Books About Strong Female Characters · 131 titles considered

The Best Strong Female Characters Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about strong female characters? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Strong Female Characters

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine · Book #1 in the Ella Enchanted series

A cursed girl must obey every command. Can she break free?

Newbery Honor (1998)

304 pages· 53,087 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 426,829 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ella of Frell is cursed with obedience, forced to follow any command, no matter how dangerous. Determined to reclaim her freedom, she embarks on a daring quest through a world of ogres, giants, and wicked stepsisters. As she navigates this treacherous path, Ella must outwit those who would exploit her curse and discover her true self. Will she find a way to break the spell and live on her own terms, or will the curse dictate her fate forever? Dive into this enchanting tale of courage and resilience.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

Harriet the Invincible (Graphic Novel)

By Ursula Vernon · Hamster Princess series

A princess must find a prince to break a sleeping curse cast on her family.

256 pages· 16,096 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,358 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Harriet Hamsterbone isn't your average princess. Cursed to fall asleep on her twelfth birthday, she revels in her invincibility, embarking on daring adventures with her riding quail, Mumfrey. But as her birthday looms, the curse takes an unforeseen turn, forcing Harriet to confront a new reality. Can she find a way to break the spell, or will her adventurous spirit be her undoing? Dive into a world where princesses defy expectations and curses lead to unexpected journeys.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1990

Dealing with Dragons

By Patricia C. Wrede · Book #1 in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series

A rebellious princess seeks adventure with a powerful dragon, facing magical dangers and unexpected allies.

208 pages· 50,352 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 95,094 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Princess Cimorene defies royal expectations by fleeing to live with Kazul, a formidable dragon. Her quest for excitement leads her into a whirlwind of magical encounters, including a witch, a jinn, and a talking bird with deadly intentions. As she navigates these challenges, Cimorene must outwit oily wizards and a mysterious stone prince. Will her thirst for adventure bring triumph or peril? Discover a world where a princess's courage defies tradition and danger lurks at every turn.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Tuesdays at the Castle

By Jessica Day George · Tuesdays at the Castle series

A castle changes, a kingdom in peril, a princess must save it.

256 pages· 50,090 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 23,819 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Princess Celie loves Tuesdays when Castle Glower magically transforms, adding new rooms and secrets. But when her parents, the king and queen, vanish after an ambush, Celie must use her unique knowledge of the castle's shifting halls to protect her home and rescue her family. Can she navigate the castle's mysteries and save the kingdom before it's too late?

Sale price

$1710

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1905

A Little Princess

By Frances Hodgson Burnett, Anna Bond (Illustrator)

A wealthy girl becomes a pauper at boarding school. Can kindness be her true wealth?

294 pages· 66,117 words· Est. 9 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 334,462 ratings

$18.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Sara Crewe's world shatters when she loses her father, transforming her from a privileged student to a penniless orphan at Miss Minchin's boarding school. Stripped of luxury, she faces a harsh new reality in the attic. As she navigates this challenging life, Sara must discover if kindness and generosity can be her true riches. Will her spirit endure, or will adversity break her? Dive into a tale of resilience and hope, where the heart's wealth is tested against life's trials.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 2005

Princess Academy

By Shannon Hale · Book #1 in the Princess Academy series

A mountain girl faces a contest to become a princess, risking her home and heart.

Newbery Honor (2006)

336 pages· 63,336 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 123,250 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Miri, a mountain girl, is thrust into a contest to become the prince's bride. At a strict academy, she faces fierce competition and a stern mistress. As she uncovers hidden talents and deep ties to her homeland, Miri must decide if winning means losing everything she holds dear. Will she choose the crown or her cherished mountain life?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1999

Elizabeth I

By Kathryn Lasky · The Royal Diaries series

Young Elizabeth navigates court intrigue and family turmoil before her reign.

238 pages· 39,385 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,032 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: In the shadow of her father's court, young Princess Elizabeth records her life in a diary. Amidst celebrations and studies, she faces the haunting memory of her mother's execution and the looming uncertainty of her father's health. As she navigates the treacherous waters of royal intrigue, Elizabeth's resilience and intelligence are tested. Will she rise above the challenges that threaten her future? Discover the early years of a girl destined to become one of England's most iconic queens.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

By ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus A Allen (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Lumberjanes Graphic Novel series

Five friends face supernatural creatures and a world-threatening mystery at summer camp.

128 pages· 6,562 words· Est. 59 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 81,724 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: At Lumberjane scout camp, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are ready for an unforgettable summer. But when yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons appear, their friendship is tested. These five fearless girls must tackle bizarre quests and supernatural foes to solve a mystery that could change everything. Will their bond be enough to save the world? Dive into a thrilling adventure where every day is a new challenge, and the stakes are higher than ever. It's a wild ride of friendship, courage, and mystery that you won't want to miss.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 1903

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

By Kate Douglas Wiggin

A spirited girl transforms her strict aunts' lives in rural Maine.

