Beloved Books: 50 Classic Mighty Girl Stories

Blueberries for Sal

In this classic Mighty Girl picture book, a little girl named Sal heads out with her mother to pick blueberries — right around the time a little bear cub and his mother do the same! Thanks to a pair of youngsters who are paying more attention to the sweet blueberries than to where they’re going, the two families get mixed up, and soon it’s Sal tailing the mother bear and the bear cub following Sal’s mom. Fortunately, in the end two children — with very full tummies — end up in their homes where they belong. This Caldecott Honor book has been a favorite since 1949, so it’s perfect for introducing to yet another generation.

Twig

Where most people only see dandelions and dirt, imaginative Twig sees a whole world in her backyard, complete with companions Old Girl (the cat), Old Boy (the ice-cart horse), and the Sparrows. When she finds an empty tomato can, Twig has a brilliant idea: she’ll turn it into a little house, just perfect for a fairy! Soon, a tiny boy named Elf shows up, and with a little fairy magic, Twig gets shrunk to his size so the pair of them can go on an adventure in fairyland. This heart-warming story celebrates the incredible power of a child's imagination in a way that feels like it could still happen today.

The Hundred Dresses

Maddie goes to a Connecticut school where the girls love to show off their special school dresses. Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl from a shabby neighborhood, only wears one worn blue dress to school, but she swears that she has a hundred fine dresses at home, in every color and fabric. Wanda's classmates tease her mercilessly, and while Maddie doesn't join in, she doesn't say anything, either. And when Wanda’s family moves away because of the treatment they suffered in town, Maddie deeply regrets her choice and decides that she is “never going to stand by and say nothing again.” This Newbery Award-winning book teaches empathy and encourages children to see the power of a bystander to stand in support of a bullied peer.

The Secret Garden

Orphaned Mary Lennox is sad and lonely when she comes to her uncle’s house, and she covers her feelings by being sour and unpleasant to everyone around her. But her interest is soon piqued by the secrets the Yorkshire house conceals — and the cries she hears late at night. When she discovers an overgrown garden, walled and forgotten for years, Mary discovers a purpose: bringing life back to the desolate place. Then, she meets her sickly cousin Colin, the source of the nightly wails, and he joins her in her quest. It may be that healing the garden will heal both of the children — and perhaps a whole family.

Strawberry Girl

10-year-old Birdie Boyer knows why her family has moved to the Florida backwoods: strawberries! Despite her father's warning — "Don′t count your biddies ′fore they′re hatched!" — she can’t wait to start picking them. However, there are challenges for her family to contend with before they’ll have a harvest. Together, they face the Florida heat, droughts, and cold snaps — and most worrisome of all, competitive, possibly dangerous, neighbors. Fortunately, with a little persistence, a handful of forgiveness, and a lot of hard work, Birdie gets to enjoy her sweet strawberries in the end. With simple but vivid description, this book will make kids feel like they've stepped straight into Birdie's strawberry field.

Heidi

Heidi’s grandfather is cold and forbidding, but even he can’t remain aloof in the face of the bright, loving little girl! In fact, Heidi’s joy in life and compassion touch the hearts of everyone around her — her grandfather, Peter the goatherd, and her friend Clara are only those most affected by her caring soul. But when Heidi is sent to Frankfurt, the strict housekeeper and her terrible homesickness threaten to snuff her special spark of joy. Fortunately, wise adults realize that it's time to get her back to her beloved mountains, where her spirit of optimism will brighten many lives. This delightful story featuring an intelligent and charming Mighty Girl also captures the special connection a girl can have with a place — in this case, Heidi’s beloved mountain home. This title is one of four included in a beautiful gift set, Puffin In Bloom Illustrated Classics Collection.

Emily of New Moon

When Emily’s beloved father dies, she has to go live with her stern Aunt Elizabeth at New Moon Farm. Despite Elizabeth’s stiff demeanor and the unpleasantness of her new classmates, Emily is determined to hold her head high. Fortunately, her determination and quick wit soon have her making new friends and discovering unexpected surprises. She also begins to develop her talent at writing, thanks to the help of the grouchy but supportive teacher Mr. Carpenter. Before long, Emily may just start thinking of herself as Emily of New Moon. Beloved author L.M. Montgomery's first book in a trilogy about Emily is sure to be a hit with fans of her more famous character Anne of Green Gables.

