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Choose Your Own Adventure

45 Books to Inspire Adventurous Mighty Girls

Our favorite girl-empowering adventure stories to inspire your own Mighty Girl's adventures!

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What adventures is your Mighty Girl planning this year? Will she bike to the park by herself, swim for the first time, or learn to ride a horse? Maybe she’s going on a trip with the Girl Scouts, or hiking in the woods near her house to find the perfect place to build her secret hideout. Or maybe her imagination will take her on even bigger adventures — into outer space, magic kingdoms, or realms of fantasy. One thing's for sure: an adventurous child's life will never be boring!

To inspire your Mighty Girl to celebrate her adventurous side,  we’re showcasing our favorite books featuring daring, courageous Mighty Girl characters on adventures of their own. These stories capture all the thrill and excitement of pushing yourself to do something unexpected and new. They might even inspire you to try a new adventure!

Blueberries for Sal

Blueberries for Sal

Written by: Robert McCloskey
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

Sal and her mother head out to pick blueberries at the same time as a bear cub and his mama bear head for the other side of the hill. When Sal’s mother shoos her away, in hopes that at least a few of the berries they’re picking will end up in the bucket rather than Sal’s tummy, Sal and the bear cub accidentally trade places! Both will have an adventure following the wrong mother — and getting back to the right one.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$26.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$37.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.99 (USD)

The Mermaid and The Shoe

The Mermaid and The Shoe

Written by: K G Campbell
Illustrated by: K G Campbell
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

King Neptune’s 50 daughters all have some remarkable talent, but little Minnow can't seem to find her special gift. The only thing she’s good at is asking questions; how can that be a talent? But when Minnow finds a mysterious object, her curiosity prompts her to follow it to its source. In fact, she dares to go all the way to the edge of the ocean — and makes some startling discoveries. When she returns with the exciting news of everything she's seen, her father praises her: his little Minnow is a brave explorer! This charming story celebrates a daring spirit, as well as the value of asking questions and embracing your uniqueness.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.39 (USD)

Elena’s Serenade

Elena’s Serenade

Written by: Campbell Geeslin
Illustrated by: Ana Juan
Recommended Age: 3 - 8

Elena dreams of being a glassblower like Papa, but no one has ever heard of a girl glassblower. Still, Elena is determined to try. Dressed as a boy, Elena travels on a fantastical journey to Monterrey, home of the greatest glassblowers, to prove her worth and learn the trade. And what better way to ride home to Papa — and show off her newfound skill — than by blowing a beautiful glass bird to ride. This story offers up a magical blend of fantasy and reality, with a daring and determined young girl at its heart.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.06 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.49 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.58 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.43 (USD)

Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale

Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale

Illustrated by: Susy Pilgrim Waters
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

You don't have to be young to have a daring spirit! The beloved old woman in this tale is called Grandma by everyone, but her own daughter is living in a village on the other side of the jungle. When her daughter sends a letter asking for a visit, Grandma sets off immediately. But the jungle is full of animals just waiting to take advantage of a seemingly weak old woman! Fortunately, Grandma's quick wit and steady nerves ensure that she gets safely to her daughter's village — and safely back home again. This charming retelling of a Bengali folktale is accented by bright, colorful illustrations that kids will love

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.53 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.72 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Interstellar Cinderella

Interstellar Cinderella

Written by: Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by: Meg Hunt
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

This retelling of the classic Cinderella story transports her into outer space! This hardworking Cinderella dreams of repairing rocket ships. When her family strands her on an empty planet, her fairy godrobot shows up to give her the tools she needs so that Cinderella can repair a ship, get off the planet, pilot her way to the Royal Space Parade, and provide some much needed mechanical assistance to the Prince before her space suit runs out of charge! And when the Prince later goes looking for the mysterious mechanic — using the sonic socket wrench she left behind — she takes a daring flight with a battered rocket pack in order to prove she's the one he's looking for. Parents and kids alike will enjoy this daring Cinderella — as well as the clever and empowering twist to the end of the story.

