75 New & Classic Girl-Empowering Books for Holiday Gift Giving!
"I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book." — J. K. Rowling
When you’re looking for a gift for a book lover of any age, the natural choice is a good book! And, while the hundreds of titles in A Mighty Girl's book collection have been vetted to ensure they are both high quality and girl empowering, we understand that during the busy holiday season a 'cheat' sheet of the best Mighty Girl books for gifting can make choosing a book for a special child or young person much easier. To that end, in this blog post, we've complied a selection of enduring Mighty Girl favorites, alongside a number of the best 2016 new releases (which are marked by a brand new icon below). From gorgeously-illustrated picture books to thought-provoking teen fiction, these titles will delight, intrigue, educate, and inspire girls and boys alike!
To discover more 2016 releases, stay tuned for our annual 'Year in Review' round-up of the best Mighty Girl books of 2016, which we'll be releasing in early January.
Of course, you can also find many more reading recommendations in our entire collection of nearly 2,500 Mighty Girl books for all ages. And, for anyone looking for reading recommendations for adults, don't miss our new blog post Stories of Mighty Women: 2016 Biographies for Adult Readers.
Mighty Girl Books for Holiday Gift Giving
Global Baby Girls
Global Baby Girls
Even the youngest children love seeing faces from around the world! This charming book features photographs of baby girls from many different countries — and celebrates their potential to become women who change the world. This delightful book, which was developed by the Global Fund for Children, also provides charitable outreach: part of the proceeds of each book sold are donated to community organizations that are dedicated to helping girls thrive and succeed.
The Paper Bag Princess
The Paper Bag Princess
Princess Elizabeth is living a normal princess life in a castle with beautiful dresses and a Prince named Ronald to marry, when her life is turned upside down by a dragon — who destroys her castle and clothes and carries Ronald away! Undaunted, Elizabeth pulls on a paper bag and sets off to get her Prince back. Elizabeth very cleverly defeats the dragon, but Prince Ronald is totally unappreciative: “You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess.” Needless to say, Elizabeth’s happily ever after does NOT include Prince Ronald. This humorous independent princess story has been a beloved favorite with young readers for years!
Interstellar Cinderella
Interstellar Cinderella
This fairy tale retelling transports Cinderella into outer space and this Cinderella is a whiz at rocket ship repair! So when her stepmother and stepsisters desert her on a planet while they head off to the Prince's Gravity Free Ball, she accepts a gift of tools from her fairy godrobot and soon repairs a derelict rocket. When she heads off to space and encounters the Prince in his broken down ship, Cinderella might just discover a new calling — as the new chief royal mechanic! This fun story with its retro-style illustrations is sure to delight kids with its tinkering heroine.
Owl Moon
Owl Moon
Bundled in warm clothes on a cold winter night, a girl and her father go out walking and looking for owls. As Pa calls softly into the night, the pair hope that they will see an owl, but even if they don't, they'll have the pleasure of quiet time together. This winner of the 1988 Caldecott Medal takes a simple activity, offered as a special treat — staying up past bedtime! — and turns it into a moment of magic. Quiet, contemplative text from author Jane Yolen and rich, soft illustrations from John Schoenherr combine to bring a sense of majesty and joy to this father-daughter adventure.
Girl Power 5-Minute Stories
Girl Power 5-Minute Stories
This terrific collection of ten stories is perfect for storytime! Each fun, brightly illustrated story takes about five minutes to read, so you can sneak in a few with ease. This volume includes a number of Mighty Girl favorites, including Betsy Lewin's Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, Karen Beaumont's I Like Myself, and Marilyn Singer's Tallulah's Tutu as well as out-of-print favorites like Monica Brown's Chavela and the Magic Bubble. The deluxe padded cover makes this collection perfect for gift-giving.
I Like Myself!
I Like Myself!
In this hilarious and high energy ode to self esteem, a little girl knows that, no matter what she does, where she goes, or what other people think, she is special because “I’m ME!” That means that, even when she's not at her best — like when she wakes up with spectacular bedhead — she's still the same person underneath. Kids will laugh at phrases like beaver breath, stinky toes, and even sillier things, while adults will enjoy its celebration of individuality. David Catrow's vibrant and hilarious illustrations provide a confident girl of color as a role model, while Karen Beaumont's rhyming text makes for a great read-aloud.
Stellaluna
Stellaluna
When Stellaluna the fruit bat is knocked out of her mother's protective embrace during an owl's attack, she finds herself in a bird's nest — and her world is turned upside down. The mother bird and her babies are happy to take Stellaluna in, but no matter how hard she tries, she can't get used to sleeping right-side-up or eating bugs. When she is reunited with her mother, she excitedly tries to show her bird friends what it's like to be a bat — and now it's their turn to feel out of place. But in the end, it doesn't matter, Stellaluna says: "We're friends. And that's a fact." This charming story about friendship overcoming differences also celebrates the value of being yourself.
Blueberry Girl
Blueberry Girl
Nationally bestselling author Neil Gaiman wrote this book for singer-songwriter Tori Amos when she was about to become the mother of a girl. In it, he writes a prayer for a blueberry girl, a beloved baby who grows into a daring young woman. Along the way, she will experience all of the joys and trials of life, with the wonders all the sweeter for the travels necessary. Charles Vess’ illustrations depicts girls of many ages and appearances, each one guarded by a protective animal as she explores her world. This poem is a beautiful wish for all girls to enjoy their exciting journey ahead!
