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14 Books with Strong Female Leads

14 Books With Strong Female Leads - Parents Canada

There’s something to be said about a great book with strong female leads. We love a good role model, a girl-led adventure story and a hilarious tale that will have your family in stitches. Strong female characters are important for all kids to experience and enjoy, and with so many amazing titles to choose from, there’s no reason not to pack your home library with girl power. Here are some of our favourite picks for kids of all ages.

Blue book cover with two smiley faces depicting different emotions
Book cover of a woman scuba diver under water with a friendly shark
Goodnightstories - 14 books with strong female leads
Book cover with two girls high fiving each other
Ellaenchanted - 14 books with strong female leads
Book cover with a group of friends sitting on a bed
Book cover with magical characters and locations scattered across the cover
Peanutjones - 14 books with strong female leads
Book cover illustration of a little girl writing and her words floating up into illustrations
Book cover of two characters tangled up against a background that looks like grid paper
Book cover depicting comic-style illustration with a group of female friends outside of a barn
Threelittlevikings - 14 books with strong female leads
Green box set of colourful-spined books
Purple and blue book cover with two little girls

Sisters

We love everything Raina Telgemeier does, from Guts to Drama and Ghosts, but Sisters really lets its female characters shine. The story of two sisters going through challenging times in their family is an ultimately heartwarming tale with a great message and wonderful illustrations. $14, amazon.ca

Shark Lady

Based on a true story, Shark Lady explains how one little girl grew up to be a renowned scientist who devoted her life to learning about sharks. Kids will learn all about sea life, being true to yourself and fighting stereotypes in this great picture book.$25, amazon.ca

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

From Frida Kahlo to Michelle Obama, this book is filled with fairytale-like stories that introduce the real-life adventures of some of the most trailblazing women of our time. Plus, it's beautifully illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world. $37, amazon.ca

This Little Trailblazer

If you’re looking for something for younger kids, this board book is a great place to start. Strong women, colourful pages, awesome stories — what more do you need? $11, indigo.ca

Ella Enchanted

A tween favourite for 25 years, Ella has been gifted by the fairies with the trait of obedience. She must obey any order she is given, putting her in some pretty awkward situations.Growing up with wicked stepsisters (not to mention princes, ogres, giants and fairy godmothers), Ella refuses to accept her fate and is determined to break the foolish curse. $9, chapters.indigo.ca

The Baby-Sitters Club

This iconic book series by Ann M. Martin was recently given a graphic novel makeover and fortunately for us nostalgic millennial moms, these new editions still do the trick. If you have Netflix, the 2020 miniseries of the same name is also worth watching. Prices vary, indigo.ca

A Wrinkle In Time

Has there ever been a better sister or daughter than Meg, who braved time and space to save her family? This classic tale is just as brilliant and engaging as it was in 1962. And, if your kids like the book, you can watch the movie together as a family. $14, amazon.ca

Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City

After her father goes missing, young artist Peanut Jones is stuck in a boring new school—until one day she finds a pencil turbo-charged with special powers and it brings her art to a whole new level. Will she finally find out what happened to her dad? This is the first title in a new adventure series brimming with magic, danger, friendship and art. $16, chapters.indigo.ca

Malala's Magic Pencil

It’s hard to think of someone stronger or more resilient than Malala Yousafzai, who created this picture book to share her story with a younger audience. Inspiring and beautifully illustrated, this book will prompt some important discussions at home. $20, indigo.ca

Rosie Revere, Engineer

If you liked Ada Twist, Scientist, you’ll love Rosie Revere, Engineer. Rosie sees inspiration everywhere she goes, collecting odds and ends and making incredible inventions just like her aunt Rose (modeled after Rosie the Riveter!). While she keeps her inventions hidden away, Rosie eventually learns that it’s okay to take risks, make mistakes and keep learning. $24, indigo.ca

Lumberjanes

Featuring stories of strong female friendships and adventures in the great outdoors (plus, a bit of the supernatural thrown in for good measure), the Lumberjanes graphic novels will have your kids hooked after a few pages. And, because there are over a dozen books in the series, you’ve got plenty to choose from. Prices vary, indigo.ca

Three Little Vikings

This triumphant tale of three brave little Viking girls who work together and come up with a plan to save the day gives kids a taste of the importance of cooperation, bravery and standing up for what you believe in. $25, amazon.ca

Anne of Green Gables

Perhaps the most beloved Canadian literary character of all time, the adventures of Anne Shirley are as charming and entertaining as ever. The full box set is great for older kids, and there’s a fantastic graphic novel version available for younger readers. $52 for the box set, amazon.ca

Ivy + Bean

Ivy + Bean are a duo like no other. This sweet, often hysterical series tells the story of two young girls who had no intention of ever becoming friends — but despite their differences, an unbreakable bond forms. Great for early readers, these wholesome yet mischievous heroines are fun for the whole family. Prices vary, indigo.ca
Sisters
Shark Lady
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
This Little Trailblazer
Ella Enchanted
The Baby-Sitters Club
A Wrinkle In Time
Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City
Malala's Magic Pencil
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Lumberjanes
Three Little Vikings
Anne of Green Gables
Ivy + Bean

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