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Amazon.ca
C$20.80 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$27.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.99 (USD)

Raising Dragons

Raising Dragons

Written by: Jerdine Nolen
Illustrated by: Elise Primavera
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

A mysterious egg found on a “Sunday-before-supper walk” turns out to be a dragon! His discoverer names her new friend Hank, and she immediately sets herself to a new endeavor: dragon raising. Together, the girl and the dragon share the joys of everything from storybooks at bedtime to flights under the moonlit sky... until the day that Hank attracts too much attention to stay with his doting friend. The sad departure leaves a ray of hope, though: someday, Hank will need a hand raising his own dragon babies!

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C$12.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£5.35 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.35 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.69 (USD)

The Princess in Black

The Princess in Black

Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Recommended Age: 5 - 8

Princess Magnolia is perfectly princessy in every way, but when the monster alarm rings, she ducks into her closet and changes into the mysterious Princess In Black! While she's doing that, though, the nosy Duchess Wigtower is searching the castle for any evidence that Magnolia isn't quite the perfect princess she seems to be. Meanwhile, Duff the goat boy is starting to have his suspicions about who the Princess In Black really is — and wonders whether she could use a sidekick! This fun early chapter book, the first of a series, is sure to appeal to princess and superhero fans. Fans of this book will also enjoy the sequels, The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party and The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde.

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C$8.44 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.35 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$9.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.04 (USD)

Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure

Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure

Written by: Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by: Sally Wern Comport
Recommended Age: 5 - 9

Margaret is a girl with a brave heart who leaps at the chance for adventure — so when she discovers that a ship in her town’s harbor is heading for the Kingdoms of Cold, she's determined not to be left behind. But adventures are perilous things, and before her journey is done, Margaret faces a sea serpent, a giant, and a witch — and has to figure out how to rescue her true love, Prince Simon, and see him and herself safely home. Vivid pastel illustrations and intense writing make this a page-turning story of one girl’s quest to be a hero.

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C$41.14 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com
$16.43 (USD)

My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book Adaptation

My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book Adaptation

Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Recommended Age: 5 and up

Kids love the adventurous sisters from the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro — and fans can now also enjoy this picture book that uses artwork from the film. Satsuki and little sister Mei are adjusting to a move to the country and their mother’s illness, but in the process of exploring their new home, they make an unexpected discovery: a whole world of spirit creatures in the woods! As they befriend strange and mysterious creatures like Totoro and the grinning Catbus, they take some remarkable journeys — including one that reassures them that their whole family will be together again soon. Older Totoro fans can check out the novel adaptation for age 8 and up.

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C$26.99 (CAD)
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£15.99 (GBP)
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A$30.00 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$22.17 (USD)

The Night Fairy

The Night Fairy

Written by: Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrated by: Angela Barrett
Recommended Age: 7 - 10

Flory is a night fairy, no taller than an acorn, with a beautiful set of wings like a luna moth...until she loses them in an encounter with a bat. Unable to fly home, Flory suddenly finds herself having to learn how to survive among the daylight creatures in the Giantess' garden! The world may be very big and dangerous, but Flory is fierce and determined, and more than ready to tell silly creatures like Skuggle, her new squirrel friend, what to do. Not all of the garden's residents are willing to bend to her will, though... This magical story features a main character who learns to value a quick wit and compassion as much as bravery in her adventures.

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C$8.77 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£19.00 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.50 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

Princeless Volume 1: Save Yourself!

Princeless Volume 1: Save Yourself!

Adrienne Ashe never wanted to be a princess, but when her mother and father lock her in a tower guarded by a dragon — so a worthy prince can rescue and marry her, of course — she decides she's had enough. Adrienne befriends the dragon and escapes her tower, and when she learns that her sisters have also been imprisoned, she sets off on a quest to free them! With the help of an armorer who can make her something more practical than the "traditional" chainmail bikini, Adrienne is on her way. This delightful and funny graphic novel series, starring a princess of color, is sure to become a favorite. Fans of this volume will also enjoy the sequels Volume 2: Get Over Yourself, Volume 3: The Pirate Princess, and Volume 4: Be Yourself.

