book nook: Girls
Clever, spunky heroines
4-8 Years
Edwina Victorious by Susan Bonners
Inspired by her Aunt Edwina’s former civic efforts, Edwina (known as Eddy to her family), begins writing letters to the mayor. Although she is trying to do a good deed in fixing the neighborhood, she lies and pretends the letters are written by her aunt. Will her plagiarism and dishonesty ruin the town’s chances for improvements?
Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen
Violet loves flying and building mechanical contraptions, so she decides to build a plane and enter an air show in order to earn the respect of the kids at school who make fun of her interests. But on her way to the show, she discovers a Boy Scout troop in dire need of rescuing, and quickly changes her plans.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Elizabeth is all that a princess should be: beautiful, dressed in nice clothes, living in a castle, and getting ready to marry a prince. But when a dragon comes along, destroying her castle, burning her clothes, and kidnaps her prince, Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag and sets out to rescue the prince.
9-12 Years
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald
Judy is moody and she’s not in a good mood! She doesn’t want summer to end, doesn’t like sitting next to Frank who eats paste, and doesn’t want to get used to a new classroom or a new desk. Yet despite her moodiness, she invents solutions to get through her troubles.
Utterly Me, Clarice Bean by Lauren Child
After the winner’s trophy for the class book project goes missing, Clarice Bean decides to follow the lead of the hero from her favorite books, girl detective Ruby Redfort.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
For Ramona, third grade is not turning out like she expected. Not only does she have to put up with her babysitter’s annoying granddaughter, a new boy in school who teases her, and the trouble that comes along with her father going back to school, but she also finds herself in scrapes that only Ramona could get into!
The Cabinet of Wonders: The Kronos Chronicles: Book I by Marie Rutkoski
Petra’s father, a metalworker with amazing gifts, has just returned from Prague, where he delivered the magical clock commissioned by Prince Rodolfo. The prince, to ensure that her father will never again build anything of such quality again, had his eyes gouged out. Irate at the prince, Petra sneaks off to Prague, vowing to recover her father’s eyes.
Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia by Barbara O’Connor
Subject to her classmates’ teasing on account of her clothes, Bird decides to befriend Harlem, the new boy in town, because the kids in class make fun of him, as well. Harlem responds reluctantly to her offering of friendship, and agrees to be her partner in the school spelling bee.
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
In the first book of Wood’s The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, Miss Penelope Lumley, a smart and cheerful orphan, becomes governess to three children who were literally raised by wolves.
Famous Women in History
4-8 Years
A is for Abigail: an Almanac of Amazing American Women by Lynne Chaney
What were the names of the first ladies? Who was the greatest female poet? Who were the great female performers? You’ll learn about more than just twenty-six great American women. From Abigail Adams to Mia Hamm to Sandra Day O’Connor, read about women throughout history and the achievements they are famous for.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan
The true story of one of America’s greatest singers. Follow Marian from singing in the church choir to singing in the Metropolitian Opera.
Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully
The inspiring biographical story of the first woman to receive a U.S. patent.
You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer by Shana Corey
According to 19th-century standards, Amelia Bloomer is not a proper lady, and when she sees the outfit that Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s cousin, Libby Miller, created, she thinks it is a brilliant idea.
Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema
The challenges facing Elizabeth I, queen of England, are detailed in this picture book biography about her life and reign.
9-12 Years
Girls Think Of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmish
Did you know a woman invented White Out? Read about all the amazing inventions that were thought up by women and changed the world – from ice cream cones to Space Shuttle shields to windshield wipers.
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery by Russell Freedman
Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the greatest first ladies and an inspirational role model for young girls. Enjoy a great biography illustrating Eleanor’s life in words and pictures.
Hatshepsut by Catherine M. Adronik
Although she wasn’t the first female ruler, she is considered to have been Egypt’s most successful queen. The biography depicts how she acted as a pharaoh through actions and dress before losing her throne to her stepson.
Rabble Rousers: 20 Women Who Made a Difference by Cheryl Harness
Twenty American Women who made an impact on history and helped to inspire change are highlighted here in a book that will encourage girls to see the ways in which they, too, can take up a cause and make a difference.
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