Mary Poppins Box Set

From the moment a mysterious woman appears at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane to take a position as a nanny, there's a little magic in the air! Only Mary Poppins can slide up a banister and turn a chalk drawing into a day at the park. This set collects four Mary Poppins adventures, Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins Comes Back, Mary Poppins Opens the Door, and Mary Poppins in the Park, in paperback editions, perfect for both old and new fans. For more products featuring this popular character, visit our Mary Poppins Collection.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

It all begins when a tornado sweeps Dorothy away to the magical land of Oz, a land where she’ll make the most unusual friends and have to face unexpected dangers. As Dorothy searches for the way to go home — and her companions seek the end of their own quests — she must also evade the angry Wicked Witch of the West. Everyone assures Dorothy that the Wizard can solve her problems, but perhaps it’s Dorothy herself who has the power to get back home. If you or your Mighty Girl loves Oz, you should also check out the 5-book box set and, of course, the 1939 film. For many related books, toys, and costumes, visit our Dorothy Collection.

Anne of Green Gables

Brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decided to take in an orphan boy to help on the family farm; they’re not expecting spirited, flame-haired Anne to show up instead. But Matthew is quickly charmed by Anne’s unique personality and vivid imagination. It may be that this unexpected but loving girl will be the best thing ever to happen to their family. Fans of Anne Shirley can also check out this box set featuring all the Anne novels, as well as films, toys, and posters in our Anne of Green Gables Collection. This title is also one of four included in the beautiful gift set, Puffin In Bloom Illustrated Classics Collection.

Little Women

150th Anniversary Edition

For generations, readers have fallen in love with the March girls: hardworking Meg, impulsive Jo, shy Beth, precocious Amy, and of course, their dedicated and loving mother Marmee. Now, new readers and longtime fans have a beautiful 150th anniversary edition they can enjoy for years to come! Louisa May Alcott's classic tale is printed in its entirety, accented by new illustrations and an introduction by New York Times bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan, as well as an elegant new cover. For more resources about Alcott and her beloved characters, visit our Little Women Collection. This title is one of four included in the beautiful gift set, Puffin In Bloom Illustrated Classics Collection.

Pride and Prejudice

In the Bennet household, a family of five sisters, finding a wealthy husband might be critical to the family’s survival when Mr. Bennet passes away. But intelligent, spirited Elizabeth is less concerned about a man’s annual income than his mind and personality. She takes an immediate dislike to new arrival Mr. Darcy, no matter his wealth or appearance. But has Elizabeth been fooled by her first impression? Perhaps she's not as good a judge of character as she initially believed. This classic novel helped launch Jane Austen into fame, and today it remains one of the great novels of English literature. For more resources about this groundbreaking author, visit our Jane Austen Collection.

Jane Austen: The Complete Works

She is one of the most influential novelists in the English language, and the woman who changed attitudes about whether female authors — and female characters — were of literary value. Now, you can enjoy all of Austen's works — Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion, plus a volume of early writings and juvenilia — in these beautiful cloth-bound books. It's the perfect gift set for a reader who's discovering the wit, humor, and rich language of one of the world's most esteemed authors. For more resources about this groundbreaking author, visit our Jane Austen Collection.

Miss Twiggley’s Tree

Mrs. Twiggley, the fearful woman who lives in a tree, sends her dog out to do the shopping, and hides when people visit, is a perennial topic of gossip in her small town. At best, she’s considered eccentric; at worst, utterly disgraceful. But when a hurricane begins to flood the town, the disaster forces Mrs. Twiggley to deal with her neighbors — and her neighbors to see the value in Mrs. Twiggley’s ways. A charming story about tolerance for differences and facing fears, with a very warm, happy ending, it’s sure to be a favorite.

Christina Katerina and the Box

When their new fridge arrives, Christina Katerina is excited for a different reason than her mother: her mother gets the appliance, but she gets the box! In the mind of Christina Katerina, the possibilities are endless: a castle, a clubhouse, a race car, anything could become the start of the next game. With the help of her (sometimes) friend Fats Watson, that simple cardboard box is full of potential. Anyone who has watched — or been — a young, imaginative child given a flexible plaything will love this book, which perfectly captures the creative play of children, as well as the occasional exasperation that it brings on in parents!

Sarah, Plain and Tall

For years, Anna and her little brother Caleb have lived without a mother, with Anna telling Caleb stories about a time when both their parents were around and sang every day. Then, one day, their widowed father puts an ad in the paper, seeking a wife — and Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton, of Maine, writes back. After exchanging letters, Sarah decides to come for a month to meet the family, writing, "I will come by train. I will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall, and Tell them I sing." Now Anna and Caleb are full of anticipation. What will Sarah be like? And will she like them enough to stay? This Newbery Medal-winning book explores grief and love, and ends with a sweet celebration of a new family.

