Celebrating a Love of Reading: 35 Mighty Girl Stories about Books, Libraries, and Literacy

Lola at the Library

Special trips to the library are often the spark that starts a love of reading! Tuesdays are library days for Lola and her mother, and every moment is exciting, from packing her backpack with books to return, to storytime and songs, to picking the perfect new story for Mommy to read at night. The simple text and bright illustrations follow this library-loving little girl every step of the way. Fans of Lola can also follow her as she journeys towards being an independent reader in Lola Loves Stories and Lola Reads to Leo.

Wednesday Surprise

Children may be amazed to learn that even many adults face struggles with literacy. Anna and Grandma have been huddled together for ages, planning a special surprise for Daddy’s birthday. When the big day finally comes, he thinks he’s received all his presents... until Grandma stands up and reads him a story for the very first time, thanks to the dedication and support of her very proud granddaughter! This lovely story is a great way to introduce kids not only to the value of working for literacy, but also to the idea that illiteracy can exist in surprising places, even among seemingly all-knowing adults.

That Book Woman

At first, only the largest city centers could have a library, so in the 1930s, a dedicated group called the Pack Horse Librarians brought books to people in isolated areas of the US. Cal lives in the Appalachian mountains, and doesn’t see the point of books. He’s got nothing but disdain for his sister, Lark, who’d avoid real work to read books all day if she could. But when That Book Woman comes, not just in good weather, but in rain and snow and wind, riding up the mountain over dangerous and difficult terrain just to bring books, Cal figures that if she is willing to go through all that, there must be a lot more to books than he sees. This story is a fitting tribute to the determination of the Pack Horse Librarians to bring literacy to every corner of their country.

Dreamers

In this gorgeously illustrated picture book, based loosely on the author's experience of moving from Xalapa, Mexico with her American husband and their infant son to San Francisco in 1994, a woman travels with her son to the United States. There, she discovers an oasis of hope: the public library. Book by book, she untangles the language of this strange new land, and learns to make a home within it, observing that at the library: “We learned to read,/ to speak,/ to write,/ and/ to make/ our voices heard.” Five-time Pura Belpré Award winner Yuyi Morales uses poetic language and elegant illustrations to capture both an immigration journey and the importance of libraries as a welcoming home for new members of a community.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

Madeline really does not like to read — not at all. But she really wants a gold star from her teacher, and gold stars are only for kids who can read the words out loud. Then Madeline meets Bonnie, a library dog, who's patient and quiet and never minds if Madeline needs a few minutes to figure out a word. With Bonnie's help, Madeline realizes that she doesn't like reading because she finds it hard — but that with the right supportive friend, one who gives her the space to go slow when she needs to, she can develop both her reading skills and her love of the written word. Fans of Madeline (and Bonnie) will also enjoy the sequel, Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog.

Dear Librarian

5-year-old Lydia's family had to leave their home in Colorado to move to Iowa, where her dad hopes to find a job and her mom hopes that Grandma and other family members can host their big family — including Lydia and her six siblings — until they get back on their feet. "I didn't have a home to live in, just houses," she remembers: a few days at Grandma's, a night or two at Aunt Linda's. But one place never changed: the library. There, Lydia found a friendly face behind the desk: a librarian who knew that a little girl needed friendship and support without her having to stay a word. Inspired by the author's real-life childhood experience at the library — one that set her on the path to becoming a librarian herself — this is a moving "thank you" to those who take children in need under their wings, and a celebration of the role that libraries play in our communities.

The Library

Elizabeth Brown was a book-loving girl; where other kids loved skating or playing with dolls, she "learned to read quite early / and at an incredible rate." As she grows, Elizabeth amasses a beautiful collection of books... until one day, as an old woman, she realizes that her books are starting to block the door and she is literally out of space! What's a book lover to do? Why, start her own public library! This funny tribute to the joy that reading can provide — not just in childhood, but through our whole lives — is accompanied by clever illustrations full of intriguing detail that ensure kids will want to read this book again and again.

Hopefully the Scarecrow

Once upon a time there was a scarecrow; he didn't remember how he came to be, but he knew where he got his name: a little girl said "Hopefully, the scarecrow will keep the birds away" and he thought of himself as Hopefully the scarecrow every day after. The same girl used to come to read to him every day, sharing stories of adventure and daring, full of heroes who helped the scarecrow feel taller and braver! And in the winter, while he waited in the shed, those stories helped him wait until spring when the girl would return. Until one year, when different hands took him out to the garden, and the girl didn't come. Fortunately, after many patient years — still sustained by stories — the now-grown girl finally returns, ready to take Hopefully to a special new place. Gentle and poignant, this is a celebration of the bonds of both friendship and the written word.