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Amazon.ca
C$20.53 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.23 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.86 (USD)

The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking

The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking

Written by: Astrid Lindgren
Illustrated by: Michael Chesworth
Recommended Age: 7 - 11

Irrepressible Pippi has been inspiring Mighty Girls to be daring for decades! This collection of the Pippi Longstocking stories includes Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes On Board, and Pippi In The South Seas. Join the strongest girl in the world as she and her friends encounter burglars, strong men, and pirates. Her hijinks will have your Mighty Girl laughing, just like they have since she first appeared in 1950. For more books, toys, and other resources featuring this classic character, visit our Pippi Longstocking Collection.

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C$42.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£29.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$37.05 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.78 (USD)

A Nearer Moon

A Nearer Moon

Written by: Melanie Crowder
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Once, Luna's village was beside a beautiful flowing river, but ever since the dam was built it's been a grim, cursed swamp. Granny Tu mourns the loss of the river's sprites and fairies, but Luna only believes in the things she can see and hear. However, when her beloved sister falls in the swamp and becomes desperately ill — doomed to die just like their father did years ago — Luna refuses to accept her sister's fate. To save her beloved sister, she'll do anything...even believing in magic long enough to find the watery roadways that might lead to another world. Tweens will devour this story of dark magic, adventure, and sisterly love.

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C$10.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.34 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.27 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

The Case of the Missing Moonstone

The Case of the Missing Moonstone

Written by: Jordan Stratford
Illustrated by: Kelly Murphy
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

What if 11-year-old Lady Ada Byron and 14-year-old Mary Godwin — the real-life Ada Lovelace, inventor of the computer algorithm, and Mary Shelley, author of “Frankenstein” — met in London in 1826 and formed a detective agency dedicated to apprehending the most clever and fiendish of criminals? The case in question involves a stolen heirloom and a false confession, and solving it will require analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and a lot of daring! This reimagining of history celebrates ingenuity and the mystery-solving power of math and science. With its clever Mighty Girl protagonists and a storyline full of action, humor, and intrigue, it’s sure to be a hit. Fans of this book can continued the adventure in the next book in the series, The Case of the Girl in Grey.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.07 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Written by: E.L. Konigsburg
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

This Newbery Award-winning novel tells the story of 12-year-old Claudia, who decides to run away from home — and brings her little brother Jamie along for the ride. She chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as their new home and they quickly settle into living secretly in the museum. But when a new exhibit arrives — a marble angel statue that might just be a real Michaelangelo — the children fall into the middle of a mystery that takes them on another grand adventure: finding the previous owner of the statue, Mrs. Frankweiler herself, in hopes of proving it! This classic, suspenseful read with an urban adventure story has been a favorite for generations.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.47 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Written by: Grace Lin
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Inspired by Chinese folklore, Lin tells the story of Minli, who sets off to find out how to change her family’s fortune. Minli’s family struggles to feed themselves, working hard every day in the rice paddies; her mother spends her nights worrying and complaining, while her father tells Minli stories about the Jade Dragon, the Magistrate Tiger, and the Old Man in the Moon, who controls everyone’s destiny. Her journey will be a difficult one, with many strange companions, but her quest will teach her and her parents important lessons about wealth, luck, and happiness.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.30 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.27 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$45.11 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.82 (USD)

Otherwise Known As Sheila The Great

Otherwise Known As Sheila The Great

Written by: Judy Blume
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Sheila the Great is outgoing, fearless, and ready to take on the world but secretly, Sheila Tubman is afraid of spiders, dogs, the dark, swimming... So when her family decides to spend the summer in the country, Sheila comes face to face with almost everything she dreads. Her new best friend, Mouse Ellis, loves almost everything Sheila fears, so in addition to facing her fears, Sheila also has to face the most difficult task of all: admitting that she’s not fearless to someone she deeply wants to impress.