Journey
Journey
A lonely girl wants to escape the solitude of her bedroom, but when she draws a magic door on her wall with a red crayon, she gets more than she bargained for! Soon, she’s drawn a boat, a balloon, and a magic carpet which lead to an incredible new world. After she bravely rescues a beautiful purple bird from captivity, she herself is captured. But the grateful bird helps her to escape and together they fly to safety and to what she wants most of all: friendship. This Caldecott Honor book is sure to inspire remarkable flights of fancy; fans of this book will want to continue the adventure in the trilogy's sequels, Quest and Return.
Extra Yarn
Extra Yarn
Young Annabelle's box of extra yarn seems never ending: her monochrome town ends up colorful and bright as she knits clothing for everyone around her — people, pets, and even objects get a warm new coat and a new outlook! In fact, the town has never been so happy. But when a greedy archduke tries to buy — and then steal — the box of extra yarn for himself, will Annabelle be able to stop him? This quirky story with its expressive and hilarious illustrations, which won a Caldecott Honor, celebrates the power of how one person's kindness can transform a community.
I Am Jane Goodall
I Am Jane Goodall
This captivating picture book tells the story of Jane Goodall, the chimpanzee scientist who turned her love of nature and science into a career that not only revolutionized our understanding of what it means to be human, but also opened the door for generations of female scientists after her. From her childhood escapades, hiding in the family chicken coop so she could see a hen lay an egg first hand, to her decades of research in Africa, this book shows how Goodall turned her natural talents into a career that changed the world. Filled with colorful illustrations, this new addition to the Ordinary People Change The World Collection strikes a wonderful balance between information and inspiration and sends a strong message to kids about the importance of determination in achieving your goals.
Raising Dragons
Raising Dragons
This charming book manages to perfectly mix the real and the fantastical in this story of a capable farm girl who finds herself raising a dragon! Hank the dragon is a good helper on the farm, but draws a little too much attention. But when she takes him to a new home on Dragon Island, she learns it won’t be long before her talents are needed again! The vibrant illustrations perfectly accompany the text, with its matter-of-fact voice, and will have every young reader wanting her very own dragon to raise!.
The Most Magnificent Thing
The Most Magnificent Thing
The little girl in this story has an idea in her head for the most MAGNIFICENT thing... so with the help of her puppy sidekick, she collects some bits and pieces and starts building. Except that the result isn't quite as magnificent as she wanted, so she tries again... and again... and again. Eventually, frustration overtakes her, and she not only smashes, pummels, and explodes, she also quits. It's not until she takes a walk with her dog and clears her head that she can see the potential in all her previous design and build something that she really does feel is magnificent. This fun picture book sends a great message to young would-be inventors about the power of persistence.
Frida
Frida
This beautiful picture book biography of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo shows how painting and drawing allowed her to express both the joys and sorrows of her life. While her mother was exhausted from caring for her and her five sisters, her father taught her brushwork and color. When polio confined her to bed for months, drawing occupied her mind and her hands. And when a bus accident left her in constant pain, painting was an escape where she could express sorrows, depression, joy, and love. Author Jonah Winter and illustrator Ana Juan have created a lovely tribute to one of the 20th century's most influential artists.
Not All Princesses Dress In Pink
Not All Princesses Dress In Pink
In upbeat verse, this book celebrates all the many kinds of princesses there are: the princesses in this book play sports, roll in the mud, build with power tools, plant gardens, and ride bikes. They wear every color in the rainbow, along with plaid, polka dots, and even helmets and shin guards — but always with their sparkly crowns. The girls in this book are diverse and unique, even as they are all united by the love of playing princess. It's a wonderful celebration of individuality, and reminds every girl reading it of the tremendous potential within her — and that there is nothing wrong with princess play as long as she is also dreaming big about her talents!
Just Being Audrey
Just Being Audrey
She was a child in Nazi-occupied Europe, then a movie star and a fashion icon. But most importantly, Audrey Hepburn had a spirit of kindness and compassion that shone through everything she did. In this picture book biography, kids will learn a new side to the glamorous star they may recognize from pictures: both the would-be dancer who was told she was too tall, and the UNICEF Ambassador who used her celebrity to help children around the world. Margaret Cardillo captures a complex portrait of this remarkable woman, which is perfectly accented by Julia Denos' illustrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born To Lead
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born To Lead
Growing up in the 1950s, Clinton lived in a world where women weren't supposed to be smart, ambitious, or outspoken — and she didn't care one bit! As a girl, NASA told her women couldn't be astronauts; Clinton didn't think that was fair. As an adult, they said a woman couldn't be both a mother and a lawyer; Clinton proved them wrong. And no matter how much people told her that women didn't belong in politics, Clinton was determined to take her place in America's political system and change things for the better. This picture book biography focuses on an inspirational tone: a reminder to girls not to let others tell them what they could grow up to be.
Ada Twist, Scientist
Ada Twist, Scientist
Young Ada is full of boundless curiosity, so when her house fills with a toe-curling smell, she's determined to track down the cause. Not afraid of failure, she embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. However, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble! Fortunately, Ada and her supportive family realize that it's always worth asking "why", even if only leads to more questions. This new release by the author of Rosie Revere, Engineer reinforces the importance of perseverance and celebrates curiosity and a love of science.
