This empowering collection will keep even the most voracious readers busy for weeks to come!
As coronavirus shutdowns lengthen, avid readers are facing a challenge: they're running out of reading material! E-books offer an excellent solution: choose your title and it will be on your device in minutes, ready to settle in for a reading session. To help tween readers and their parents find more girl-empowering books to read during the weeks ahead, we've featured a selection of Mighty Girl middle-grade titles — all of which are available as an e-book for under $5.
We hope that they offer your Mighty Girl many happy hours of reading while your family is sheltering in place. After all, if there's one thing every book lover knows, it's that a good book can take you around the world and through time, without ever leaving your home!
Note: The prices listed below are for physical copies of each title. Please click the "Buy at Amazon" button to view the pricing for the Kindle/e-book edition. E-book prices are under $5 on Amazon.com as of April 7, 2020; prices may change with time and may differ on Amazon.ca or Amazon.co.uk.
Free and Cheap E-books Starring Mighty Girls
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
When a girl named Alice follows a mysterious white rabbit with a pocketwatch down a rabbit hole, she discovers a curious and magical place called Wonderland! Lewis Carroll's classic story, full of memorable characters like the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts, is just as wondrous and absorbing today as it was the day it was written. This edition includes John Tenniel's classic illustrations, which will delight longtime fans of the story. A deluxe edition of this story with bold new illustrations from Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. is available in the Puffin in Bloom Illustrated Classics Collection. For more books and other products featuring Alice and her friends, visit our Alice in Wonderland Collection.
Celia and the Fairies
Celia and the Fairies
10-year-old Celia's grandmother always told her stories about the fairies in the woods behind her home — but she never believed them until Mira, a real, live fairy, shows up one day asking for help! A planned new highway, planned by the spiteful Vicky McClutchy, threatens both Celia's home and the fairies' woods. Fairy magic can counteract the evil in the air, but only with Celia's help. With her friend Paul by her side, Celia sets out on a quest to save the day. This magical tail captures the power (and magic!) of ordinary kindness.
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot
Roz the robot opens her eyes for the first time to find herself alone on a remote island, full of nothing but wilderness. A fierce storm and a vicious bear attack convince Roz that the best way to make it is to adapt, observe, and learn from the island's animals. Slowly, the animals adapt to Roz too, and before long, the island is feeling like home. But can Roz really live a wild, free life — even when her creators finally come looking for her? Author / illustrator Peter Brown tells an exciting and touching story about nature, technology, and what it means to belong. Roz's story continues in The Wild Robot Escapes, or both books are available in The Wild Robot box set.
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Anna is growing up in Berlin, and thinks of herself as a German like everyone else she knows. Hitler’s face on posters around the city doesn’t mean anything to her — until one night her father disappears. Her mother explains that he had to leave, and soon, they will join him. Escaping Nazi Germany means a life as a refugee, leaving everything Anna knows behind, but at first it just seems like an adventure. Soon, though, Anna realizes the move is permanent, complete with new languages to learn, financial struggles, and a new realization: the most important thing of all is that their family is together. Kids will empathize with Anna's confusion as this book provides a gentle introduction to World War II and Holocaust history.
Igraine the Brave
Igraine the Brave
Igraine’s great-grandfather was a brave knight, and she wants to be one too — but life at the family castle is so predictable, and the rest of her family only cares about magical arts, not swordplay. Until, that is, the nephew of a nearby baroness shows up, eager to capture the castle and her parents’ singing spell books! And just as the siege begins, Igraine’s parents botch a spell, turning them both into pigs. If Igraine is going to save the the castle, she'll need help from a Giant, a Sorrowful Knight, a talking cat... and even her brother. Whimsical, humorous, and full of adventure, this story is sure to please readers both old and young.
All The Answers
All The Answers
When Ava finds a scratched up old pencil, she doodles like she would with any other — but when she writes a question in the margin of her math quiz, she hears an answer from a voice no one else can hear! With the help of her friend, Sophie, Ava discovers that the pencil can answer any factual question and soon the girls are finding all sorts of intriguing uses for it. But when the sensitive, anxious girl starts getting answers that she doesn't want to hear, Ava has to face her fears and realize that it's courage and determination, not magic, that will get you through the hardest parts of life.
The Princess and the Goblin
The Princess and the Goblin
When Princess Irene discovers a secret staircase that leads to the top turret of the castle, she's shocked and delighted to find her great-grandmother. But at the same time, Irene's friend Curdie, the miner's son, overhears a goblin plot to overthrow the kingdom. Together — with the help of Irene's magic ring — she and Curdie will have to find a way to prevent the coming disaster... and Curdie will have to learn that, as Irene tells him, sometimes "you must believe without seeing." A classic story, one of the first independent princess tales, The Princess and the Goblin is great as a read-aloud for younger children, but will reward re-reading with new nuances to discover, especially in this Puffin Classics edition which includes an author profile, a who's who guide, and an introduction by author Ursula K. LeGuin.
