Our favorite books for children and teens starring adventurous, sword-wielding Mighty Girls!
When it’s time for the brave young adventurer to pick up a sword and save the day, who says that adventurer has to be a boy? Sword-wielding Mighty Girls make for thrilling, dramatic fiction! If you have a child or teen who loves action, adventure, derring-do -- and a well-honed blade -- then there’s sure to be a perfect title for them in our new blog post showcasing our favorite books starring girls and women who are at home with a blade in hand.
In addition to being fun and action-packed, these stories set in times long ago or worlds of fantasy provide a powerful opportunity to talk about stereotyping and sexism in the real world -- after all, the only reason a female adventurer or warrior would be surprising is the influence of our own culture.
So if your child or teen has ever imagined being the brave knight and fighting for the good of the realm, check out these books to give her more fodder for her dreams of action and adventure! For even more tales of daring Mighty Girls -- in real-life and fiction -- visit our Action & Adventure book section.
Books Starring Sword-Wielding Girls and Women
Bo the Brave
Bo the Brave
Little Bo dreams of being a ferocious monster hunter, just like her big brothers, Erik and Ivar, but they laugh at the very idea: "You’re far too little." So she sneaks out of the castle to prove her mettle. Except the first two "monsters" she encounters, a kraken and a griffin, seem polite and kind... and the third, a roaring dragon, is actually wailing over her stolen baby. Bo has to quickly reassess what really makes someone a monster — and soon, she's leading her newfound friends on a quest to set things right. Bethan Woollvin, best-selling author-illustrator of clever reimaginings of Little Red, Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel, creates an original fairy tale that encourages kids to put their courage to good use in this vibrant picture book!
The Rise of Skywalker Little Golden Book
The Rise of Skywalker Little Golden Book
The thrilling conclusion Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker gets adapted in the iconic Little Golden Book format! Rey, Finn, General Leia, Poe Dameron, and the heroes of the brave Resistance are ready for a final showdown with Kylo Ren and the First Order. Will the Resistance be able to stand strong and finally free the galaxy from Emperor Palpatine's grasp? With stunning retro-style illustrations, this book adapts the story of The Rise of Skywalker for younger kids, allowing them to experience the excitement of the movie in a book they can read themselves.
Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure
Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure
Margaret has always dreamed of adventure, so when a ship appears in the harbor, about to begin a perilous journey to the Kingdoms of Cold, she refuses to be left behind. But when a witch captures the crew and demands they slay a giant if they want to win their freedom, Margaret will have to take up an enchanted sword and fight the battle alone if she hopes to save the life of the man she’s come to love. This exciting tale is based on a story from a Gaelic source published in 1893, but its daring heroine could have stepped from the pages of any modern author.
Pirate Queen: A Story of Zheng Yi Sao
Pirate Queen: A Story of Zheng Yi Sao
When Zheng Yi Sao's village in Guangzhou, China was attacked by pirates in the late 1700s, the captain was captivated by her — but she refused to marry him unless she got a share of his business. Six years later, when he died, she took over his fleet, but realized that the best way to hold her power was by sharing it, winning the loyalty of other ships' captains by offering them their own shares. Before long, she commanded 1,800 ships and 70,000 sailors, rivaling the emperor's own navy. And even though she had a price on her head, when she was ready to retire, she convinced the governor-general of Canton to grant her freedom. Helaine Becker's exuberant picture book about Zheng Yi Sao's remarkable life includes an equally fascinating author's note about what it's like to tell the story of a person whose history is almost forgotten.
Giants Beware!
Giants Beware!
Claudette is determined to become the most ferocious giant-slayer that ever lived... even if she IS just a child, and her village is quiet and (frankly) boring. With two companions by her side, her best friend, an aspiring princess, and her brother, a would-be chef, she sets off to defeat the local giant — assuming they can get there before their parents drag them home, of course! But things aren’t always as they seem, and sometimes monsters aren’t as fearful as people claim. This dynamic and hilarious graphic novel is sure to become a favorite. Claudette’s fans can follow her continuing adventures in the sequel, Dragons Beware!
