Girls in books keep a horse on the porch, survive kindergarten, talk to a dragon, find a locked garden, fight monsters between royal appearances, and read their way straight out of a bad situation. What holds the best of them together is not a message but a personality—stubborn, funny, brave at the wrong moment, curious past the point of sense. Kids do not fall in love with role models. They fall in love with Pippi, Ramona, Matilda, and Madeline, and the admiration arrives on its own.
Drawing from Bookroo’s collection of 3,551 books starring girls and women, our editors picked twelve that children actually ask for again: read-alouds that hold up on the fifth night, first chapter books that make a new reader feel capable, and classics worth handing down. Start with our favorites, then browse the age shelves for board books, picture books, and longer stories, or follow a related topic toward princesses, sisters, ballet, or a real woman worth meeting.
A princess with nothing left but a paper bag talks her way past a dragon—and then reconsiders the prince.
A nine-year-old lives alone with a monkey, a horse, and a suitcase of gold coins, and nobody can make her behave.
A young girl discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to defend herself against her cruel parents and the evil headmistress of her school.
In an old house in Paris covered with vines, the smallest of twelve little girls is also the bravest.
Ramona Quimby starts kindergarten fully intending to be good, which lasts about a morning.
A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.
A stormy night, a mysterious stranger, and a quest through time to find a missing father.
Princess Magnolia excuses herself from the tea party, changes in a broom closet, and goes to fight a monster.
Olivia is good at many things, and exhausting at all of them.
The story of a woman who sets out to fulfill her childhood dreams and make the world more beautiful.
A young girl's fascination with sharks leads her to become a renowned scientist.
Four sisters navigate life's challenges while awaiting their father's return from war.
Chunky first books for babies and toddlers: little girls with big opinions, mamas and grandmas, and pocket-sized introductions to real women—ages 0–3.
Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.
Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.
Empower young dreamers with 1,000 words and 100 female heroes to inspire change.
Discover friendship in unexpected places with a classic tale's charm.
Discover Marie Curie's journey from childhood dreams to groundbreaking scientific achievements.
Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.
A little panda thanks God for the love and care of his mommy.
A girl seeks someone with hair like hers, discovering uniqueness along the way.
Discover why daddies are adored through children's heartfelt words and animal illustrations.
Discover how a girl from humble beginnings became a legendary entertainer and advocate.
Discover the inspiring journey of television icon Betty White in this delightful biography for young readers.
Discover trailblazing women who changed the world and inspire young dreamers to follow their biggest ideas.
Funny, tender, and slightly mischievous read-alouds—plus true stories of women worth knowing—for listeners ages 3–8.
A class of students work together to build a city using various materials.
A young girl goes on a camping trip with her friends and their ponies, learning about responsibility and friendship along the way.
A young girl discovers unexpected bravery when faced with danger.
Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.
A story about a mischievous boy named Jack and his adventures with his friends Rex and the Lady.
A visionary artist defies norms, painting a vibrant world in a monochrome industry.
Discover thirteen women who defied the odds and changed the world.
A young dreamer fights for women's voting rights, changing history.
A woman defies societal norms to fight for voting rights, changing history forever.
A rainy day reveals the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.
Embark on a dreamy journey to a cozy bedtime.
A housekeeper's literal interpretations lead to hilarious chaos.
Fairy-tale retellings, frontier and wartime stories, survival tales, and classics with heroines who carry the whole plot—for readers ages 6–11.
A cyclone whisks Dorothy to Oz. Can she find her way home amidst magical chaos?
A witch raises a magical child, unaware of the looming threats and a young man's quest to end her life.
A young girl and her family live in a log cabin in the Big Woods of Wisconsin during the late 19th century.
A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.
A cursed girl must obey every command. Can she break free?
In the wilderness, Ellie seeks healing secrets to save her comatose father.
A voiceless girl finds a way to be heard.
A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.
A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.
Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.
A young girl navigates a new town and a new life with the help of a stray dog she adopts.
Four kids compete to create the ultimate candy. Who will win?