The Princess In Black
The Princess In Black
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! The Princess In Black is ready to tackle any monster problem but while she's doing that, 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, The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde, and the newly released The Princess in Black Takes A Vacation.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
When Harriet Tubman was a slave, her faith convinced her that she was meant to be free, and she risked tremendous danger to escape. But how could she leave others in the same bondage she had left behind? So Tubman became one of the most famous Underground Railroad conductors, leading hundreds of others to freedom. This poetic book compares the Biblical story of Moses to Tubman's story, reinforcing why she was known as Moses to so many. Poetic language and dark, dramatic artwork make this a stand out title for teaching African American history. For more books for all ages about Tubman, visit our Harriet Tubman Collection.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
The first children's picture book about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg proves that disagreeing doesn't make you disagreeable! I Dissent tells the story of Ginsburg's many disagreements: arguments against the inequality, discrimination, and unfairness that she saw all around her. Equally importantly, though, Ginsburg's life and friendship show that you can oppose someone's opinion vocally, even ferociously, while still being friends. This fun and appealing biography will encourage every child to stand up for what's right with their own dissents!
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
In this Caldecott Medal-winning book, a young Native American girl has a special connection to horses. She speaks softly to the horses of her village and leads them all to the water to drink every morning. When a great thunderstorm causes the horses to stampede — with the girl still on one's back — she has confidence that her beloved horses will lead her down the right path. And when she meets a brave, beautiful stallion in a new land, her connection with the horses finally allows her to truly join them. This lovely story shows the joys of following your passion — and of communities that understand the special gifts of their members.
Seeds of Change: Wangari's Gift to the World
Seeds of Change: Wangari's Gift to the World
As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari Maathai was unique for being allowed to earn an education; she also learned traditional Kikuyu reverence for nature. After attending university in the US, she returned home and combined her scientific education with her appreciation for good husbandry of natural resources to found the Green Belt Movement, which not only provided sustainable work for women across Kenya, but also helped them replant millions of trees and restore the land's natural beauty. This vibrant picture book biography of the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize is a true showstopper. Fans of this book can also check out Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya for ages 4 to 8 or the other resources in our Wangari Maathai Collection.
Tatterhood and Other Tales
Tatterhood and Other Tales
Twenty-five traditional stories from Asia, Europe, India, Africa, and the Americas show that fairy tales can star daring, quick-witted, and spirited female characters! Unlike the more passive characters in many common folk tales, these girls and women take active roles, distinguishing themselves by demonstrating extraordinary courage and achieving things that many consider impossible. In this unique collection, English translations of a wide variety of lesser-known tales are paired with detailed information about their sources, as well as information about the symbols and tropes used in each. It's a fascinating way to introduce kids to the way diverse cultures see powerful, strong young women.
My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book Adaptation
My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book Adaptation
In Hayao Miyazaki's beloved film, sisters Satsuki and Mei have moved with their father to a new home in the countryside while their mother recovers from an illness in the hospital. As the girls explore their new home, they discover an unexpected world of secrets — including Totoro, a friendly forest spirit. Totoro takes them on wild adventures with the help of his friends, like soot sprites and the grinning Catbus, but when the girls start to worry that their mother won't ever come home, can Totoro help reassure them? This expansive picture book adaptation of My Neighbor Totoro, which covers its entire story line in 112 pages, is sure to be a hit with Totoro fans of all ages! Fans of this film can also check out the novel adaptation for ages 8 and up, and find other books, toys, and clothing featuring Totoro in our Studio Ghibli Collection.
Elizabeth Started All The Trouble
Elizabeth Started All The Trouble
This unique picture book takes readers on a journey through the seven decades of the Women's Suffrage Movement. From Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott at the Seneca Falls convention, to Alice Paul and Lucy Burns' protests that finally led to the 19th Amendment, this book presents a capsule history of the movement, its key figures, and the most important moments on the quest to get women the vote. With enough detail to satisfy a newly independent reader, but an accessible tone that creates a sense of excitement to the story, this fascinating introduction to the fight for women's rights is sure to become a favorite!
Princeless: Save Yourself
Princeless: 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 on her sixteenth birthday — 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 decides to set 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 to save the day! For more volumes of this delightful and funny graphic novel series, visit our Princeless Collection.
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation
In this fascinating follow-up to Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies, author Cokie Roberts pay homage to ten women who shaped the history of the United States between 1776 and 1824. From African American poet Lucy Terry Prince to Native American explorer and guide Sacagawea to First Lady Louisa Catherine Adams, these women were intimately involved in the direction their newborn nation would take. A rich timeline, dynamic biographies, and an author's note provide plenty of fascinating detail for young historians! This books is an adaptation of Roberts' adult book about these inspiring women.
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed The World
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed The World
This unique alphabet book provides an introduction to twenty-six women from the 20th Century who made their mark on history! From the titular Amelia Earhart and Zora Neale Hurston to other important figures like Dolores Huerta, Maya Lin, and Babe Didrikson Zaharias, each page tells a capsule version of the woman's story, as well as providing a distinctive quote, all set aside beautiful collage artwork. This fascinating book is sure to get her looking for more information on these inspiring women.
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking: The Collected Works
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking: The Collected Works
In the wacky Villa Villekulla lives a very extraordinary girl! Pippi Longstocking, the strongest girl in the world, lives alone with her monkey Mr. Nilsson, and her arrival is going to turn Tommy and Annika’s life upside down. Full of incredible hijinks, daring deeds, and expectation-defying adventures, any child would want to follow Pippi just to see what happens next! Astrid Lindgren’s three books featuring Pippi are now available in this collected volume. In addition to the beloved stories, it also features new information about Lindgren’s life and how she created these unique stories. For toys and films based on this popular character, visit our Pippi Longstocking Collection.
Matilda
Matilda
Smart, sensitive Matilda is stuck with a family that doesn’t appreciate her — and a headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who’s determined to break the will of every child in her school. Fortunately, her teacher, Miss Honey, sees her tremendous potential. But when it turns out that Miss Honey is just as beaten down by Miss Trunchbull as her students, Matilda will have to make use of some unexpected abilities to see justice done. A terrific book for reading alone or aloud, this is sure to be a popular story! Fans of Matilda can also check out the film adaptation which is suitable for ages 8 and up.
