Girls Survive: At the Heart of History
Girls Survive: At the Heart of History
February 10, 2025
About seven years ago, my youngest child, Isla, discovered historical fiction through a series of chapter books where the protagonist faced life or death situations. She invited me to read them aloud to her, and I have to say, they were exciting! The chapters ended on cliff–hangers, and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. Isla loved them too, but after about the third one we read, she said, “I love these books, but they are all about boys. I wish there was one with a girl.”
It didn’t take me long to realize other girls probably wished that very thing and that this was a wish that Capstone could grant.
Enter Girls Survive—a series of more than 30 books that puts a girl at the heart of history. The series’ main characters are diverse, as are the authors who create them. In addition to being great storytelling, Girls Survive serves as a reminder that girls and women have participated in history’s most fearsome events.
Girls are brave, girls are strong, and girls are important in both the past and present.
Here are a few of my favorites!
Leah Braves the Flood: A Great Molasses Flood Survival Story
This lesser-known tragedy comes to life with author Julie Gilberts’s story about young Leah’s fight to escape the wave of molasses that is destroying Boston’s North End.
Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story
Author Nikki Shannon Smith tells the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre through the eyes of 12-year-old Lena, who helps her family flee danger.
Min and the Protests: A Tiananmen Square Survival Story
In this story from author Ailynn Collins, Min must find her own way to safety after getting separated from parents at a protest that has turned violent.
Nina Under Arrest: A Birmingham Children’s Crusade Survival Story
Civil rights leaders asked children to protest in their parents’ places in May 1963. In this story by author Anitra Butler-Ngugi, 12-year-old Nina is arrested and put in jail.
Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story
Author Andrea L. Rogers shares the story of 12-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family as they face violence, disease, and harsh weather after being forced to leave their home.