Barb the Last Berzerker
Barb the Last Berzerker
In the land of Bailiwick, the Berzerkers are a band of warriors who protect the land from monsters — and Barb is one of their newest recruits. But the Berserkers end up targeted by the nefarious Witch Head, who uses his magical sword to capture the Zerks. Barb is the only one to escape, and she managed to steal Witch Head's Shadow Blade along the way. Now she needs to team up with her friend Porkchop the yeti to battle vampire goats fiends, snot goblins, and a giant with foot odor, in hopes of rescuing her friends... before she loses control of the Shadow Blade's power. This laugh-out-loud graphic novel with a determined heroine who confronts both monsters and personal challenges is an introduction to Barb's world that will leave readers eager for the sequel.
Princeless
Princeless
Adrienne Ashe was never fond of princess duties like dinners and fancy balls, but when her parents imprison her in a tower on her 16th birthday, she decides she’s had enough! She’s supposed to wait for a prince to defeat her dragon guard and claim her hand in marriage... but when she discovers a sword in her tower, Adrienne realizes it’s time to take matters into her owns hands. Funny riffs on adventure story stereotypes fill this graphic novel, and parents and educators will be delighted with the diverse characters. You can read more about Adrienne's adventures in the several Princeless sequels.
Handbook for Dragon Slayers
Handbook for Dragon Slayers
Princess Tilda’s crippled foot has always kept her from active pursuits, but in the past that suited her fine: she dreamed of writing books, not adventuring through the countryside. But when her evil cousin Ivo takes her prisoner to claim her crown, her only option for escape is with a failed squire and her loyal handmaiden, both would-be dragon slayers. Soon, Tilda finds herself befriending magical horses, breaking magic spells, and most surprisingly of all, facing down a dragon with sword in hand. This fast-paced fantasy story features a likeable trio, including a heroine who discovers that many of her perceived limitations came from within and aren't surmountable after all.
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 the castle is going to stand, Igraine will 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.
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
Eleven-year-old Mirka Herschberg dreams of fighting fire-breathing dragons, but they’re in short supply around her Orthodox Jewish community! And while she can hone her skills by standing up to bullies and battling a terribly menacing pig — while avoiding lessons in knitting and how to find a husband — she still doesn’t have the sword she craves. Until, that is, a mysterious witch challenges her to outwit and defeat a troll. This graphic novel features a unique mix of cultural tradition and fantasy adventure! Fans of Mirka will enjoy following her continuing adventures in the sequel, Hereville: How Mirka Met A Meterorite.
The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates: Magic Marks The Spot
The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates: Magic Marks The Spot
Hilary Westfield has spent her life preparing to be a pirate, practicing treading water, tying knots, and most importantly, swinging her very pointy sword. Then she finds out the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates refuses to accept girls — leaving her facing a life confined to a stuffy finishing school! So Hilary sets out on her own seagoing adventure, looking for a magical treasure (that may not exist) on a map with no X. Full of swashbuckling tropes turned on their heads, this novel includes asides with letters, forms, and quotes from the VNHLP handbook that provide interesting and funny alternate perspectives on the action! Fans of the first book can check out the two sequels, The Terror of the Southlands and The Buccaneers' Code.
The Mad Wolf's Daughter
The Mad Wolf's Daughter
For years, 12-year-old Drest has trained as a warrior, but has been protected by her father, the Mad Wolf of the North, and her five loving brothers, the mainstay of his early 13th century Scottish warband. But when her father and brothers are captured by invading knights — and scheduled to be executed in five days — Drest comes up with a daring rescue plan: travel to Faintree Castle and trade an injured knight for their freedom. On the dangerous journey, she meets allies and enemies alike, and starts to hear stories about her father and brothers that contradict her image of them as just and moral warriors. Drest will have to race against time through a world she's never navigated alone if she's going to learn the truth about her family and save the day. This fast-paced and riveting adventure story explores the complexity of morality, friendship, and family loyalty. Drest's adventures continue in the sequel, The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter.
All's Faire in Middle School
All's Faire in Middle School
Eleven-year-old Imogene (Impy) has grown up in the Renaissance Faire where her parents work, and she's dreamed of being a squire for years. She wants to prove her bravery, so she chooses one of the most daunting quests she can imagine — she'll go to middle school after a life of being homeschooled! But it's hard to be a noble would-be knight when you're surrounded by a group of girls who seem nice (until they aren't), and when you're feeling newfound embarrassment about your family's "weird" life. And when Impy does something mean in an effort to fit in, she begins to wonder if she's got what it takes to be a knight — and how she can turn herself around and make things right. This funny and heartfelt graphic novel celebrates what it truly means to be brave.