One Girl

A little girl sits sadly on her porch one night when a shooting star lands by her feet — and turns out to be a glowing book. The book provides a spark that flickers and spreads and the girl discovers more about the world: art, science, and adventures galore! When she takes the story to her class, the spark grows as more and more children are inspired. And when the little girl writes her own story, it ignites similar sparks in girls around the world. Bestselling author Andrea Beaty and illustrator Dow Phumiruk have created a glowing tribute to the power of reading and to the ability of each child to blaze new trails for others.

Lyric McKerrigan, Secret Librarian

There's a plot afoot: a villain is planning to destroy every book in the world! Even the world's best secret agents can't stop Doctor Glockenspiel and end up captured by his henchmen. But mysterious things are happening: a dissatisfied henchman gets a book called Your Boss Can't Do That from a plumber, and one of the agents finds a copy of How to Pick Locks in a bowl... Of course, it's all the work of Lyric McKerrigan, the Secret Librarian who is here to save the day! This clever mash-up of comic book-style hero and devoted reader is full of action, even as it reminds young readers about the power of having the right book at the right time.

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

Dorothy dreamed of being a librarian as a child — but in her area of North Carolina, there’s no big brick building full of books. But there are roads, and a determined young woman — and Dorothy realizes that’s all that they need. Along with several neighbors, Miss Dorothy starts a bookmobile, delivering books at farms, schools, and even once in the middle of a river. This book is a testament to both the difference that a librarian can make in the lives of people, and to how creative solutions can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn.

Pura's Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories

As a child, Pura loved listening to her abuela's stories, rich with Puerto Rican folklore. When she moved to Harlem as an adult, she saw children who spoke Spanish and had families just like hers. But when she got a job at the library, the books on the shelves were only in English. So she decided it was time to introduce children to her stories — in English and Spanish — stories that captured the spirit and traditions of her home long before any of them were written in a book. This exuberant biography of Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian in New York City and a pioneer of bilingual storytimes, is a celebration of diverse communities, the joy of folk tales, and the power of stories to bring us together.

Palace of Books

When Patricia's grandmother dies and her grandfather sells the family farm, Patricia, her mom, and her brother have to move to Battle Creek, Michigan to finish out the school year. Their new home seems foreign, Patricia struggles with reading at school, and nothing feels right. But then the librarian, Mrs. Creavy, welcomes her with open arms. She fosters Patricia's talent for drawing and love of birds, introducing her to the art of John James Audubon. And when Patricia's class becomes interested in birds through her art, Mrs. Creavy helps the school found an Audubon Bird Club — and Patricia is the first member ever! Beloved storyteller Patricia Polacco shares a childhood story about the power of books, libraries, and librarians to support us when we need it most.

The Whisper

As a little girl runs home with a new book from school, all the words go tumbling out of the book! But when she stares, perplexed, at pages full of nothing but pictures, she hears a whisper that tells her to imagine her own words. Tentatively at first, but emboldened by the voice's assurance that there are no rules, the girl decides to give it a try and discovers the power of imagination and storytelling. Zagarenski, a two-time Caldecott Honor artist, makes an impressive debut as an author in this contemplative and beautifully-illustrated tale.

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book

Polly Diamond loves reading — and writing her own stories — but right now her life is busy with the upcoming arrival of a new sibling. Then, a blank journal shows up... and Polly discovers that whatever she writes in it happens in real life. It's not long before Polly experiments with turning herself invisible — and turning her new little sister into a banana. But as every author knows, if you don't choose your words carefully, your meaning isn't clear, and when the book's magic gets a little too literal, Polly has to do some very careful writing to resolve the problem. This clever early chapter book celebrates the day to day magic of storytelling.

Book Uncle and Me

In Yasmin's Indian neighborhood, there's one place to go if you want the perfect book: Book Uncle's little library stand! The retired teacher has set up a free lending library, and he loves helping readers find a fascinating tale. But as everyone is talking about the upcoming mayoral election, Yasmin makes a horrifying discovery: Book Uncle is being forced to close down because he can't afford a permit. Just like that, Yasmin's interest turns from books to activism, and soon she and her friends are running a grassroots campaign to get Book Uncle back up and running. This unique story combines the joy of reading and friendship with the power of communities coming together, and remind young readers that they too have the ability to make change.

Library On Wheels

Mary Lemist Titcomb and America's First Bookmobile

Bookmobiles have brought libraries and literacy to thousands of rural residents — but did you know that the first Book Wagon was created by a woman? Mary Lemist Titcomb worked for the Washington County Free Library in Maryland, and knew that people who lived outside of town struggled to access the books she had to offer. So she started a horse-drawn Book Wagon that would go to them! The idea caught on, and by 1922 the idea of a mobile library was widespread. This biography recognizes the forward-thinking woman who knew that distance should be no obstacle to literacy.