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Buy:
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C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.80 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.61 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

The Luck Uglies

The Luck Uglies

Written by: Paul Durham
Illustrated by: Petur Antonsson
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Rye O’Chanter is convinced that the evil Bog Noblins are returning to threaten her beloved Village Drowning, but no one believes her. Her only hope is a mysterious, forbidden society called the Luck Uglies — who may no longer even exist. But as Rye navigates the lies, secrets, and rules of her home, she’ll discover that, sometimes, good and evil aren’t as clear-cut as you think. Full of funny touches and heart-stopping moment, this adventurous story also encourages readers to think about heroes, villains, and the people who don't fit either mold.

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Buy:
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C$21.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£18.38 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.28 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

Nim's Island

Nim's Island

Written by: Wendy Orr
Illustrated by: Kerry Millard
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Nim has spent her whole life on a solitary island with her scientist father; her best friends are a sea lion and an iguana. She knows what it takes to live alone, and never minds when her father has to be away for a few days for his research...until the day his boat is disabled and Nim loses contact. Her only human friend now is reclusive author Alex Rover, who reached out to her father via e-mail while researching for a new novel. But when a tropical storm — and an invasion of tourists — threaten the island and Nim, it will take all her friends to help her out of trouble! This fun survival adventure story has also been adapted into a feature film, as well as a film sequel Return to Nim's Island, both for age 7 and up.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$32.67 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Finding Serendipity

Finding Serendipity

Written by: Angelica Banks
Illustrated by: Stevie Lewis
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Tuesday's mother, Serendipity, is a famous author — and now she's missing. So Tuesday and her dog Baxterr set out to find her, and discover the mysterious, unpredictable place that stories come from. In order to rescue her mother — and get to The End — Tuesday will have to make new friends, learn to sail a magical boat, defeat a dangerous pirate, learn the truth about her definitely-not-ordinary dog, and get in touch with her creative side to find the power in storytelling. This magical adventure plays with narrative structure and the creative process, all while communicating a message about the empowerment to be found in your own voice. Fans of Tuesday will also want to check out the sequel, A Week Without Tuesday.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$14.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£3.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.64 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.99 (USD)

Savvy

Savvy

Written by: Ingrid Law
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Everyone in the Beaumont family develops a “savvy” — a special magical ability — at age 13, and Mibs is dying to see what hers will be! But just before she’s about to find out, her father is in a terrible accident. Now all Mibs wants is a savvy that can save him; in fact, she’s so convinced she’ll get what she wants that she sneaks a ride on a salesman’s bus, hoping to get to the hospital. Except the bus is actually going the opposite direction, taking Mibs, her brothers, and the preacher’s two kids, who also stowed away on board, on a totally unexpected journey! One thing is certain: this will be an adventure that Mibs — and everyone else — will never forget. Fans of this book will love the recently released companion Switch.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.15 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.40 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.91 (USD)

Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

Written by: Kate DiCamillo
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Opal goes into a supermarket and comes out with a new best friend, a scruffy dog she names Winn-Dixie. Together, they start exploring her new hometown. Winn-Dixie turns out to be a great conversation starter, and Opal learns to be a good listener, learning the surprising stories behind the eccentric people who live nearby. And, finally, Winn-Dixie helps Opal convince her father to tell her more about her long-absent mother, helping Opal find her place in the world.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.61 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.66 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.40 (USD)

Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter

Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter

Written by: Astrid Lindgren
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Ronia is the celebrated daughter of Matt, leader of a ferocious band of robbers, but she’s happiest alone, deep in the forest. There, she meets Birk, the son of Matt’s greatest rival, Borka, and the two become unexpected friends. But when new hostilities break out between two bands, Ronia is faced with conflicting loyalties when her father wants to use Birk as a hostage to force his rival’s surrender. Can Ronia and Birk find a way to reconcile the two robber barons, or will they have to choose between friendship and family?

