world.
For older readers, we’ve included a wide range of gripping novels. The Seven Tales of Trinket, reminiscent of Celtic folklore, and Glory Be, set in 1964 Mississippi, are both coming of age stories about girls seeking their place in the world. Young adult readers will find satisfaction with stories of intrigue and suspense, such as the historical fiction of Sophia’s War, set during the American Revolution, or The Diviners, a supernatural mystery from the Roaring Twenties -- but both taking place in New York City. Contemporary realistic fiction options are available too, with picks like The Fault in Our Stars, which simultaneously tackles terminal cancer and falling in love.
Graphic novels made a big splash in 2012, with the release of our Top Graphic Novels Starring Mighty Girls collection, and more than a few were published this year. You will find memoirs, such as A Game for Swallows and Little White Duck: A Childhood in China, and fantastical adventures, like Hereville: How Mirka Met a Meteorite and Legends of Zita the Spacegirl. There are even classics trying out a new format, as in A Wrinkle in Time.
Women in history received more attention this year. Many names will be familiar, like Helen Keller, Emily Dickinson, Jane Goodall, Juliette Gordon Low, Susan B. Anthony, Julia Child, Zora Neale Hurston and the Bronte sisters. Some releases bring to light the achievements of remarkable but lesser known women, such as Sylvia Earle, Florence Mills, and Alice Coachman. We also meet the first female firefighter in Molly, by Golly!
If it's fantasy you’re looking for, there are plenty of options. Characters who straddle the worlds of reality and magic can be found in The Spindlers, The Great Unexpected, and Summer and Bird. There are books with dragons, like Seraphina, and quite a few that feature princesses who defy the norm, such as the heroines of Iron Hearted Violet, Princess in Training, and The Kite Princess.
For those who have fallen in love with particular characters, we have had several reappearances of old favorites. Fans of the Breadwinner Trilogy will be pleased to see the story extended in My Name is Parvana. Princess Academy: Palace of Stone, A Hero for WondLa, One Year in Coal Harbor, and The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There are sequels that are sure to thrill many loyal followers of the first books.
Last but not least, in keeping with the theme of reflection, the final highlight from our collection is The Sky of Afghanistan, a beautifully illustrated tribute to a young girl’s wishes for peace. In the spirit of the holiday season, we wish peace be to all of you, too, and may you enjoy this collection!
To view all of the books highlighted above, as well as many more, visit our special feature on 2012 Mighty Girl Books: A Year in Review.