Property of the Rebel Librarian

When 12-year-old June's parents decide one of the books from her school library is inappropriate, they pressure the administration of the school into suspending the librarian and start pulling books off the shelves. June normally follows the rules, but she knows this is wrong, even if her crush and her best friend want her to let it go. When she discovers a Little Free Library on her walk to school, she's inspired to create her own in an abandoned locker, and she discovers many students agree with her, too. June didn't expect to lead a movement, but she might just be able to save both her beloved librarian and her classmates' right to read. This fun and empowering book encourages kids to ask questions about censorship and recognize their own power to act.

The Library of Ever

11-year-old Lenora is bored and frustrated, stuck at home while her parents travel around the world. Then she discovers a secret doorway that enters the ultimate library, one containing the whole universe's wisdom. Better yet, she's offered the chance to take the oath ("Do you swear to venture forth bravely and find the answer to any question, no matter the challenge?") and becomes the new Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian. As she seeks out information, she also has to dodge the mysterious Forces of Darkness, who are dedicated to suppressing intellectual freedom. Fortunately, the clever girl is up for the challenge! Part adventure across time and space, part tribute to the love of books, this middle grade novel will be an instant classic.

Ban This Book

Amy Anne considers herself shy, but when she learns that her favorite book in the whole world, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, has been banned from the library, she decides it's time to find her courage! So she recruits her friends to make their point: they start a secret banned books library in her locker, and even make arguments why every single book in library should also be banned to point out the folly of censorship. It turns out that when Amy Anne finds a cause that's important to her, she's ready to take on the world! Middle grade readers will laugh and cheer as they read this stirring defense against censorship.

A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon

10-year-old Pearl finds refuge in the library where her mother works, but when the head of their statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay disappears, it draws attention to the diminishing importance of the library in the community — and the repairs it needs that the city would rather not pay for. Still Pearl is determined to save the library, and with the help of Francine, a new friend ‐ and unexpected allies in the form of the newspaper-publishing raccoons in the library basement — she might just succeed. This charming story with a unique voice and delightful illustrations by Jessixa Bagley incorporates both fantasy and real-life issues like homelessness, and celebrates the power of reading and belief.

The Wild Book

Fefa has dyslexia — or as her Cuban doctor in 1912 calls it, word-blindness — and she’s been told she’ll never read or write. She’s still determined to try, but every time she does, the words jumble and scramble around the page. But Fefa’s mother has an idea: she gives her daughter an empty book and says, “Think of it as a garden.” Soon Fefa is cautiously planting words on the pages, one here, then a few more there. With every day there are more words — and Fefa is more confident. And when Fefa’s family needs help, Fefa’s wild book will be the key to rescuing them all. A beautiful mix of history, mythology, and one child’s personal struggle, this book captures the joy of reading and writing in a totally unique way.

Voices

The most important lesson we can teach is exactly why literacy is so critical — and why it’s so common for those who want to oppress people to deny education. Memer lives in Ansul, a town that was once full of libraries and schools. But when the conquerors claimed Ansul long ago, they declared reading and writing punishable by death. Now, the only place with a few remaining — carefully hidden — books is Oracle House, which most people consider haunted by demons. For Memer, though, it’s a sanctuary, the only safe place she knows. Then, when an Uplander poet arrives, everything Memer knows is turned upside down. Can the knowledge Orrec offers be the key to helping the people of Ansul be brave enough to rebel? Perhaps reading really is just as dangerous as everyone thinks — but for the conquerors, not the conquered.

The Librarian of Auschwitz

When 14-year-old Dita is sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, she is selected for the propaganda 'family camp,' a front to convince the Red Cross that the camp is just for internment, not murder. After one of the prisoners sets up a secret school, he entrusts Dita with the job of block librarian, caring for eight precious books that have been smuggled past the guards. Her secret role as Librarian of Auschwitz gives Dita a sense of purpose — and the courage and hope she needs to survive one of the darkest chapters of human history. Based on the experience of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this book captures the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome hatred and violence.

The Read-Aloud Handbook

Time reading together is a treasured ritual for many children and their parents, and there are ways to take that special time and use it to form a life-long love of reading and books. This book provides tips for using this time not just to enjoy stories together, but also to encourage imagination, comprehension, and conversation. Included is a list of great books to read together, from wordless books and simple picture books for infants and toddlers to full-length novels and anthologies for older kids. After all, even once kids are reading on their own, reading aloud together is still a great way to share a love of books!

Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs

Creating a book club is another great way to share a love of reading — and learn more about your Mighty Girl! This book is full of tips for organizing a club — everything from how many mother-daughter pairs will work best, to how to keep the club going as the daughters get older — as well as book lists for four different age groups, online resources, and even recipes for special book-club snacks. It’s a great way to learn more about each other and to develop close friendships with other book loving moms and daughters.