The Magic Half
The Magic Half
Miri is the only non-twin in a family of five kids, and there are times she feels downright out of place. Then, she discovers a surprising property of her bedroom in the family's new home, an old farmhouse: somehow, she transports herself back to 1935, where she meets Molly, a girl her own age who desperately needs to escape her abusive life. The two become fast friends, but when Miri accidentally goes back to her own time — without Molly — she has to figure out how to get back to Molly and maybe even end up with the sister she's always wanted. This fast-paced and magical story is sure to delight young readers who have wondered what secrets might lurk in their own home. Fans of this story can follow Miri and Molly in the sequel, Magic In The Mix.
Iron Hearted Violet
Iron Hearted Violet
A dragon can be a devoted ally — if you give him a chance. When lonely Violet accidentally frees a legendary evil being called Nybbas, she thinks she’s brought doom to everyone she loves. But she and her friend Demetrius realize that she might just be able to save it — with the help of an ancient, scarred dragon, the last in the world. After all, stories have their own power, and so do dragons... This fascinating fantasy story with a suitably intimidating villain provides a new perspective on dragon myths, while also celebrating the power of friendship and how the stories we tell can change our world.
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.
Emily of New Moon
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. The author behind Anne of Green Gables has created another unforgettable character in Emily!
11 Birthdays
11 Birthdays
Amanda is excited for her eleventh birthday — until everything goes wrong, including a fight with her best friend, Leo. She's glad when the day is over... but wakes up to discover that she's starting it all over again. The only other person aware of the time loop is Leo, and soon the pair have patched their friendship and start exploring the possibilities of unlimited do-overs. It turns out that seemingly small decisions have big and often unforeseen consequences — but can they find the one that gets them out of the loop and back to real life? Kids will love seeing Amanda and Leo rebuild their friendship and discover that what they do really does make a difference. Fans can return to author Wendy Mass' unique world in the second book in the series, Finally.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Minli lives in the valley of the Fruitless Mountain, where she and her parents struggle to survive. At night, her father tells her miraculous tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man in the Moon, who holds everyone's destiny, but her mother is too busy worrying to enjoy the stories. So one day, Minli decides that she will find the Old Man in the Moon and change her family's fortune. Along the way, she befriends a talking fish, a flightless dragon, and more amazing creatures... but when she reaches the Old Man, she will have to decide whether asking for riches for herself and her family is the best use of a chance to change fate. Inspired by Chinese folktales and full of vibrant illustrations, this unique story teaches an important lesson about greed and happiness. Fans of this book can check out the companion, When The Sea Turned To Silver.
A Little Princess
A Little Princess
Sara Crewe grew up the child of a wealthy father, and she's used to being treated like a princess. But when her father dies — and his wealth is suddenly lost — Sara finds her old friends and admirers have vanished, and Miss Minchin, her boarding school headmistress, forces her to work as an errand girl to cover her unpaid bills, starving her and making her stay in a freezing room in the attic. Sara, though, is convinced that was makes a girl a princess is determination, spirit, and generosity — attributes that can never be taken away. This enduring story about the power of kindness and hope still speaks to any reader who knows that what's inside one's heart is more important than any material wealth.
Glory Be
Glory Be
Glory has always looked forward to celebrating her July 4th birthday at the community pool. But in 1964, the summer she turns 12, that proves to be complicated. The town is in an uproar: Yankee "freedom people" are insisting that the pool be desegregated, and in response, the town has closed the pool "for repairs" indefinitely. As the conflict continues, and Glory comes of age, she begins to look beyond her own situation and see the closure of the pool in the context of the broader world. This memorable story captures the thoughts and feelings of a girl caught on the cusp of adulthood and facing true injustice she had never noticed before.
Little Women
Little Women
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 Puffin in Bloom deluxe hardcover edition! Louisa May Alcott's classic tale is printed in its entirety, accented with beautiful cover illustrations by Anna Bond, the artist behind world-renowned stationery brand Rifle Paper Co. To follow the full story of the March sisters, check out the Little Women Collection.
The Secret Tree
The Secret Tree
Minty is used to mysteries like the Witch House and the Man Bat, neighborhood legends that don't affect her much. But this summer, she's also facing new mysteries, like the Mean Boys who torment her and the strange behavior of her older sister, Thea. when Minty finds a tree with a hollow trunk, she also discovers that it's full of secrets belonging to people in the neighborhood, and that Raymond, another neighbor, has found the tree too. Together, they set out to identify who belongs with which secret — and see if they can fix each problem, one by one. An appealing main character and an emotionally rich story capture the changing nature of life and relationships in this thoughtful book.