For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story
For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story
Malala Yousafzai grew up in a country where girls were supposed to be quiet, but with the support of her parents, she knew she had to make her voice heard. She defied the Taliban by blogging about life under their oppressive rule, insisting on the right of girls to be educated — and nearly lost her life to one of their assassins. But she survived and continued to speak out for the rights of girls in Pakistan...and around the world. This early chapter book, part of the Encounters: Narrative Nonfiction Picture Books series, is a terrific way to introduce newly independent readers to Malala’s inspiring story. For more books about this remarkable young woman for all ages, visit our Malala Yousafzai Collection.
A Snicker of Magic
A Snicker of Magic
Midnight Gulch used to be a place where people could sing up a thunderstorm or dance up sunflowers; thanks to a curse, though, magic like that is a thing of the past. Felicity is familiar with the effects of such curses, since her mother has been cursed with a wandering heart, leaving her unable to settle anywhere. And she knows about magic: Felicity is a “word collector” and sees words shimmering everywhere. But then, Midnight Gulch produces words she's never seen before: words like “home” and “friend.” Perhaps Felicity can heal her mother's heart and bring back Midnight Gulch's magic... A charming story full of heart, this fantasy novel is pure delight.
Ronia, the Robber's Daughter
Ronia, the Robber's Daughter
Ronia is the proud and beloved daughter of Matt, the leader of a band of robbers — but she’s most at home alone in the quiet of the forest. There, she meets Birk, the son of Matt’s rival, who also prefers time wandering the woods to life in a robber band. But when Matt discovers their friendship, Ronia will have hard decisions to make: does she side with her father or her friend...or is there a way to manage both? Fans of Pippi Longstocking will want to check out this fun and thoughtful coming-of-age adventure.
The Ordinary Princess
The Ordinary Princess
Upon her christening, the fairies gift Princess Amy with Wit, Charm, Health, Courage... and Ordinariness. Unlike her exquisite sisters, Amy's appearance is plain, and she's far more interested in adventures than in marrying a prince. So when her parents try to marry her off, Amy decides to run away, and her gift of being ordinary allows her to blend in perfectly as a kitchen maid in the neighboring kingdom's palace. There, she makes a new friend — but Perry, a "man of all work", has a secret as remarkable as her own. In fact, they may just be the perfect pair... This charming story, with its reminder that looks are unimportant without substance behind them, also captures the power of choosing your own path in life.
Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition
Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition
Before people could orbit the Earth or fly to the moon, there was a group of "human computers": dedicated female mathematician who used pencil and slide rule to calculate how to launch rockets. Four African-American women, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, were critical to the story of space flight — and yet their story was largely untold. In this young readers edition of Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, tweens will learn how these women, so little appreciated in their time, changed both NASA and America for the better.
Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted
At birth, Ella was given the "gift" of obedience by a foolish fairy; as a result, she cannot refuse any order given to her, no matter what it is — or who gives it to her. Ella's stepmother and stepsisters are more than happy to take advantage of her curse, but Ella is not content to accept her fate. Instead, she sets out to find a way to reverse the curse and spell and find her own happiness. This Newbery Honor book plays with many aspects of the traditional Cinderella story, but at its heart is an independent, determined heroine who ultimately frees herself.
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
Have you ever used windshield wipers or a paper bag, or eaten a chocolate chip cookie? Then you can thank a woman inventor who made all of the above — and more — possible! In this fascinating book, author Catherine Thimmesh tells the stories of dozens of women who tinkered on kitchen tables, in garages, and even in converted chicken coops to create inventions that we use every day... and how those women made their inventions a reality. Thimmesh emphasizes both the hard work and dedication necessary to take a prototype and turn it into a marketable device, as well as the spirit of creativity it takes to look at a problem and say, "There has to be a better way."
Roller Girl
Roller Girl
When Astrid discovers a new passion, she suddenly realizes that her best friend Nicole may not be willing to follow her everywhere: instead of joining Astrid at roller derby camp, Nicole signs up for dance camp! The summer is hard enough without her friend by her side, and gets harder when Astrid discovers that roller derby is hard work. The older girls aren’t inclined to go easy on the newbies, and Astrid feels like everything is going wrong. But her first bout might just turn things around – and not just in the roller derby rink. This fun and heartfelt graphic novel, written by a real-life derby girl, is sure to delight kids who have discovered new interests as they grow older.
Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard
Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard
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 world of magic and mystery.
The War That Saved My Life
The War That Saved My Life
10-year-old Ada has never left her family's one-bedroom apartment; her abusive mother considers her clubbed foot a humiliation and has kept her from public view her entire life. But when Ada’s little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the dangers of World War II, Ada takes the greatest risk of her life and sneaks out to join him. Susan Smith, the recluse who’s forced to take the siblings in, doesn’t know anything about children — especially girls who flinch at every mistake. But as the pair grow closer, perhaps Ada has finally found someone that she can trust to love her just as she is. This touching 2015 Newbery Honor novel with an engaging main character is part adventure, part search for identity.
When The Sea Turned To Silver
When The Sea Turned To Silver
Pinmei's grandmother tells extraordinary stories that people will come from miles around to hear. Then, one day, the Emperor's soldiers arrive and kidnap Amah: the Emperor is seeking the Luminous Stone that Lights the Night, and it's the only thing he will trade for the Storyteller's freedom. Pinmei and her friend Yishan set out on a journey worthy of one of her grandmother's stories — but can they return with the Luminous Stone in time? This companion novel to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky, which was a finalist for the 2016 National Book Award, is full of stories within stories and accented with Lin's elegant full-color paintings.
