In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite strong girl characters in early chapter books and middle grade fiction. All written by women, these stories prominently feature girls who readers can relate to and admire.

But what qualities make a strong girl character?

We think she:

• Displays determination and resiliency when facing challenges
• Experiences life with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world
• Carries a positive attitude and outlook
• Is kind, thoughtful, and has healthy relationships
• Enjoys learning and understands that making mistakes is part of the process
• Is bright and capable of solving tricky problems
• Exhibits pride in herself – her abilities, talents, culture, community  
• Embodies pluck, spunk, moxie – whatever you want to call it, this girl is ready for her next adventure
• Shows readers that trying new things can be fun

Stories with strong girl characters are not just for girls, but for all readers. So if you’re looking for more books about strong female characters, check out our top 8 book series below. These books are perfect additions to your school or classroom library.  

 

1. Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Gr. K-2)

Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.
(Also available in Spanish, Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)

 

2. Camila the Star series by Alicia Salazar, illustrated by Thais Damiao (Gr. K-3)

Camila Maria Flores Ortiz was born to be a star. At least that’s what her plan is! But she knows that becoming famous won’t happen all by itself. It’s going to take a lot of hard work. Every adventure brings Camila one step closer to her dreams! New readers will love following along on Camila’s path to stardom in this early chapter book series by own-voices author Alicia Salazar.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)

 

3. Azaleah Lane series by Nikki Shannon Smith, illustrated by Mari Lobo (Gr. K-2)

Eight-year-old Azaleah Lane has an amazing life. She lives with her mom (a chef), her dad (a lawyer), and two sisters in Washington, D.C. Being the middle child isn't always easy, but Azaleah is never bored or lonely. Between life at home, adventures at her family's restaurant, and busy days at school, there are always problems and mysteries for Azaleah to solve. Full of style, charm, and spunk, this series is a must-read for adventurous young readers everywhere.
(Also available in Interactive eBook format.)

 

4. Katie Woo and Pedro Mysteries series by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyon (Gr. K-2)

Katie Woo and her pal Pedro are teaming up to solve simple puzzles together in the early chapter book series Katie and Pedro Mysteries. By investigating the problem and collecting clues, the sleuthing friends don’t stop until the mysteries are solved! After each case is closed, readers will review the investigation, hypothesis, and resolution of the mystery, earning a basic understanding of the mystery genre.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)

 

5. Emma Every Day series by C.L. Reid, illustrated by Elena Aiello (Gr. K-2)

Emma Carter loves swimming, writing, and biking. She also loves her pet goldfish and tacos. In general, Emma loves her life. Emma is Deaf and uses a cochlear implant to help her hear. She uses sign language as well. Every day is a new chance to have fun, and Emma Carter tries to do just that by conquering daily challenges with a positive attitude and nonstop determination. The Emma Every Day early chapter book series includes an ASL fingerspelling chart, ASL fingerspelling in the text, a glossary, and content-related questions.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)

 

6. My Furry Foster Family series by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Melanie Demmer (Gr. K-2)

Eight-year-old Kaita Takano has one dog, a miniature dachshund named Ollie. But there's never just one animal in the Takano house. Kaita and her family foster animals rescued by a local animal rescue group. They bring them to medical appointments, teach them manners and tricks, and help the animals find new homes. Kaita loves animals, but sometimes the zoo in her house gets out of control! It can be hard to say goodbye when the animals find forever homes, but Kaita is happy for them and excited to welcome a new foster animal to her family.
(Also available in paperback format.)

 

7. Farah Rocks series by Susan Muaddi Darraj, illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa (Gr. 3-6)

Readers will love this series about a strong Palestinian-American girl. Meet Farah Hajjar! Her last name means “Rocks” in Arabic, and so she’s known to her friends as Farah Rocks. Farah takes on tough parts of being a kid with a rock-hard will, including bullying, academic pressure, caring for a sibling with special needs, and friendship troubles. Readers of all backgrounds will identify with her hard work, sense of wonder, search for confidence, and all the mistake-making along the way.

 

8. Girls Survive series by Jessica Gunderson, Nikki Shannon Smith, Andrea L. Rogers, Salima Alikhan, Mayumi Shimose Poe, Veeda Bybee, Cristina Oxtra, Julie Gilbert, Jenni L. Walsh, Natasha Deen, Sarah Hannah Gómez, Jessika Fleck, and Emma Carlson Berne (Gr. 3-5)

Experience history's most fearsome events—from the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the sinking of Titanic—through the eyes of young heroines who are at the heart of the survival action. Part historical fiction, part adventure story, Girls Survive shows how girls fought for their survival during times of both tragedy and triumph, drawing readers in with strong characters and gripping action.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)

 

Find more Women's History books for kids

Explore How Female Characters in Children's Books Empower Girls