The Blue Sword
The Blue Sword
Harry Crewe is an orphan, expecting a quiet and ordinary life — until she is kidnapped by Corlath, the Hillfolk King of Damar, and taken deep into the desert. She doesn’t even speak the Hillfolk language, and yet their culture seems strangely second nature to her. Eventually, Corlath reveals the truth: Harry has a destiny to fulfill. If she can learn to fight better than any of his warriors, she may be able to wield the Blue Sword and perhaps turn the tide of a long war. This sequel to the Newbery Award-winning The Hero and The Crown will enthrall your young reader.
Princess Mononoke Picture Book
Princess Mononoke Picture Book
After battling what appears to be a rampaging demon, Ashitaka is shocked to discover that it's actually a boar god, warped by human anger — and that the injury he sustained in battle has corrupted him with the same curse. On his quest to find a cure, he encounters San, a spear-wielding girl raised by wolves who is leading an army of forest spirits against the human town that would wipe them all out in favor of technological progress. At first, San is suspicious of Ashitaka, but she soon realizes that he is an ally, not an enemy. Can she and Ashitaka successfully cure the curse and bring balance to the humans and the spirit? This picture book adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film uses art from the movie to make San's story leap off the page.
Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword
Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword
For the first time in history, students from Shin are being allowed to attend the Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword, home of wu liu, the art of martial arts figure skating — and Peasprout Chen and her brother Cricket are the lucky students! But not everyone agrees that they belong at the Academy, and Peasprout's pride often gets in the way of making friends and learning the skills she needs to make it at the academy. When the beautiful pearl buildings of the Academy are vandalized, Peasprout has to prove she's not the culprit and figure out who wants Shin and Pearl at war. With plenty of action — including stunning and cinematic descriptions of wu liu battles — this exciting fantasy story puts a new twist on martial arts stories. Peasprout returns in the second book, Peasprout Chen: Battle of Champions.
Alanna: The First Adventure
Alanna: The First Adventure
Alanna has always dreamed of adventurous deeds, something denied to girls in Tortall, while her brother Thom yearns to learn magical arts. So when they’re sent off to learn their trades, the pair decide to trade places: Thom goes to the convent, while Alanna sets off to become a page — and eventually, she hopes, a knight. “Alan” finds it easier than expected to conceal who she really is, and quickly impresses those around her with her determination. But she’s haunted by visions of an evil city, and she wonders whether she can keep her gender a secret and whether she will falter or finally achieve her destiny. The first of the Song of the Lioness quartet, this book will delight fantasy fans, who can also get the whole series in The Song of the Lioness Box Set.
Foiled
Foiled
Aliera took her fencing instructor’s advice to “protect her heart” very, very seriously: she does so physically in competition, but also emotionally among her peers. But one day, she’s paired with a new lab partner in biology: Avery Castle, the cutest boy in school. As she explores the possibility that he’s actually interested in her, she also discovers a mysterious world that she can only see through her fencing mask — and a secret related to her second-hand fencing foil with a gem on the handle. This unique urban fantasy graphic novel, with a rich alternate dimension to explore, will leave your teen eager to continue the story in Curses! Foiled Again.
First Test
First Test
It's been a decade since knighthood was opened to women in Tortall, but no one has been brave enough to try — until Keladry steps forward. Knighthood is her one true desire, but she faces an even more difficult path than the male pages: Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires, is adamantly opposed to female nights and puts her on a probationary period that's never been assigned to any boy. Despite that, she is determined to try, and as she makes both human and animal friends, she will prove that she's as — or more — deserving than any candidate there. Fans of Tamora Pierce's world of Tortall will enjoy returning to it with this series, the Protector of the Small Quartet; complete the set with the sequels, Page, Squire, and Lady Knight.
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant
Delilah Dirk has been to Japan, Indonesia, France, and even the New World — and she’s always found rollicking adventure! Now, she’s planning a daring robbery, targeting a rich and corrupt Sultan in Constantinople. It’s going to be trickier with Erdemogul Selim, a Turkish Lieutenant who just wants a good cup of tea, by her side, but even slow, steady Selim can’t resist the indomitable Delilah’s thirst for new exploits. Constantinople won’t know what hit it! This colorful graphic novel features a swashbuckling heroine and plenty of action. Fans of the first volume can follow Delilah's story in the sequel, Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling.
