Stella, Princess of the Sky & other Stella books (Marie-Louise Gay) - ages 2 & up
Spirited, imaginative girl who is a clear leader.
Sam is the quintessential preschooler–full of wondrous questions. Big sister Stella is the authority on their domain, effectively answering him and calming his fears.
http://www.amazon.com/Stella-Princess-Sky-Sam/dp/1554980720/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328043911&sr=1-1
Sam is the quintessential preschooler–full of wondrous questions. Big sister Stella is the authority on their domain, effectively answering him and calming his fears.
Suggested by Kiramadera:
Spirited, imaginative girl who is a clear leader.
Madeline (Ludwig Bemelmans) - ages 3 & up
Little Madeline may be small but she is confident and courageous. It was a favorite of mine as a girl and my daughter now has many Madeline books.
Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital is as appealing today as it was in 1940. The combination of spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes "Madeline" a perennial f...
http://www.amazon.com/Madeline-Ludwig-Bemelmans/dp/014056439X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326747412&sr=1-1
Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital is as appealing today as it was in 1940. The combination of spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes "Madeline" a perennial f...
Little Madeline may be small but she is confident and courageous. It was a favorite of mine as a girl and my daughter now has many Madeline books.
The Paper Bag Princess (Robert N. Munsch) - ages 4 & Up
As one recommendation says, this is almost a reversal on the "damsel in distress" story.
The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald.
http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Bag-Princess-Classic-Munsch/dp/0920236162/ref=cm_lmf_tit_19
The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald.
As one recommendation says, this is almost a reversal on the "damsel in distress" story.
Brave Irene (William Steig) - ages 4 & up
Little Irene embraces the term "where there's a will, there's a way." This is one I will be adding to my 4 YO daughter's book shelves.
When her mother, a dressmaker, falls ill, indomitable Irene fights a raging snowstorm to deliver a dress in time for the duchess's ball.
http://www.amazon.com/Brave-Irene-William-Steig/dp/0312564228/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326746009&sr=1-1
When her mother, a dressmaker, falls ill, indomitable Irene fights a raging snowstorm to deliver a dress in time for the duchess's ball.
Little Irene embraces the term "where there's a will, there's a way." This is one I will be adding to my 4 YO daughter's book shelves.
Grace for President (Kelly DiPucchio) - ages 5 & up
Author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
DiPucchio and Pham are game gals. Explaining the electoral system to adults isn’t easy, but they make it understandable to kids. When Mrs. Barrington shows her class pictures of the presidents, energetic African American Grace asks, “Where are...
http://www.amazon.com/Grace-President-jacket-Kelly-DiPucchio/dp/1423139992/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355339707&sr=8-1&keywords=grace+for+president
DiPucchio and Pham are game gals. Explaining the electoral system to adults isn’t easy, but they make it understandable to kids. When Mrs. Barrington shows her class pictures of the presidents, energetic African American Grace asks, “Where are...
Suggested by Fabienne Doucet:
Author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
Matilda (Roald Dahl) - ages 6 & up
Kids just seem to love everything from Roald Dahl and this series is no different.
Matilda is an extraordinarily gifted four-year-old whose parentsa crass, dishonest used-car dealer and a self-centered, blowsy bingo addictregard her as "nothing more than a scab."
http://www.amazon.com/Matilda-Roald-Dahl/dp/0142410373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326748512&sr=1-1
Matilda is an extraordinarily gifted four-year-old whose parentsa crass, dishonest used-car dealer and a self-centered, blowsy bingo addictregard her as "nothing more than a scab."
Kids just seem to love everything from Roald Dahl and this series is no different.
Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder) - ages 6 & above
To quote another woman who recommended this series - "Laura Ingalls is one of the original American Feminists." Although Amazon recommends age 8 & above, I want to start reading this series with my daughter at about age 5 or 6.
When Laura Ingalls Wilder first wrote of her experiences growing up in the 1800s, no one could have predicted the impact her stories would have on generations of children to come!
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Little-House-Nine-Book-Set/dp/0064400409/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326745434&sr=1-1
When Laura Ingalls Wilder first wrote of her experiences growing up in the 1800s, no one could have predicted the impact her stories would have on generations of children to come!
To quote another woman who recommended this series - "Laura Ingalls is one of the original American Feminists." Although Amazon recommends age 8 & above, I want to start reading this series with my daughter at about age 5 or 6.
Pippi Longstocking (Astrid Lindgren) - ages 7 & up
Highly recommended by my mom, who is a librarian and raised two strong, confident daughters.