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Amazon.ca
C$9.59 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.14 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.34 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.98 (USD)

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Written by: Jeanne Birdsall
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

The Penderwick sisters are spending the summer on a sprawling estate, full of interesting places to explore. And as the girls meander through the gardens and nose through the attics, they also meet a fascinating new companion: Jeffrey, the son of the estate’s owner, Mrs. Tifton. Who better to accompany them on their adventures? Mrs. Tifton doesn't approve, and Jeffrey's on the verge of being sent to a military school. Will the sisters' adventures save their new friend from such a terrible fate, or just get him deeper into hot water? It will be a summer of full of trouble, laughter, mischief, and confusion — definitely one that no one on the estate will ever forget! Fans of the Penderwicks will also love this paperback box set featuring the four books in the series.

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Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.15 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.50 (USD)

Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch

Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch

Written by: Eric Orchard
Illustrated by: Eric Orchard
Recommended Age: 8 and up

Maddy loved her life working in her parents’ bookstore with her flying toad Ralph by her side — but that was before the Thimblewitch turned her mother and father into kangaroo rats! Fortunately, she can get a lift from new friends Harry and Sylvio, the bear and racoon cloud cartographers, on their moon-balloon. But to save her parents, Maddy must face spider-goblins, scarecrow warriors, and of course, the Thimblewitch herself. This graphic novel, full of adventure and magic, is sure to captivate young fantasy fans!

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C$34.18 (CAD)
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£35.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.54 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$21.53 (USD)

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard

Written by: Jonathan Auxier
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

12-year-old Sophie knows little beyond the four walls of her father's bookshop, where she repairs old books and dreams of escaping the confines of her dull life. But when a strange boy, Peter Nimble, and his talking cat/horse companion show up with a rare and mysterious book, she finds herself pulled into a real-life adventure beyond anything she has ever read! This companion to Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes introduces an intriguing new Mighty Girl character to Jonathan Auxier's fascinating setting.

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Amazon.ca
C$24.93 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.90 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.88 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.99 (USD)

Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge

Illustrated by: Nathan Hale
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

In this swashbuckling graphic novel retelling of the Rapunzel story, fairy tales meet the Wild West! After discovering the truth about Mother Gothel's abuse of the kingdom's people — and getting locked into a magical tree tower for years — Rapunzel escapes and teams up with Calamity Jack (of beanstalk fame) to become a Wild West outlaw, using her lengthy braids as a lasso to right wrongs and fight oppression. But she can't rest until Gothel is overthrown, no matter what it takes... Equal parts humor and adventure, this Rapunzel story is sure to be a hit!

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Amazon.ca
C$20.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.14 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

The Wee Free Men

The Wee Free Men

Written by: Terry Pratchett
Recommended Age: 9 and up

Tiffany Aching is a dutiful (if grudging) big sister and very good with cheese — but what she really wants is to be a witch. She might need some witch magic fast, though, when the Queen of Faerie steals her little brother away! With a piece of string, a borrowed toad, a cast-iron pan, and the Nac Mac Feegle, a clan of six-inch-tall Pictsies, Tiffany will have to dare going into fairyland itself if she’s going to make things right again. With a complex plot full of metaphors about growing up and grieving the people who shape your life — and plenty of humor along the way — you’ll be eager to follow Tiffany on future adventures! Tiffany’s story continues in A Hat Full Of Sky, Wintersmith, I Shall Wear Midnight, and Terry Pratchett's final novel, The Shepherd's Crown.