340 pages· 72,541 words· Est. 9.5 hour read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 36,234 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ten-year-old Rebecca is sent to live with her stern aunts in Riverboro, Maine. Her vibrant spirit clashes with their strict ways, but as she grows, her infectious joy begins to melt their hearts. Will Rebecca's optimism be enough to change their lives forever? Discover the journey of a young girl who brings light to a somber household.

Sale price

$1130

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2002

Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed

By Stephen Krensky, Diana Magnuson (Illustrator) · Childhood of Famous Americans series

A young girl discovers unexpected bravery when faced with danger.

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings

$11.89Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Sacagawea yearns to prove her bravery like her brother, but she's barred from joining the boys' hunt. While gathering wood with her grandmother, an encounter with a rattlesnake challenges her courage in unexpected ways. Can she find her own path to bravery?

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Strong Female Characters Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about strong female characters for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$799

This Little Trailblazer

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

Sale price

$1599

Big Words for Fearless Girls

Ages 3–6 · 2019

Empower young dreamers with 1,000 words and 100 female heroes to inspire change.

Series

Sale price

$999

A Little Princess

Ages 2–6 · 2017

Discover friendship in unexpected places with a classic tale's charm.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Olivia

Ages 2–5 · 2000

A lively pig's day of adventures ends with a well-earned rest.

Series

Sale price

$795

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

Ages 2–6 · 2003

A mother answers her child's questions about what princesses do.

Series

Sale price

$799

Princess Baby, Night-Night

Ages 0–3 · 2009

A little princess resists bedtime with endless tasks. Will she ever sleep?

Sale price

$599

I Am Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 2020

A brave warrior defies tradition to save her family and country.

Series

Sale price

$1099

The Princess and the Dragon

Ages 5–8 · 2003

A princess and a dragon swap roles, sparking chaos.

View all strong female characters board books

Browse by age

Strong Female Characters Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about strong female characters for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$1899

She Persisted Around the World

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover thirteen women who defied the odds and changed the world.

Sale price

$899

Elizabeth Leads the Way

Ages 6–10 · 2008

A woman defies societal norms to fight for voting rights, changing history forever.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Interstellar Cinderella

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A girl dreams of fixing rockets and must save a prince's ship in distress.

Sale price

$1799

Cinder Edna

Ages 4–8 · 1994

Two girls, two paths: who finds true happiness without magic?

Sale price

$1799

Dangerously Ever After

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A daring princess faces unexpected challenges when mysterious seeds grow into something bizarre.

Sale price

$899

Fanny's Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1996

A farm girl dreams of a prince, but destiny has other plans.

Series

Sale price

$2195

The Paper Bag Princess

Ages 4–8 · 1980

A princess rescues her prince from a dragon.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Grace Hopper

Ages 5–9 · 2017

Discover the trailblazing journey of a woman who taught computers to 'speak English' and broke all the rules.

Sale price

$1799

Malala's Magic Pencil

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young girl's desire for a magic pencil leads her to discover the power of her own voice and the importance of education.

Series

Sale price

$1599

I am Helen Keller

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A young girl overcomes deafness and blindness to become a powerful advocate for change.

Sale price

$1699

The Worst Princess

Ages 3–7 · 2013

A princess defies tradition, seeking adventure over a prince's rescue.

Sale price

$1899

Shark Lady

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young girl's fascination with sharks leads her to become a renowned scientist.

View all strong female characters picture books

Browse by age

Strong Female Characters Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about strong female characters for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1699

The Inventors at No. 8

Ages 8–11 · 2018

A boy's luck changes when a girl and a flying machine lead him on a quest for a stolen treasure.

Series

Sale price

$799

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A timid princess faces monsters to save her sister and kingdom.

Sale price

$799

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl braves the desert to lead her family to safety during the Mexican Revolution.

Sale price

$599

Helen Keller

Ages 7–9 · 1997

Blind and deaf, a young girl defies the odds with a teacher's help.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$1999

Mother-Daughter Book Camp

Ages 10–14 · 2016

Counselors face homesick campers; can books save the summer?

Sale price

$1195

Catching the Moon

Ages 6–10 · 2005

A girl defies all odds to play professional baseball in a male-dominated world.

Series

Sale price

$1499

Alice-Miranda on Vacation

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A break turns adventurous with mischief, a movie star, and a mysterious stranger.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Was Helen Keller?

Ages 8–12 · 2003

The story of a young girl who overcomes her deafness and blindness to achieve greatness

Series

Sale price

$1299

Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A curious girl discovers a machine that sparks a future of digital innovation.

Series

Sale price

$1699

The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A young warrior must clear her name and reclaim a stolen castle amidst betrayal and danger.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$999

Poison in the Colony

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl with a dangerous gift must navigate a colony on the brink of conflict.

Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters

Sale price

$3399

Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters

Ages 6–10 · 1998

Discover 100 tales of fearless heroines from around the world.

View all strong female characters chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about self-reliant princesses Books about family life Books about bravery Books about choosing cheeriness Books about cinderella stories Books about competition Books about enchanted places Books about family problems

Our 10 Favorite Books About Strong Female Characters

Great books, picked for their age.

Strong Female Characters Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Strong Female Characters Picture Books

Strong Female Characters Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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