The Unicorn Quest
The Unicorn Quest
After 11-year-old Claire and her older sister Sophie move to Windermere Manor, they discover a secret ladder in the fireplace leads to the magical land of Arden. There, they find a world in constant turmoil: the four magic guilds no longer trust each other after the disappearance of their beloved unicorns, and terrible wraiths freely roam the land. Scared, the girls return home, but when Sophie disappears, Claire will have to push through her fear to return to Arden and bring her sister safely home. A magical world where nothing is ruled by pure good or evil and a protagonist who challenges herself to find her own power make this an exciting introduction to the world of Arden. The sisters' adventures continue in the sequel, Secret in the Stone and concludes with Fire in the Star.
Becoming Naomi León
Becoming Naomi León
It's hard going through school as Naomi Soledad León Outlaw — between her long name and the hand-made clothes, she's never been one of the popular kids. But her grandmother is a loving guardian for her and her brother, whose physical deformities make him stand out, and tries her best to teach them both about their Mexican heritage. When Naomi's mother finally shows back up after seven years, with a scary boyfriend in tow, it soon becomes obvious that her motivations are more about profit and convenience than about reconnecting with her children. Fortunately, Gram and their Mexican neighbors work together so that Naomi can finally have the security she desperately needs. Touching and inspiring, this book asks important questions about what it really means to be family.
When You Reach Me
When You Reach Me
Sixth-graders Miranda and Sal know exactly what to do — and who to avoid — in their New York City neighborhood. But when Sal gets punched by a strange kid on the street, he suddenly stops talking to Miranda. Then, she starts getting mysterious notes that describe things no one should know, including one that reads "I'm coming to save your friend's life, and my own." As Miranda tries to solve the mystery, she begins to believe that time travel might play a part — and that she's the only one who can prevent a tragic death. A shocking twist ending will leave readers eager to re-read this novel now that they know how the puzzle comes together.
Rules
Rules
Catherine just wants a normal life, but that seems impossible with her autistic brother, David. The family's whole life revolves around David, and Catherine has spent years trying to teach him rules so that he won't embarrass her — everything from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public." But when Catherine becomes friends with Jason, a nonverbal paraplegic boy who uses a book of images to communicate, she's suddenly confronted with the truth: "normal" is hard to define, and rules are less important than acceptance and love. Catherine is an appealing character whose struggles between love for her brother and frustration with having to defer to his needs ring true.
Anne of Green Gables
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. In fact, it wasn't long before everyone at Green Gables — and in the town of Avonlea — agrees that Anne is something special. It may be that this unexpected but loving girl will be the best thing ever to happen to their family! This beloved book has delighted readers since its publication in 1908 with its creativity, romance, and charm. Fans of Anne can also check out this box set featuring all the Anne novels, as well as the other products in our Anne of Green Gables Collection.
The Meaning of Maggie
The Meaning of Maggie
Maggie doesn't understand why her cool-dude dad isn't working any more, or why he suddenly needs a wheelchair...until she learns that he has multiple sclerosis, a disease with no cure. The news may be scary — and her fights with her older sisters spectacular — but Maggie is determined that she can find a cure; after all, she's defending Science Fair champion! But Maggie's dad has something else he wants her to learn: that whatever is going on in your life, the most important thing is to live it. This heartfelt story of coming of age through a parent's illness is both sensitive and funny, and is sure to be a favorite for Daddy-daughter reading.
The Thing About Jellyfish
The Thing About Jellyfish
12-year-old Suzy’s best friend Franny was far too good a swimmer to have drowned, so Suzy concludes she must have been stung by a lethal jellyfish. Maybe if she can prove it, she can start speaking again. But as the history of their friendship is slowly revealed through a series of flashbacks, it becomes clear that their relationship was struggling: Franny had been leaving her socially awkward friend behind as they reached middle school, and Suzy's confused attempt at revenge and reconnection has left her struggling with guilt and a profound sense of loss. This complex, emotionally layered novel — a finalist for the National Book Award — tackles multiple issues, including the difficulty of finding your place as you get older and the different ways that people process grief.
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza grew up in privilege in Mexico, but when her father is killed by bandits shortly before her thirteenth birthday, she and her mother flee to America. In Depression-era California, no one cares about the elegant life Esperanza remembers: she’s just a farm worker, good for nothing but hard labor. But as Esperanza struggles with poverty, racism, and grief, a spirit of labor organization is blossoming around her. Hope is coming both for Esperanza and for the workers around her struggling to get by. This Pura Belpre Award-winning novel stars a courageous girl determined to find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances.