Sorcery of Thorns
Sorcery of Thorns
Orphan Elisabeth has been raised in one of Austermeer's Great Libraries, where the wardens ensure that magical grimoires — the only thing holding evil beings back from the world — stay protected from the evil sorcerers who would do anything to free them. When she stumbles across the Library's slain director and a freed monster, she takes up the director's sword to defeat it and accidentally implicates herself in the crime. Now she finds herself having to collaborate with Nathaniel Thorn, a notorious sorcerer, and his demonic servant if she wants to save the Libraries and the world. And that challenges everything she knows about sorcerers, the Libraries, and herself. Action-packed and suspenseful, this imaginative fantasy will thrill young adult readers.
Crown Duel
Crown Duel
As Countess Meliara’s father died, she swore that she and her brother would defend their people from a greedy, heartless king. They were ill-prepared for the war that followed, although Meliara proved herself as a warrior and a leader. But when she's summoned to the royal palace, she finds she's even less prepared for peacetime, when friends and enemies don’t wear uniforms to tell them apart. Of course, a battle of words is still a battle and, if there’s one thing Mel has learned, it’s how to fight for those she’s sworn to protect. This fascinating story is a reminder that warriors need more than skill with a blade: they also need perception, wisdom, and a wit as sharp as their blade.
Graceling
Graceling
In Katsa’s world, the lucky few discover a Grace, a remarkable talent for anything from dancing to swimming to poetry. But in Katsa’s case, her Grace is fighting — and killing. As the King’s niece, she is forced to use her talent on those who oppose him, but she’s not willing to be the King’s thug. Instead, she forms a secret Council to aid those who seek justice. Graces are not always what they appear to be; is it possible that Katsa can turn her seemingly destructive Grace to good use? Fans of this inventive fantasy debut will enjoy checking out the sequels, Fire and Bitterblue.
Realm Breaker
Realm Breaker
Corayne an-Amarat has spent her life overprotected and hidden away in a small town by the sea — but all that changes when danger threatens the land of Allward. Corayne soon discovers that she is the last of an ancient lineage, a descendant of humans who came from another realm. Together with a group of unusual companions — some human, some immortal — she will play a critical role in preventing a wizard and a thief from tearing a passage between the worlds... one which could destroy them all. Full of action and magic, this exciting series opener from the best-selling author of the Red Queen series is packed with epic adventure and shocking twists and turns that will leave readers eager to continue the story in the sequel, Blade Breaker.
The Deed of Paksenarrion Omnibus
The Deed of Paksenarrion Omnibus
Paksenarrion was born a sheepfarmer’s daughter, but her destiny is as a Paladin, a holy defender of justice and good. After running away to join a mercenary company, Paks discovers her calling as a swordswoman. As she perfects the art of battle, she also recognizes that her first commander, Duke Kieri Phelan, is the rightful king by blood. But in order to install him in his rightful place, Paks must convince the elves of the kingdom that he is fit to rule — and there are evil forces afoot that don't want a strong, just ruler in Lyonya. Paks will have to fight — and sacrifice — in order to see a good man take the throne. This epic fantasy story collects all three volumes of Moon’s original saga, and readers will love following Paks as she goes from being a naive teenager to a battle-hardened, righteous warrior.
Bloodmarked
Bloodmarked
Bree's search for the truth behind her mother's death has revealed both the truth of the Legendborn Order and her own ancestral power as the anchor for the Legendborn cycle. It also introduced her to Nick, a Legendborn boy she's fallen in love with. When Nick is kidnapped, the Regents won't let her go fight — so Bree and her friends, including Selwyn, the mage sworn to protect Nick, have to go on the run to rescue him themselves. But Bree's power is unpredictable and growing, and so is her surprising attraction to Selwyn. Can she save Nick without losing herself? The second book in the Legendborn series ramps up the tension and will leave readers eager for the next volume.
Additional Recommended Resources
- For more tales of daring Mighty Girls, visit our Action & Adventure book section.
- For more stories of knights, dragons, and magic, visit our Fantasy book section.
- Several of the girls in these stories are princesses who can't be contained in the passive princess mold! For more stories of unique, adventurous, and courageous princesses, visit our Ultimate Guide to the Independent Princess.
- For stories that celebrate courageous, daring girls and women -- in fiction and real-life, visit our Courage & Bravery book section.