Charlotte’s Web

It all starts with a runty pig, rescued by a determined farm girl, who meets an extraordinary spider. When Wilbur realizes that the ultimate fate of most pigs is being slaughtered for meat, he and his new spider friend Charlotte set out to make Wilbur stand out. Even as their plan succeeds, though, Charlotte is aware of a sad truth: spiders don't live as long as pigs do... The story of Wilbur, Charlotte, and the compassionate Fern is considered one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. The heartfelt story about compassion, community, and celebrating — and then mourning — a friendship became an instant classic, and it’s sure to touch your own Mighty Girl just as deeply as it did its first readers. Fans of the book can also check out the live action film adaptation (age 4 and up).

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

When 12-year-old Claudia who decides to run away from home, she brings her little brother Jamie along for the ride, and chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as their new home. The pair quickly settle into living secretly in the museum, but when a new exhibit arrives, the children fall into the middle of a mystery that takes them on another grand adventure — one which will make young readers look at museums in a whole different light! This Newbery Award-winning novel is a classic, suspenseful read that stands the test of time.

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? In addition to the wilderness adventure, kids will enjoy the intriguing questions about friendship, family, and loyalty raised by this story. Fans of Pippi Longstocking will want to check out this fun coming-of-age adventure.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

When 12-year-old Karana tries to rescue her brother from being left behind on her tribe’s old island, she ends up stranded on the island herself, alone and desperate to survive. Feeding herself, building shelter, and making clothes are one thing; managing the loneliness of total isolation is even more difficult, even after she befriends some of the island's animals. But despite the trials Karana faces, she discovers courage — and peace — in her imposed self-reliance. This Newbery Medal tale of survival, which was inspired by the story of the Lost Woman of San Nicolas, will leave your Mighty Girl debating what she would have done in Karana’s position.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

16-year-old Kit Tyler migrates to colonial Connecticut from her home in Barbados in 1687 but feels lost in this new home as the other colonists don’t trust a girl with so much spunk and spirit. Soon, Kit finds a friend in Hannah Tupper, an old Quaker woman. But Kit’s friendship with Hannah is soon complicated by the fact that the colonists believe Hannah to be a witch and now Kit may also be guilty by association. In this Newbery Award-winning novel, readers will discover a heroine to admire for both her unwavering sense of truth as well as her infinite capacity to love.

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. There is also an excellent graphic novel adaptation by Hope Larson.

Homecoming

Dicey’s mother wrestles with mental illness, so Dicey grew up fast to take care of her younger siblings, but when hours pass waiting for her in their car at the mall, Dicey realizes that things are about to get even tougher. If they admit they’ve been abandoned, they’ll be sent to foster care — and what are the chances one home will take all four of them? But Dicey remembers where their rich aunt lives; if they can get there, maybe they can build a new home. She has $11 in her pocket, three younger kids to take care of, and over 100 miles to travel, but if she makes it, it will all be worth it. Readers of this moving National Book Award finalist title about one girl's courage against impossible odds can continue the story in the Newbery Award-winning sequel, Dicey’s Song.

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.

Julie of the Wolves

13-year-old Julie is torn between being Miyax, who follows her family’s traditional Inupiat Alaskan ways, and being Julie, the modernized teenager. But when her arranged marriage becomes outright dangerous, Julie runs away, determined to reach her pen pal’s San Francisco home. With no food or shelter, though, and no one to help her except a pack of wolves, Julie begins to see the value of the traditions that she’d previously disdained. When she makes it to her destination, she'll have to figure out how to blend both sides of her self. This Newbery Medal tale that celebrates individuality and self-sufficiency is sure to appeal to any adventurous Mighty Girl; they can follow Julie’s story further in the sequel, Julie.

The House on Mango Street

Esperanza Cordero is a Latina girl coming of age in a world that’s full of joy and laughter, but also oppression and struggle. In a series of vignettes, many in free verse, she decides that the house on Mango Street is only temporary, a place she must stay until she can find a better life, away from the poor neighborhood where she grew up. At the same time, she is determined not to forget those who she leaves behind, but to come back and help lift them out of poverty as well. Full of clever, funny observations and insightful views of gender roles and culture, this remarkable novel is sure to fascinate teen readers.