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina - Young Readers Edition
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina - Young Readers Edition
When Misty Copeland first started dancing at age thirteen, no one could have guessed she would become the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. The quiet girl from a struggling family quickly demonstrated remarkable talent, and soon she was making a name for herself. But at the same time as she was discovering a new home onstage, her chaotic home life and a difficult relationship with her mother made things even more difficult. Copeland first told her story of resilience and following her dream for older teens and adults in Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina; now tween readers can enjoy her story as well.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
11-year-old Calpurnia is curious why the yellow grasshoppers in her yard are so much bigger than the green grasshoppers. But it's Texas in 1899, and girls are supposed to devote their time to proper activities like needlework, not tromping through the grasses studying bugs. Still, Calpurnia recruits her grandfather, an avid naturalist, to help her figure out the mystery. As the pair grows closer, Calpurnia dreams of becoming a scientist, even as it becomes more obvious how difficult that will be for a girl of her time. This award-winning novel will give tweens new perspective on the challenges that faced female scientists in the past. Fans of this book can check out the sequel, The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate.
Ghosts
Ghosts
Catrina's family is moving to Bahia de la Luna, where the coastal air will help Maya's cystic fibrosis symptoms. Cat misses her friends and resents being forced to move, but she loves her sister and is terrified of Maya getting sick. So when their neighbor tells them that Bahia de la Luna is home to ghosts — not spooky specters, but the spirits of ancestors watching over them — Cat wants nothing to do with them... and is horrified to discover that Maya seems fascinated by the ghosts. As the Day of the Dead approaches, and Cat meets the ghosts face to face, she'll learn more about the Mexican side of her heritage — and learn to set her fears aside, for both Maya's sake and her own. This graphic novel by the author / illustrator of best-selling graphic novels Smile, Sisters, and Drama is sure to delight your Raina Telgemeier fan!
Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science
Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science
Maria Merian was sure that caterpillars were not wicked things born from mud, as most people of her time believed; her diligent observations led her to discover metamorphosis. More than a century later, Mary Anning helped her father collect stone sea creatures from the cliffs in southwest England, and eventually discovered fossils that would change people’s vision of the past. Across the ocean, Maria Mitchell longed to discover a new comet and after years of studying the night sky, she finally did. Told in vibrant, evocative poems, this stunning novel in verse tells the true story of three girls from different times who grew up to become groundbreaking scientists — all the while celebrating the joy of finding wonder in the world around us.
The Wee Free Men
The Wee Free Men
Tiffany Aching is a dutiful (if grudging) big sister and a talented cheesemaker — 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 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 Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown.
Princess Academy
Princess Academy
When their small mining village is deemed to be the location of the future princess, Miri and the other teenaged girls are sent to an academy set up by the king’s ministers, where they will learn how to be “proper” princesses before the prince comes to choose one of them as his wife. At first, Miri only has to face the strict, condescending academy mistress and the bitter competition among the girls hoping to be chosen, but when bandits find the academy, determined to kidnap the future princess, Miri has to rally the girls to work together and use her newly discovered power to communicate silently to save herself and all her classmates. Miri’s story also continues in the sequels, Princess Academy: Palace of Stone and Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters.
The Complete Anne of Green Gables Box Set
The Complete Anne of Green Gables Box Set
Indomitable redhead Anne Shirley from Green Gables, PEI, Canada, is a classic Mighty Girl character. This series has been a favorite of girls everywhere since its publication in the early 1900s, and this set will let you easily share Anne’s story with a new generation. From Anne’s time in Avonlea, to her experiences at college, to her married life with children, and finally the story of Anne’s daughter Rilla during World War I, this series is full of stories to treasure. For another popular series by this beloved author, check out Emily of New Moon.
A Wrinkle In Time
A Wrinkle In Time
People in town think Meg is a loose cannon, her brother Charles Wallace is dumb, and her father ran off and left their scientist mother — but Meg doesn’t believe a word of any of it. So when an unexpected stranger appears in their kitchen and tells Meg about a tesseract — the “wrinkle in time” which her father was researching for the government — Meg decides to set off through space and time to find him. Her adventures with Charles Wallace and neighbor Calvin will require all of their strengths to accomplish! A Wrinkle in Time is the first of a quintet of science fiction classics, which are also available in a box set. Fans of the book can also check out this graphic novel adaptation.
Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments
Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments
Marie Curie defied many expectations and naysayers in order to become one of the most famous scientists in the world. She created the field of atomic physics, invented the word "radioactivity", and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win the Nobel Prize in two different disciplines. In this fascinating interactive book, kids learn about her life and scientific career with an intriguing biography accented with photos, quotes, and informative sidebars. Then, use the included activities to understand more about Curie's work, from examining World War I X-rays to making a model of the carbon element. You can more books about this trailblazer for all ages in our Marie Curie Collection.
Lumberjanes, Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
Lumberjanes, Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
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 and Lumberjanes, Volume 3: A Terrible Plan.
Fearless Girls, Wise Women, and Beloved Sisters: Heroines in Folktales from Around the World
Fearless Girls, Wise Women, and Beloved Sisters: Heroines in Folktales from Around the World
This is the definitive sourcebook of folk tales and fairytales featuring active heroines from cultures around the world! One hundred stories — originating from sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, North and South American indigenous cultures, Asia, and the Middle East — show that every culture has their version of the brave and clever young woman who manages to save the day. Author Kathleen Ragan was inspired by the lack of female protagonists in her daughters' books to create this remarkable volume celebrating courageous mothers, clever young girls, and warrior women.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
This charmingly illustrated and fascinating book highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — from ancient times to the modern world. Artist Rachel Ignotofsky profiles well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more!