Pippi is an irrepressible, irreverent, and irrefutably delightful girl who lives alone (with a monkey) in her wacky house, Villa Villekulla.
http://www.amazon.com/Pippi-Longstocking-Puffin-Modern-Classics/dp/0142402494/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Pippi is an irrepressible, irreverent, and irrefutably delightful girl who lives alone (with a monkey) in her wacky house, Villa Villekulla.
Highly recommended by my mom, who is a librarian and raised two strong, confident daughters.
Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) - ages 7 & up
I was a reluctant reader but did embrace this book. You can get different versions of the book for different age levels. This one is good for about grade 2 and above.
Little girls, especially, love following the adventures of the four March sisters--Meg, Beth, Amy, and most of all, the tomboy Jo--as they experience the joys and disappointments, tragedies and triumphs, of growing up.
http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Starts-Little-Women/dp/1402712367/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326748083&sr=1-4
Little girls, especially, love following the adventures of the four March sisters--Meg, Beth, Amy, and most of all, the tomboy Jo--as they experience the joys and disappointments, tragedies and triumphs, of growing up.
I was a reluctant reader but did embrace this book. You can get different versions of the book for different age levels. This one is good for about grade 2 and above.
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel (Nikki Grimes) - ages 7 & up
Dyamonde is a take-charge kind of girl who isn't willing to take "no" for an answer. This is a whole series of books great for kids in grade 1/2 and beyond.
Grade 2–4—Dyamonde, a third grader, is still coping with her parents' divorce and the subsequent move to a new neighborhood. She misses old friends and is trying to find her spot in a new school. When a new boy, Free, joins her class, she tries...
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Dyamonde-Daniel-Nikki-Grimes/dp/0142415553/ref=pd_sim_b_2
Grade 2–4—Dyamonde, a third grader, is still coping with her parents' divorce and the subsequent move to a new neighborhood. She misses old friends and is trying to find her spot in a new school. When a new boy, Free, joins her class, she tries...
Suggested by Fabienne Doucet:
Dyamonde is a take-charge kind of girl who isn't willing to take "no" for an answer. This is a whole series of books great for kids in grade 1/2 and beyond.
Harry Potter Series (J.K. Rowling) - ages 7 & up
Although Harry is obviously the leading character, Hermione Granger is usually the one that talks sense into the boys and saves the day. She is smart, independent and brave.
Fabulous Box Set Containing Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban,...
http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Paperback-Boxed-Books/dp/0439434866/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304800828&sr=1-12
Fabulous Box Set Containing Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban,...
Although Harry is obviously the leading character, Hermione Granger is usually the one that talks sense into the boys and saves the day. She is smart, independent and brave.
The Wrinkle in Time series (Madeleine L'Engle) - ages 8 & up
A great series with a strong female character from a renowned female writer. Highly recommended by my mom (a former librarian) and my sister (a major book worm.)
The Time Quintet consists of A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time.
http://www.amazon.com/Wrinkle-Quintet-Swiftly-Tilting-Acceptable/dp/0312373511/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328043967&sr=1-2
The Time Quintet consists of A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time.
A great series with a strong female character from a renowned female writer. Highly recommended by my mom (a former librarian) and my sister (a major book worm.)
Harriet the Spy (Louise Fitzhugh) - ages 8 & above
I can't wait to get into this series with my daughter.
The fascinating story is about an intensely curious and intelligent girl, who literally spies on people and writes about them in her secret notebook, trying to make sense of life's absurdities.
http://www.amazon.com/Harriet-Spy-Louise-Fitzhugh/dp/0440416795/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326748368&sr=1-1
The fascinating story is about an intensely curious and intelligent girl, who literally spies on people and writes about them in her secret notebook, trying to make sense of life's absurdities.
I can't wait to get into this series with my daughter.
Igraine The Brave (Cornelia Funke) - ages 8 & up
This is a girl who sticks to being who she really is.
Igraine dreams of becoming a famous knight just like her great grandfather, but the truth is, life at the family castle is rather boring. Until the nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up. He's got a dastardly plan to capture the castle and claim a...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439903793/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=sixsecpar1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439903793
Igraine dreams of becoming a famous knight just like her great grandfather, but the truth is, life at the family castle is rather boring. Until the nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up. He's got a dastardly plan to capture the castle and claim a...
Suggested by Michelle Hutchison:
This is a girl who sticks to being who she really is.
