Brave, Determined, and Strong: Books for Girls (and Sometimes Boys)

Today’s teachers need to choose texts that provide strong role models for young readers, both male and female. When choosing a book for a girl, merely reaching for any old book with female characters isn’t enough. Care should be taken to find books that feature strong female literary role models, allowing girls to explore their own identities, claim their own voices, and gain confidence, particularly during the adolescent years. The expectations of society and peers often prompt girls to assume false identities. In addition, finding and becoming true to oneself is an arduous task that can be made easier through books with excellent female protagonists. The following books were reviewed:Grades K-2Baruzzi, Agnese and Sandro Natalini. (2009). The true story of Little Red Riding HoodBernheimer, Kate. (2008). The girl in the castle inside the museumCapucilli, Alyssa Satin. (2009). Katie Duck is a caterpillarIsadora, Rachel. (2009). Hansel and GretelMcCormack, Caren McNelly. (2009). Fiesta dress: A quinceanera taleO’Connor, Jane. (2009). Fancy Nancy: Explorer extraordinaire!Ouellet, Debbie. (2009). How Robin Saved SpringYum, Hyewon. (2008). Last night Grades 3-5Badger, Meredith. Fairy school dropoutDurst, Sarah Beth. (2008). Out of the wildHolt, Kimberly Willis. (2008). Piper Reed: The great gypsyRappaport, Doreen. (2009). Eleanor, quiet no more: The life of Eleanor RooseveltShange, Ntozake. (2009). Coretta Scott Grades 6-8Gladstone, Valerie. (2009). A young dancer: The life of an Ailey studen Harris, Lewis. (2009). A taste for redHoose, Phillip. (2009). Claudette Colvin: Twice toward justiceKlass, Sheila Solomon. (2009). Soldier’s secret: The story of Deborah SampsonLin, Grace. (2009). Where the mountain meets the moonLópez, Diana. (2009). Confetti girlNaylor, Phyllis Reynolds. (2009). Faith, hope, and Ivy JunePatron, Susan. (2009). Lucky breaksSmith, Hope Anita. (2009). Mother poems Grades 9-12Anderson, Laurie Halse. (2009). WintergirlsCaletti, Deb. (2008). The fortunes of Indigo SkyeCashore, Kristin. (2008). GracelingCollins, Suzanne. (2008). The Hunger GamesKarim, Sheba. (2009). Skunk girlWilliams, Carol Lynch. (2009). The chosen one