The Girl Who Drank The Moon
The Girl Who Drank The Moon
For hundreds of years, a small group of Elders have ruled the Protectorate by terrorizing its citizens with stories of a witch who will destroy the community if a baby is not left in the forest for her once a year. While the witch's demand of a sacrifice is a fiction created by the oppressive rulers, a witch does live in the forest -- a kind and gentle witch named Xan who rescues the babies abandoned by the Elders. One year, however, she accidentally feeds a rescued baby moonlight instead of the starlight. The moonlight fills the child with powerful magic, and for her safety, Xan decides to raise this special child, Luna, as her own. As Luna approaches her 13th birthday, her magic begins to grow in new and unpredictable ways. With her coming of age, Luna will face new challenges to protect the people she loves and bring renewed hope to the lives of those around her. This suspenseful coming-of-age novel is sure to be a hit with young fantasy fans.
Irena's Children: A True Story of Courage - Young Readers Edition
Irena's Children: A True Story of Courage - Young Readers Edition
In World War II Warsaw, a Polish Catholic woman named Irena Sendler risked her own life to smuggle hundreds of Jewish children facing certain death out of the ghetto to safety. Equally importantly, she preserved lists of their real names and families in hopes of reuniting them at the war's end — and even after being arrested and tortured, she never revealed their secrets. In this young readers' version of Irena's Children: The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto, kids can learn this heroic true story of survival and defiance that began with one woman who refused to look away.
Rad Women Worldwide: Artist and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History
Rad Women Worldwide: Artist and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History
The authors of the best-selling book Rad American Women A-Z set their sights on the world with this inspiring collection of 40 biographical profiles! Well researched and intriguing biographies are paired with expressive cut-paper portraits that capture the power and strength of their subjects. This book features figures as diverse as Hatshepsut, the Egyptian pharaoh who ruled for two decades; Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist; and Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, the first women to cross Antarctica. Every page provides a new dose of inspiration, both to learn more about the women of history and to go forth and do your own amazing things!
The Hero and The Crown
The Hero and The Crown
Aerin is the king of Damar’s only child; she should be his heir, but because her mother was a witchwoman from the North, Damarians don’t trust her. But Aerin’s destiny is to 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. This Newbery Award-winning novel features a complex and daring main character and an intriguing fantasy world. Fans of this book can also check out the sequel, The Blue Sword.
Girls Who Looked Under Rocks: The Lives of Six Pioneering Naturalists
Girls Who Looked Under Rocks: The Lives of Six Pioneering Naturalists
For these six women, curiosity about the natural world and a passion for science drove them to overcome obstacles and prejudices in previously male-only occupations! Jeannine Atkins discusses the childhoods and careers of six very different women — Maria Merian (b.1647), Anna Comstock (b.1854), Frances Hamerstrom (b.1907), Rachel Carson (b.1907), Miriam Rothschild (b.1908), and Jane Goodall (b.1934) — all of whom became renowned scientists, artists and writers. An excellent resource for students and a fascinating read for young science lovers, this book reminds readers that amazing discoveries can be found in surprising places.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, missing her father, who went to war, and her mother, who went to work. When a Green Wind who invites her on an adventure to Fairyland, she can't resist. She learns that Fairyland is led by a fickle and dangerous Marquess, and that September is the only one who can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants. With the help of new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday, she might be able to succeed — but will September be able to return home, or will she find herself bound to Fairyland forever? These stunningly original novels, featuring illustrations by Ana Juan, have the same timeless quality as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. To see all five volumes from the series, visit our Fairyland Collection.
Counting by 7s
Counting by 7s
Willow is an eccentric genius of a child, but her accepting adoptive parents have always given her space to be whoever she is — even when she's talking about rare skin conditions or focusing on multiples of seven. In fact, her parents are pretty well the only people she engages with at all. But when they are killed in a car crash, Willow's life is turned upside down. She begins to fear that her only choice will be life in a group home, where her idiosyncrasies and brilliance will be considered disadvantages, not traits to be admired and understood. However, when her sort-of-friend Mai's mother takes Willow in, she begins to see a possibility of connecting to more people in the world. Complex and appealing characters make this book a unique testament to the power of very different people to come together as a family.
Heroes for My Daughter: Ordinary People Who Achieved The Extraordinary
Heroes for My Daughter: Ordinary People Who Achieved The Extraordinary
Best-selling author Brad Meltzer was inspired to create this collection of remarkable women by the birth of his daughter, and this year he's updated it to include a total of sixty capsule biographies of people whose work has changed the world. Both women and men, historical and contemporary figures including athletes, actors, inventors, politicians, and many more: each of them has something to teach us about making a difference. This is a book that can be appreciated by parents and children alike. Younger kids can check out Meltzer's Ordinary People Change The World series for age 4 to 8.
Howl's Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle
Sophie believes she's destined to fail miserably if she ever leaves home to seek her own path, but when she accidentally attracts the anger of the Witch of the Waste, she finds herself the subject of a curse that turns her from a young woman to an old lady. A solution may lie in a mysterious, ever-moving castle in the hills, but in order to get it, she'll have to deal with the heartless Wizard Howl, who owns the castle; strike a bargain with a fire demon; and face the Witch head-on. This funny and fascinating fantasy adventure novel is sure to delight tween and teen readers! This book has also been adapted into a stunning animated film by Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, which is suitable for age 8 and up. The story of Sophie and the Wizard Howl continues in the sequel House of Many Ways.
