books with strong female characters for young adults

Read again the first book from the bestselling series, The Hunger Games. Despite her gift of obedience, Ella resists her fate and breaks her curse with sheer strength and determination. The adorable Harriet is a young spy with great aspirations to be an author someday. This is the story of Malalas and her fathers plight to stand up to terrorism and fight for girls access to education. The Shadowhunters world is a large one, full ofmultipleseries by Cassandra Clarethat will keep you reading for a long time. Another incredibly strong female character in the Harry Potter series Hermione is arguably the true hero of the books. Despite living a life thats rife with violence, she soldiers on with a unique and enviable stoicism. When she comes back to her neighborhood in Houston one year later, she soon discovers that Black kids are being forced into crime and violence. She is headstrong, independent, and a total tomboy. Tessa Gray descends into Londons dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brotherand quickly discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters. Its about botany, after all. Until Next Sunday is a sweet Historical Romance inspired by a true story. She calls out sexism when she sees it, and she literally laughs in the face off one of the most terrifying creatures in Middle Earth, killing the Lord of the Nazgul in one of the most epic battle scenes in the series. K illing Eve, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Orphan Black, The Legend Of Korra, Alias Grace, Orange Is The New Black, Big Little Lies. You wont necessarily like Dolores, but you will definitely feel for her. Join our community with likeminded people & trained support mentors to help you. When Gussie ends up becoming a mentor her mentor, she also finds friendship. Young Adult novels are written for teen readers, but there's no reason why adults can't love them, too! Elizabeth Gilberts first novel in 12 years might not seem very appealing at first glance. Nobel winner tells what inspired activism in relatable tale. meeting the anglerfish on the other side.. In this memoir, Katie Couric reveals what went on behind the scenes in her personal and professional life. Inspired by the escape these books provide during bombing raids, Liesel shares her stolen books with her neighbors. What should I read next? Problem solved! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The tale of Olive Kitteridge is told in 13 cleverly linked stories set in a small coastal town in Maine. When separated, will letters keep their love alive? 24. Sign up. Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller is a clever re-imagining of the story of the Lady of the Lake. Its hard to be when you grow up at the Watchers Academy, which is a bit different from your average boarding school. Loved your content Afoma <3 very well-written. With so many incredible choices for strong female leads, this booklist draws from only a selection of fiction containing iconic female characters and nonfiction books written by inspiring women. Who inspires you? The best part? We've selected a pile of books with universal appeal for kids of different ages and tastes, from bestselling picture books to young adult novels in just about every genre: adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and family and school dramas. Nimue (pronounced NIM-way) is the fierce, unapologetically strong protagonist that youll fall in love with on page 1. Blackhearts reimagines the origin story of one of the worlds most infamous pirateBlackbeard. The story of Dolores Price is a heartbreaking one. These cookies do not store any personal information. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. But a teeny tiny part of her also really enjoys making her conservative, buttoned-up corporate lawyer parents cringe. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Forced to flee her home, she runs off to London to seek her fortune, encountering various interesting characters along the way. 1. It includes her accounts of assignments in Syria and Egypt. Starr Carter from The Hate U Give View Best Price on Amazon Check 'em out! Brave girl seeks missing friend in exciting graphic novel. Set in a fictional, gamified world, Warcross is an intriguing story fronted by Emika Chen, a strong, young Asian protagonist. Shes definitely not someone to mess with. Jane Eyre defies convention in the Victorian era as an independent and strong-willed feminist. Despite the major embarrassment of having her innermost secrets revealed to the people she least wants to share them with, Lara Jean faces her fears and embarrassment head on. As she seeks her way, Rima forges unexpected friendships with others who long for freedom, especially a handsome young artist named Maceo. 1. 2. She is completely wrecked, and yet somehow she still finds the strength to keep going and, eventually, to ask for the help she desperately needs. How the Garca Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez, 34. As it states in the Amazon description, At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.. Check out this list of powerful and compelling survival novels you have to read! Limitless is the perfect title for this memoir thats soon to be a feature film and a documentary. If you want just the books, Young Adult Book Monthly is an option too! When seventeen-year-old Zara escaped her fathers backwoods survivalist compound five years ago, she traded crossbows and skinning hides for electricity and video gamesand tried to forget the tragedy that drove her away. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter tells the story of 5 young misfits who form a bond founded on their shared isolation. Scout is the youngest of our inspiring women being only 5 years old when the novel begins. Its a portrait of the times and an authentic immigrant experience. full terms and conditions and this month's choices. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come. As The Secret Life of Bees is one of my all-time favorite novels and a great choice for a book with strong female characters, I couldnt agree more with this blurb from the Amazon description. Violet is practical, intelligent and level-headed, and is definitely the person you want next to you if youre faced with an unfortunate event of any kind. Loosely based on the life of author Louisa May Alcott and her three sisters, Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, from childhood to womanhood. They are both incredibly strong women, independent and brave. And, she lets us in on how she found love again in mid-life. Because she is biracial, Rachel has to struggle for acceptance in a predominantly black community on top of dealing with her grief over the loss of her family. But even asher body is weak, her mind is not. Of course, the strong female character of sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeenis the reason why it has earned so many votes. Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk-immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. But despite being left on the wayside in his struggle to find his voice and deal with his newfound fame, Hadley proves that it is, indeed, possible to rise above it all. Liesel is a foster girl living outside Munich during Nazi Germany in 1939. From toddlers to YA, these stories will inspire and empower, as well as entertain. McGinnis's novel about a teenage girl who avenges her sister's rape and murder and becomes a self-created human weapon is a gut punch that . So she goes off to disguise herself as a boy, switching places with her twin brother, in order to train as a page in the kings palace. Learn more about Rosina in Until Next Sunday here! What if the Lady of the Lake didnt give Excalibur to Arthur and instead was destined to unite England? Though this was presumably because of the way society functioned, it only maintained the idea that women are secondary to men. After all, not many people would choose to be a professional killer. There are plenty of great books featuring strong female main characters in compelling stories that are sure to appeal to boys as well as girls. Among the worst is the ache and pain of loneliness. She faces hardship and prejudice with strength and courage. The Nature Girls is an engaging picture book about budding explorers that adults can share with young children. Buy Merch Set during the Prohibition-era New York City, Eunice finds herself in a sorting room with Gussie, the largest human she has ever seen. She faces down prejudice with determination, compassion and skill, and is always there for her friends. Set at the height of Hurricane Katrinas onslaught on a coastal Mississippi town, 14-year-old Esch discovers that she is pregnant. Or make my day by buying me a coffee. Maya is funny, relatable and deals with a lot more than your average 16 year old. After spending 15 years in America and achieving great success as a student and blogger, Ifemelu returns to her native Nigeria in which she meets her first love, Obinze. See Youll discover two strong female leads in this enticing novel: the aging, reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo and the unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant. I read it a few years ago and enjoyed how the story is told through various formats, from emails to letters to different documents. 1. If you read any of these picks or have a book to add to the list, leave a comment and let me know! This tells the story of a young girl, Claudia Kincaid, who is quite bored of her suburban life. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna 7. And be inspired to overcome obstacles by the real-life stories of athlete Lolo Jones and journalist Clarissa Ward. Nala is a fictional character in Disney's The Lion King film franchise. with strong female leads 106 books 66 voters Stubborn Women 49 books 32 voters YA Girls in Martial Arts and Combat Sports 32 books 30 voters From her childhood in Mesopotamia to her womanhood in Canaan, The Red Tent is a great account of the struggles of women in Biblical times. In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Formerly a teacher, Audry wrote her first novel while her toddler son and twin babies napped. All rights reserved. Offer expires in three months, unless otherwise indicated. Her debut book for adults, Vard, will be published by Picador in early 2020. All three have a role to play in a dangerous game of revolutionand together they will shape the future of a planet. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. By clicking 'Submit' I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the privacy policy and terms of use. Unafraid to put herself in harms way, Hester is stubborn, brave and often responsible for protecting and caring her Tom her friend and companion. The girls maintain a strong bond of friendship over the years, despite following different paths. . Set in 18th century England, Fanny is none other than Fanny Hackabout-Jones, the beautiful foundling who grew up to be a sensuous woman desired by many. Her voice throughout the stories is authentic and strong, as she offers a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier and tells the heartwarming, unforgettable story of her loving family. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis. 5. So she runs off to New York City with her little brother in tow. Alouette, an underground refuge. Theme by 17th Avenue. This New York Times Bestseller follows the story of the strong female lead, Liesel Meminger. Sweet story encourages perseverance, spotlights diversity. Her books include The Girl of Ink & Stars, which was the winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017, and The Island at the End of Everything, which was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Awards 2017, amongst others. When Citra is tapped to an a Scythes appretntice, she isnt particularly happy about it. This newly released special edition includes an extensive interview with Suzanne Collins, behind-the-scenes secrets, and answers many questions fans have posed since its original release. Caucasia is the tale of two biracial sisters, light-skinned Birdie and the darker Cole. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani Genre: Children's Sophie and Agatha are two girls from the village of Galvadon. Audry Fryer is an author and professional freelance writer from Pennsylvania. #7 Daisy Ridley gave girls everywhere - and full-grown women, in truth - a fresh new hero to adore when she debuted in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Haunting, frightening, and yet remarkably even-keeled, this. Funny, relatable tale of 6-year-old with wild imagination. Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy lifestyle blog. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott ODell, 30. A Variety of Strong Female Characters from Recent Young Adult Fiction Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (series 2012-present) Celaena is a fighter who must battle for a King she knows to be evil. Imagine going in for a routine procedure for back pain and waking up paralyzed. She is possibly the most unforgettable governess in literature, bravely pushing the boundaries between social classes and exploring sexuality, love, and morality well ahead of her time. Chapter book mystery promises more fun for Fancy Nancy fans. Get age-appropriate ideas and inspiration for every interest: If you think "girl books" are just about princesses, romance, gossipy schoolgirls, and vampires, think again. The Flamethrowers is a great account of the many facets of art, gender, and identity in 1970s New York. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, 7. She cares deeply for her friends and family, and does what she can to stand up against an immoral and unjust society. Looking for book reviews, hygge home decor, or comfortable and classic outfit ideas? Hi, Im Audry Fryer, an author, professional freelance writer, and avid reader. About 1 What are the best fantasy books with strong female leads? Offreds dark sense of humour and perceptive insight make her a fascinating character to read, and her flaws make her incredibly relatable. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, 22. At the age of fifteen, Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban because she refused to be silenced and denied an education. Rather than a traditional autobiography, Milano shares her life stories and the wisdom she has gained through essays best described as elegant, funny and heartbreaking, and utterly real.. Whoops! This edit is packed full of stories with female role models and feminist messages to inspire and empower as well as entertain.Growing up, children and young people are constantly confronted by images telling. Montgomery, 24. But when her mothers undead body is returned to her doorstep from the grave and Gutsy witnesses a pack of ravagers digging upLos Muertosher mothers name for the undeadshe realizes that life finds you no matter how hard you try to hide from it. Tolkien is not known for being a particularly feminist writer, but the character of Eowyn is a breath of fresh air. Even though she experiences loss and pain very early on in her life she doesnt let that defeat her, and instead she learns how to channel her anger to stick up for herself and for the people around her. Add to library. The latest release was in 2019 with an all-star cast. Simon & Schuster. With humour, bravery and a totally endearing awkwardness, Lara Jean manages to turn a sticky situation to her advantage, and style it out in the end. Warcross by Marie Lu. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert Elizabeth Gilbert's first novel in 12 years might not seem very appealing at first glance. Books featuring young girls who can stick up for themselves, defend their loved ones, change the world, or simply be themselves without fear or shame send a strong message about equality:. Set primarily in the Jazz Age of Paris in the 1920s, this story is so much more than a marriage destined to fail. Laura writes (my favorite) books for young adult and middle readers filled with magical realism, Latin American culture, a thread of philosophy (The Little Prince, Rumi) and timeless themes of self-discovery, family and friendship. Cimorene is not your ordinary princess. Instead of sitting and waiting for a hero to come along, Matilda takes things into her own hands and uses her own initiative and intelligence to overcome any obstacle. From the age of 12 she wrote her diary whilst in hiding from the Nazi regime in Amsterdam. This historical fiction novel set in 1974 follows a family seeking a new beginning in the wilderness of Alaska, only to come up against difficult odds when the season changes. It turns out you dont have to look like the conventional stereotype to be a kickass hero. As we celebrate National Womens History Month, here are 35 great books featuring some of the most awesome and inspiring female characters ever created. Girl takes on city hall in fun, diverse tale of persistence. If you read one book: You Must Be Layla (2019) is the Australian-Sudanese writer's first YA novel. The Secret Life of Bees is set in 1964 in rural South Carolina and tells the story of Lily Owens. Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh. Loosely based on Cinderella, this is the story of Ella, a more headstrong and definitely pluckier version of the original. We readers share that same hunger for awesome storytelling driven by complex female characters, who exhibit their strength in different ways. She Persisted: 13 Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia, 15. She wont let anyone define who she is, and instead forges her own path. illus. Aside from the independent community in this wild, remote corner of Alaska, Cora and Leni are on their own to survive the long, dark winter. Common Sense Media. Nina has never embraced the violent Watcher lifestyle. Price: Each box is $16.99 a month. by Jessica Mizzi. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron 3. Her dream is to give up her questionable lifestyle and move the the exclusive Mega Towers. Finished this book and looking for more, check out the sequels The Empress and The Nemesis! terms of use. On All Fronts is the story behind the story of Clarissa Wards career and journalistic endeavors in some of the most extreme and violent places on our planet. Subtle foreshadowing, ominous supernatural elements, and nuanced relationships propel this character-driven novel. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Whether they're famous female literary characters or girls from underrated gems of books, I hope you pick one of these up and fall in love with these phenomenal women too. Despite family divisions and corruption, these women steadfastly maintain their clairvoyance to see the family through the worst. When she was just a child, she fought in the Great War and came out on top. Set in New England during the Civil War, this is the famous story of four sisters growing up in poverty. Bloomsbury. When their parents separate, Cole is taken to Brazil by their black father, while Birdie is left behind in America, under pressure to live as a white woman. So she writes down everything she knows about her friends and classmates in a secret notebook. 11-year-old Anne Shirley is a bright and imaginative girl, sent off to live in a farm where she is to help with the chores. Everything goes awry when her peers discover the notebook, leaving Harriet scrambling to fix her broken relationships. Now, Harriet may have gotten herself into trouble with her notebook full of secrets, but she learns about honesty, friendship, and the importance of character along the way great teaching tools for any reader. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Books with Strong Female Leads. These cookies do not store any personal information. Kristin Hannah is a fantastic storyteller and one of my favorite authors. Even more inspiring, Weggemann suffered a severe arm injury after a fall and still went on to win two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships. She is brave, determined and always focused on truth, and her considerate, sensitive nature makes her a compassionate leader who is capable of forgiving even her irritating brother Edmund. Whatever situation she and her siblings end up in, Violet Baudelaire can always be relied upon to think her way out if it. Check. Cheers, Monique In order to do so, she builds walls around herself. Since then, shes dedicated herself to training and becoming the greatest Shadowhunter she can be. It is based on actual Italian love letters which were discovered a century after they were written (some of which are contained in this book.). When the Last Days came, the planet of Laterre promised hope. And yes, she has a facial scar. Her physical strength is joined by an emotional strength that makes her a truly powerful and memorable character. When shes skilled enough to outshoot him with both a gun and bow and arrow, he grows furious when she wont then shoot a baby rabbit who crosses their path. HAVE YOU WATCHED THE S&B SEASON TWO TRAILER YET?! Torn between two very different worlds, Starr has to overcome her reluctance, grief and fear, finding her voice and the strength to stand up for those who are fighting against injustice and persecution. Books in it: #1 Freestyle, #2 Lyrical, #3 Breakers, #4 Finale. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. However, Gilberts unaffected writing style tackled what could have been a tedious storyline effortlessly. Not only did Malala survive, she now thrives as a champion for womens rights worldwide. We want to take up archery because of her. Because she is a woman, it seems that young Alannas dream of becoming a knight and warrior will never be fulfilled. Throughout We Are the Wildcats, this team discovers what it really means to be there for one another. Girl speaks up, sets boundaries in funny picture book. Theme by 17th Avenue, Disclaimer - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy. The New York Times Book Review describes it as a painfully beautiful first novel that is at once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative, and a celebration of nature.. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Pride and Prejudice is an absolute classic, for good reason. Apple Books Barnes & Noble Some Choose Darkness By Charlie Donlea In this gripping psychological thriller, a forensic reconstructionist puts her life on the line to investigate a serial killer who targets women. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth 8. With more adults reading YA, - a 2012 survey suggested as many as 55% of readers were not-so-young adults - the lines on sex, violence and gore have begun to blur, with authors such as . Nina and her twin sister, Artemis, are far from normal. Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness series) by Tamora Pierce, 17. Characters like Katniss, Tris, and Clary are rightly praised for being self-sufficient role models, and proving that female-driven stories sell books. From their creative childhood to their adventures in adulthood, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are the catalysts for a timeless tale that have inspired countless women over many decades. Following the great decline of society, Lauren finds herself orphaned when she loses her family and home. Clary Fray is the character that started it all, and her journey is a long anddifficult one. This is the story of Dinah, a woman briefly mentioned in the Bible as Jacob and Leahs daughter, before she became a renowned midwife in Egypt. privacy policy and She dedicates herself to training and studying, and even outsmarting her competitor, Rowan. In an age when women were reliant on men for financial security and safety, Elizabeth doesnt let that phase her, calling out toxic masculinity and privilege, and refusing to settle for anyone who doesnt respect her or her opinions. (`*. She is bursting with curiosity, intelligence and compassion which her brilliant father Atticus really encourages in her. This book chronicles Katie Courics life and parallels the historical moments that she has covered. By Khalisa Rae. Ever since her mothers death, Gabriella Gutsy Gomez has spent her days flying under the radar. Though shes up against some scary creatures, Isobel never allows herself to be put down.