Nancy Drew (Carolyn Keene) - ages 8 & above
My sister devoured Nancy Drew books as a child. She was an avid reader and started these books far earlier than age 8, as recommended on Amazon.
The Nancy Drew Starter Set is the perfect gift for aspiring detectives, or longtime fans of the series. The first six books are packaged together in a collectible box set with an updated design.
http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Drew-Starter-Carolyn-Keene/dp/0448452324/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326745726&sr=1-1
The Nancy Drew Starter Set is the perfect gift for aspiring detectives, or longtime fans of the series. The first six books are packaged together in a collectible box set with an updated design.
My sister devoured Nancy Drew books as a child. She was an avid reader and started these books far earlier than age 8, as recommended on Amazon.
Ella Enchanted (Gail Carson Levine) - ages 8 & up
Good to read with younger or older girls. Another Newberry Award winner.
Every child longs for the day when he or she will be free from meddling parents and bossy grownups. For young Ella, the heroine of Gail Carson Levine's Newbury Honor-winning debut novel, this is more than a fanciful wish; it could be a matter of life...
http://www.amazon.com/Ella-Enchanted-Trophy-Newbery-ebook/dp/B008XOAJQA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358974621&sr=1-1&keywords=Ella+Enchanted
Every child longs for the day when he or she will be free from meddling parents and bossy grownups. For young Ella, the heroine of Gail Carson Levine's Newbury Honor-winning debut novel, this is more than a fanciful wish; it could be a matter of life...
Suggested by Jacqueline Hutchins:
Good to read with younger or older girls. Another Newberry Award winner.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Grace Lin) - ages 8 & up
Strong, brave resourceful heroine. Slight magic. Real family relationships. Good read-a-loud. Interesting story for many audiences.
Starred Review. Grade 3-6–Living in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain, Minli and her parents spend their days working in the rice fields, barely growing enough to feed themselves. Every night, Minli's father tells her stories about the Jade...
http://www.amazon.com/Where-Mountain-Meets-Moon-ebook/dp/B0029KHT80/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358974531&sr=1-1&keywords=Where+the+Mountain+Meets+the+Moon
Starred Review. Grade 3-6–Living in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain, Minli and her parents spend their days working in the rice fields, barely growing enough to feed themselves. Every night, Minli's father tells her stories about the Jade...
Suggested by Jacqueline Hutchins:
Strong, brave resourceful heroine. Slight magic. Real family relationships. Good read-a-loud. Interesting story for many audiences.
Anne of Green Gables series (L.M. Montgomery) - ages 9 & up
As a Canadian whose roots are from the Maritimes, I may be partial to the story of Anne Shirley.
When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island, send for a boy orphan to help them out at the farm, they are in no way prepared for the error that will change their lives in the form of Anne Shirley.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Avonlea-Poplars-Rainbow-Ingleside/dp/0553609416/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326748654&sr=1-1
When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island, send for a boy orphan to help them out at the farm, they are in no way prepared for the error that will change their lives in the form of Anne Shirley.
As a Canadian whose roots are from the Maritimes, I may be partial to the story of Anne Shirley.
Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom (Louisa May Alcott) - ages 9 & up
This 2-book set has a main character, Rose, who is about 10 at the start and grows to 18-20. She has to learn about a large new family that she now lives with after her parents die. She learns to think for herself, makes friends with a young woman who's socially lower than she is, and has to deal with the death of a beloved cousin who drinks.
http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Cousins-Aunt-Hill-Louisa-Alcott/dp/1604441003/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329757245&sr=1-1
Suggested by Gaston Buhunny:
This 2-book set has a main character, Rose, who is about 10 at the start and grows to 18-20. She has to learn about a large new family that she now lives with after her parents die. She learns to think for herself, makes friends with a young woman who's socially lower than she is, and has to deal with the death of a beloved cousin who drinks.
Princess Academy (Shannon Hale) - ages 9 & up
Not your typical princess-in-training book. This one has won major accolades.
Starred Review. Grade 5-9–The thought of being a princess never occurred to the girls living on Mount Eskel. Most plan to work in the quarry like the generations before them. When it is announced that the prince will choose a bride from their...
http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Academy-ebook/dp/B002UM5BNM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1358974272&sr=8-3&keywords=Princess+Academy
Starred Review. Grade 5-9–The thought of being a princess never occurred to the girls living on Mount Eskel. Most plan to work in the quarry like the generations before them. When it is announced that the prince will choose a bride from their...
Suggested by Jacqueline Hutchins:
Not your typical princess-in-training book. This one has won major accolades.