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
In the orphanage in Sierra Leone, Michaela DePrince was girl Number 27 — but she was also called "devil child" because of her vitiligo, a skin condition that makes her appear spotted. At the age of 3, she found a magazine picture of a ballerina on pointe, and that photograph became her inspiration — so when an American couple adopted her, she immediately asked about ballet lessons. DePrince proved to be a natural talent and became the youngest principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In her memoir, DePrince shares the story of her unexpected journey to becoming on of ballet's most exciting stars. Younger readers can learn DePrince's story in the Step Into Reading level 4 biography, Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer, which is suitable for ages 6 to 9.
Women Heroes of World War II: 26 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue
Women Heroes of World War II: 26 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue
When war broke out yet across the world during WWII, women were ready to protect their countries — even if they weren't permitted to enlist as soldiers. In these true stories from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, and the United States, 26 women acted as resistance leaders, rescuers, spies, saboteurs, journalists, and more. In this book from the Women of Action series, their little-known stories are told in a fascinating and informative fashion. Fans of World War II history should also check out Double Victory: How African American Women Broke Race and Gender Barriers to Help Win World War II, as well as the newly released Women Heroes of World War II - The Pacific Theater: 15 Stories of Resistance, Rescue, Sabotage, and Survival, both from the same series.
The Sleeper and the Spindle
The Sleeper and the Spindle
On the night of her wedding, a queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment, trading wedding gowns for chain mail. Her dwarf retainers lead her deep into tunnels under the mountain to where a whole kingdom lies sleeping. For the queen, this adventure provides a chance to delay her marriage, which signals the end of choices in her life — but is the princess waiting for her what she seems? Gaiman's novella mixes Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, along with plenty of original ideas, to create a dark and funny story of identity, strength, and sacrifice; his text is beautifully accompanied by Riddell's stunning illustrations.
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
Simone Biles is best known for her nineteen medals — fourteen gold — and her Olympic successes, but getting there too perseverance and resiliency that many people didn't see. In her memoir, Biles talks about the challenges that faced her long before she had her sights set on the podium, from an early childhood in foster care to her adoption by her grandparents, who she now calls Mom and Dad. Their love and support helped her keep balanced as she rose through the ranks of gymnastics competition, ensuring that she always found joy in the sport in which she excelled. This optimistic and inspiring memoir will be a hit with anyone who found themselves spellbound watching Biles this summer.
Be A Changemaker: How To Start Something That Matters
Be A Changemaker: How To Start Something That Matters
When a teen has an idea for a way to change the world, she may not know what to do to make it a reality. This book will guide her through it, step by step! Individual chapters cover everything from refining your idea to fundraising to creating a business plan, and even discuss what to do when you're ready to move on, whether you're closing down your project or handing it off to another person. Profiles of real teens who have developed charities, non-profits, and socially conscious businesses help readers see how to get from inspiration to reality. Changing the world may not be easy, but with this book, she'll know where to start.
The Hired Girl
The Hired Girl
14-year-old Joan Skraggs adores reading, but on a Pennsylvania farm in 1911, books are hard to come by — especially once her father forces her to quit school to cook and clean for him and her brothers. After her father burns the few precious books she owns, Joan decides to run away and work as a hired girl in a city. She finds herself in Baltimore, working as a maid for a Jewish family who are warm, kind, and appreciative of everything that education has to offer. But even with six dollars a week in wages will Joan be able to build the future that she’s always dreamed of and, most importantly, finally have a chance to continue her education? In this deeply compelling novel, which won the 2016 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, Laura Amy Schlitz creates a vivid and authentic character in Joan, who makes a few impetuous mistakes but never stops imagining big things for herself.
I Will Always Write Back
I Will Always Write Back
It started as an assignment: Caitlin, a 12-year-old from a middle class American family, was given a pen pal named Martin, a 14-year-old from a Zimbabwe slum. Caitlin began by describing a world of homework, shopping trips, and time hanging out with friends; when Martin finally opened up, Caitlin was shocked to realize how many of the things he dreamed of having were things she took for granted — especially, the opportunity to continue studying. In this dual memoir, the pair recount how that simple assignment became a six year relationship that changed both of their lives, as Caitlin helped Martin achieve his dream of studying at an American university, while Martin opened Caitlin eyes to the world and her privileged place within it. Accessible and heartfelt, this book will give teens new perspective on their world.
Code Name Verity
Code Name Verity
In World War II England, two young women become unlikely friends. One is a pilot, a new member of Britain's Air Transport Auxiliary; one is a spy, destined to assist the resistance in France. When one woman has to eject from their malfunctioning plane and is captured by the Gestapo, she steels herself for the brutality of an interrogation. But do they have the pilot, or the spy? And will Verity manage to keep Britain's secrets, or does her capture risk everything? Suspenseful and rich in detail, this is a book that will keep teen and adult readers turning pages to the end... and then get them back to the beginning to look for the things they missed on the first read. Fans of this book will want to check out the companion, Rose Under Fire.
Heartless
Heartless
Before Alice fell down a rabbit hole, there was a girl who wanted to fall in love... Catherine is one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts. And yet all she wants is to open a baker's shop with her best friend, something her mother refuses to allow. Then Cath meets Jest, the court joker, and they secretly begin a courtship. If they are discovered, the king will be furious and her parents will be appalled, but Cath is determined to make her own way. But will fate be so easy to evade? This fascinating fractured fairy tale explores how the mad Queen of Hearts from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland came to be.
Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science - And The World
Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science - And The World
For every famous name like Marie Curie and Jane Goodall, there are dozens or hundreds of women whose work in science is little known — and even when it is, their contributions are often minimized or forgotten. Rachel Swaby was inspired to write this book after reading an obituary of rocket scientist Yvonne Brill that spent the first paragraph focusing on her beef stroganoff recipe and her family life. Within it, she provide capsule biographies of 52 women scientists whose stories need to be told. Broken down into categories like medicine, physics, biology, math and technology, and invention, this book shows the innumerable ways in which women have advanced our scientific understanding. Fascinating for both teens and adults, it's sure to get your Mighty Girl thinking about what she might grow up to discover! Fans of this book can also check out Swaby's new title, Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World, which is suitable for ages 10 to 13.
Nimona
Nimona
Nimona is a young shapeshifter who’s eager to turn her remarkable talent into a career as a supervillain’s dastardly sidekick! So when she meets Lord Ballister Blackheart, a sinister man with a vendetta, it seems like the perfect match. Together, they will prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his Institute of Law Enforcement aren’t the noble heroes everyone thinks they are. And, Nimona’s ferocious shapeshifting abilities are just what's needed to tip the scales of this ongoing rivalry! This clever and funny collection of issues from Stevenson’s webcomic — which has been called "a mash-up of medieval culture with modern science and technology" — also includes exclusive material, as well as conceptual sketches.
Jane Austen: The Complete Works
Jane Austen: The Complete Works
She is one of the most influential novelists in the English language, and one of the trailblazing women authors who presented female characters as people with significant lives of their own. Now, you can own her complete works in a beautiful box set. The set includes Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and a volume called Love and Friendship which collects Austen's early writings and juvenilia. Each volume is bound in exquisitely patterned cloth and stamped with foil accents. Any fan of Austen's would be thrilled to unwrap this set.
The Sun Is Also A Star
The Sun Is Also A Star
Natasha, a Jamaican immigrant, is being deported with her family in 12 hours - unless she can find a way to stay in the country legally. Daniel, under pressure from his South Korean immigrant parents to become a doctor, is on his way to a Yale interview. When the two teenagers meet by chance, they are immediately drawn to one another – but can the meeting that changed their lives really change their futures? Told over the course of a single day in alternating chapters by each narrator, this beautiful, bittersweet, and ultimately hopeful novel about love, fate, and dreams shows how we are all inexplicably connected. Fans of author Nicola Yoon's best-selling book Everything, Everything won't want to miss this title.
Lois Lane: Fallout
Lois Lane: Fallout
Army brat Lois Lane is starting a new life — again — in Metropolis, and she's determined to stay quiet, fly straight, and blend in. But things aren't that easy: at her new school, a group called the Warheads is messing with another girl's mind through some sort of high tech video game they all play. Lois can't let it stand, so with her wit, her brand new reporter's credentials, and the help of mysterious online friend, Smallville Guy, she's determined to get to the bottom of things. This creative reimagining of classic DC character Lois Lane is first in a series; to continue her story, check out the newly released volume, Lois Lane: Double Down, too!
Eleanor and Park
Eleanor and Park
It's 1986, and Eleanor is facing a challenging home life with a neglectful mother and an unpleasant stepfather, while Park feels out of place at home because of his lack of academic ambition and at school because of his race. After Park notices Eleanor reading his comic books over his shoulder, their friendship — and then love — slowly grows as they bond over mix tapes, X-Men, and their individual quests to find places where they feel like they belong. But first love rarely lasts, and when a crisis strikes, will Eleanor and Park have to give their love up to be safe? Or can love really overcome all obstacles? Sweet and touching, this book is a love story that rings true.
I'll Give You The Sun
I'll Give You The Sun
At thirteen, Jude and her twin brother Noah are as close as can be; at sixteen, they're barely speaking. Something happened in those years — something that broke each of them as individuals, and shattered the relationship between the two of them. In this story, the siblings' younger years are Noah's to tell, while Jude tells the later story — and in each, they face the reality of how things have driven them apart, and how love can bring them back together. A rollercoaster of first loves and first breakups, betrayals and forgiveness, this artful and whimsical story is also an excellent choice to introduce magical realism to teen readers.
The Handmaid's Tale
The Handmaid's Tale
In the Republic of Gilead, women have only a few roles, and one of them is to be a Handmaid: a fertile woman who bears children on behalf of the Wives of high-ranking men. Offred is a Handmaid who remembers the pre-Gilead times, when she chose a husband and was allowed to read and think for herself. When the Commander, Fred, to whom she is assigned begins an illicit relationship with her — one where his wife is not present and where he allows Offred to read — Offred begins to explore how she can assist the resistance and help build a new world. Powerful, thought-provoking, and complex, this dystopian novel will give you and your teen plenty of fodder for discussion.
We Should All Be Feminists
We Should All Be Feminists
In this personal, eloquently-argued essay — adapted from her much-admired TEDx talk of the same name — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author of Americanah, offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author's exploration of what it means to be a woman now — and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists. Thought-provoking and inspiring, this is a timely read for both teens and adults.
Additional Recommended Resources
- For more great books for all ages starring Mighty Girls, check out the over 2,500 titles and 250 categories in our Book Collection.
- For book gifts for adult readers, check out our blog Stories of Mighty Women: 2016 Biographies for Adult Readers.
- For more empowering gift ideas for children and teens, visit our 2016 Girl Empowerment Holiday Gift Guide and our 2016 Holiday Guide blog series.