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Amazon.ca
C$12.69 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.25 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.29 (USD)

Princess Academy

Princess Academy

Written by: Shannon Hale
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

The king’s priests have prophesied that one girl from Miri’s village will be the future princess of the realm so the king’s ministers set up an academy for every girl in the village, to teach all of them how to be a proper princess in case the prince selects them at the end of the year. The possibility of a life of nobility unleashes vicious competition between former friends, but the would-be princesses have bigger problems: a group of bandits who set out to storm the academy and claim the future princess. Miri will have to use her new-found powers — and unite the competing girls — to save them all. Miri’s story continues in the sequel Princess Academy: Palace of Stone and Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$12.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.59 (USD)

Lumberjanes Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Lumberjanes Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Illustrated by: Brooke Allen
Recommended Age: 9 and up

Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are best friends who are looking forward to a fun few weeks at camp — that is, until they see a woman turn into a giant bear! Suddenly, the friends find themselves in the midst of mysterious and supernatural adventures. Fortunately, “Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types” can provide them with all the skills they need. It’s going to be quite the unexpected summer! This collection gathers issues 1 to 4 of this fun series, which also makes reference to inspiring women of history. Fans of the first volume will also want to check out Lumberjanes, Volume 2: Friendship to the Max.

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C$19.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.11 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.49 (USD)

One Crazy Summer

One Crazy Summer

Written by: Rita Williams-Garcia
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

It’s 1968, and sisters Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, have a mission: learn more about their mother, Cecile, who left years ago for a new life in California. When they arrive from Brooklyn for their summer with her, they’re expecting visits to Disneyland; instead, they get a day camp run by Black Panthers. But their summer with their mysterious mother will teach them a lot, not just about their family, but about their country and how it is changing. The sisters' story continues in the sequels P.S. Be Eleven and Gone Crazy in Alabama.

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C$10.07 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£5.05 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$11.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

The Search for WondLa

The Search for WondLa

Written by: Tony DiTerlizzi
Illustrated by: Tony DiTerlizzi
Recommended Age: 9 and up

Eva Nine was raised in an underground sanctuary by the robotic Muthr, but when her home is destroyed, the 12-year-old returns to the surface to search for other humans — who she knows must exist because of a strange piece of cardboard depicting a girl, an adult, a robot, and the letters "WondLa." But not all humans will be friends, and soon Eva finds herself making tough choices on her journey to a place she can call home. This unique story includes Augmented Reality maps so readers can follow Eva's journey in 3D. Fans of Eva can follow the rest of her story in A Hero for WondLa and The Battle for WondLa.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$26.20 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£22.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.08 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$20.49 (USD)

Dealing With Dragons

Dealing With Dragons

Written by: Patricia C. Wrede
Illustrated by: Elise Primavera
Recommended Age: 9 and up

Princess Cimorene has no interest in being a proper princess, so instead of waiting to be kidnapped by a dragon, she runs away and makes a bargain with one — she’ll keep house as a captured princess would, provided she also gets to be herself and explore her non-princessy interests. Fortunately for Kazul, Cimorene’s dragon, Cimorene also manages to help unearth a wizards’ plot against the dragons in time to stop it... for now. This first book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles celebrates a princess who goes against the grain to have the adventure she chooses for herself. Fans of this book can also pick up the Enchanted Forest Chronicles box set, which includes all four books in the series.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.60 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.78 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.90 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.59 (USD)

May Bird and the Ever After

May Bird and the Ever After

Written by: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Illustrated by: Leonid Gore
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

The woods of Briery Swamp fit May Bird like a fuzzy mitten, and keep her safe from the taunts of children at school who don't understand her. But one day, when she falls in the lake, she emerges into an unexpected new world — one that's far from warm and fuzzy. And if she doesn't get out fast, horrifyingly evil Bo Cleevil will turn her into nothing. This offbeat fantasy, the first of a trilogy is scary, fanciful, and truly suspenseful. Fans of this story also get The May Bird Trilogy box set with more books in this fun series.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.66 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$25.17 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

Written by: Avi
Recommended Age: 10 and up

13-year-old Charlotte boards the Seahawk as a prim, proper schoolgirl, but gets off it having survived a mutiny, taken command — and been accused of murder. This story, set in 1832, captures how Charlotte changes from an arrogant, privileged, and naive member of the upper class to a daring, determined, seagoing young woman. Along the way, she proves herself to the Seahawk’s crew by showing she can do anything a man can do. But when she arrives at her destination, will her family believe her story — and will she be able to return to the restrictive life of an upper-class young lady?

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.20 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.42 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

The Hero and The Crown

The Hero and The Crown

Written by: Robin McKinley
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Aerin is the king of Damar’s only child and should be his heir — but because her mother was a witchwoman from the North, Damarians don’t trust her. Their doubts, however, can't change Aerin’s destiny: if the kingdom is to survive, she must battle the black dragon, Maur; meet the wizard Luthe, who gives her both the Blue Sword, Gonturan, and the truth about her mother; and face the evil mage, Agsded, who has taken the Hero’s Crown — the secret strength of Damar itself. Robin McKinley’s Newbery Award-winning book features a complex and strong main character that will thrill young fantasy fans.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.90 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.71 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.29 (USD)

Our Only May Amelia

Our Only May Amelia

Written by: Jennifer L. Holm
Recommended Age: 10 and up

May Amelia Jackson is the only girl in her 1899 Washington State settlement, and doesn’t see why she should behave like a Proper Young Lady when nobody else here is, too! Instead, she goes off on adventures, hunting and fishing just like a boy. When May Amelia’s mother says she’s going to have another baby, May Amelia hopes that, maybe, there will be another girl to keep her company. But life in a pioneer settlement isn’t safe for anyone, and a tragedy will change May Amelia’s life. This story, inspired by Holm’s great-aunt’s journals, showcases the day to day adventure that came hand in hand with settling new areas of the country.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$8.87 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.65 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.89 (USD)

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant

Written by: Tony Cliff
Illustrated by: Tony Cliff
Recommended Age: 13 and up

Delilah Dirk has adventured her way across the 19th century’s most exotic destinations: Japan, Indonesia, even the New World. Now, she has Constantinople in her sights... or at least, the hoard of a rich and corrupt Sultan. When she bumps into Selim, a Turkish lieutenant who’d rather have a good cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, he’s dismayed to get drawn into her schemes as she evades the Sultan's guards, leaves angry pirates in the dust, and fights her way through the countryside...but even Selim gets won over by the daring Delilah after a while! Fans of this fun high adventure story will want to check out the sequel, Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.29 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.75 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.37 (USD)

Monstrous Regiment

Monstrous Regiment

Written by: Terry Pratchett
Recommended Age: 13 and up

The inimitable Terry Pratchett plays with a classic wartime trope: the girl who disguises herself as a boy to enlist. Polly Perks' big brother joined the Borogravian army a year ago, and fairly promptly disappeared. So with the help of a haircut and a carefully-positioned pair of socks, Polly becomes Oliver and runs away from home to join the army as a member of the Ins-and-Outs. Her fellow soldiers have their own secrets, though, which they must protect even as the Ins-and-Outs rapidly find themselves battlefront heroes. Of course, sometimes you have to wonder if a war is worth fighting for... Fans of the Discworld will love Pratchett's satirical look at Army life, patriotism, and sexism.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.41 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.49 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Under a Painted Sky

Under a Painted Sky

Written by: Stacey Lee
Recommended Age: 13 and up

In 1849, Samantha's dreams of moving to New York to be a professional musician seem out of reach: how can a girl, let alone a Chinese-American girl, achieve such a thing? But after a family tragedy and an incident that leaves her on the run from the law and fearing for her life, those dreams are the last thing on her mind. With the help of Annamae, a runaway slave, Samantha head for the Oregon Trail, where the newfound friends disguise themselves as boys for protection. With the law closing in on them, but some unexpected allies in their corner, the girls will have to fight for their safety — and their freedom. This remarkable historical fiction novel will remind teen readeres that it wasn't so long ago that merely crossing your country was an adventure in itself.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.49 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.30 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.99 (USD)

So pick a book and follow one of these daring Mighty Girls on an adventure — and then, prepare to head out on your own. Who knows what you will accomplish?

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