Books About Strong Female Protagonists

The Best Strong Female Protagonists Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about strong female protagonists? 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 Protagonists

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Grounded

By Megan Morrison · Book #1 in the Tyme series

Rapunzel's enchanted tower hides secrets. A thief's arrival changes everything.

384 pages· 100,876 words· Est. 14 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,788 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Rapunzel's life in a magical tower is perfect until Jack, a daring thief, disrupts her world. As he questions the truths told by her beloved Witch, Rapunzel is driven to explore the ground below. What she discovers is a realm of danger and wonder beyond her wildest dreams. Can she trust Jack, or is the Witch's protection all she needs? Embark on a journey where Rapunzel must unravel the mysteries of her own story and decide her fate in a world more complex than she ever imagined.

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$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2007

Skulduggery Pleasant

By Derek Landy · Book #1 in the Skulduggery Pleasant series

A girl and a skeleton sorcerer must stop evil forces threatening the world.

384 pages· 68,048 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 74,145 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her uncle's estate, only to discover his horror stories were real. Now, pursued by dark forces, she teams up with Skulduggery, a witty skeleton sorcerer. Together, they must unravel a dangerous mystery and save the world. Can this unlikely duo outsmart the sinister powers at play, or will they fall victim to the very horrors they seek to defeat? Dive into a world where magic and danger lurk around every corner, and nothing is as it seems.

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$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 · 95,077 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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.

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$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

The Cruel Prince

By Holly Black · The Folk of the Air series

A mortal girl defies a cruel faerie prince to survive court intrigues and looming war.

373 pages· 106,837 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,836,845 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Summary: Jude, a mortal girl, is thrust into the perilous High Court of Faerie after her parents' murder. Desperate to belong, she must outwit the fey who despise her, especially the cruel Prince Cardan. As she navigates deadly court politics, Jude discovers her own dark potential. With civil war on the horizon, she must forge a risky alliance to protect her sisters and the realm. Can Jude survive the treacherous games of power and deception?

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$2560

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

City of Bones

By Cassandra Clare · The Mortal Instruments series

A teen witnesses a murder by tattooed strangers and enters a hidden world of demon hunters.

544 pages· 131,222 words· Est. 12 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,204,791 ratings

$26.95Save 5%

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray's night at the Pandemonium Club takes a dark turn when she sees a murder by tattooed teens with strange weapons. The body vanishes, thrusting her into the secretive world of Shadowhunters, warriors who battle demons. As Clary's mother disappears and she narrowly escapes a monstrous attack, she must uncover her own mysterious connection to this hidden realm. Can she survive and unravel the secrets of her past?

Sale price

$2974

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008

Graceling

By Kristin Cashore · Book #1 in the Graceling Realm series

A deadly talent, a hidden secret, and a friendship that could change everything.

512 pages· 115,319 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 483,716 ratings

$31.30Save 5%

Summary: In the Seven Kingdoms, Katsa is Graced with the lethal skill of killing, serving as the king's enforcer. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Po, whose combat Grace challenges her own. As their friendship deepens, Katsa uncovers a truth about her abilities and a secret that threatens to unravel the kingdoms with mere words. Can she navigate this dangerous path and protect those she loves, or will the hidden threat consume them all? Dive into a world where power and loyalty are tested at every turn.

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$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013

Scarlet

By Marissa Meyer · The Lunar Chronicles series

A cyborg fugitive and a determined girl race against a ruthless queen to uncover hidden truths.

454 pages· 96,811 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 469,818 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Cinder, a cyborg on the run, teams up with Scarlet, whose grandmother has vanished. As they delve into secrets, they must outsmart the sinister Lunar Queen Levana. With Wolf, a mysterious ally, they face danger and deception. Can they unravel the mysteries before it's too late, or will the queen's dark ambitions trap them all? Discover a world where fairy tales meet futuristic intrigue in this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2017

Journey Through Ash and Smoke

By Kate Messner, Kelley McMorris (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Ranger in Time series

A young girl named Helga travels through a treacherous landscape to find her father and bring him home to her ailing mother.

160 pages· 14,233 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 526 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever, lands in Viking age Iceland. He meets Helga, a brave girl who rescues him. As a volcano threatens to erupt and Helga's sibling arrives early, they must navigate perilous terrain to find her father. But if Helga doesn't need Ranger's help, how will he return home? Adventure and uncertainty await in this thrilling journey through ash and smoke.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Serafina and the Twisted Staff

By Robert Beatty · Book #2 in the Serafina series

A mysterious evil threatens Biltmore Estate. Can Serafina embrace her destiny to save her home?

400 pages· 86,376 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 12,304 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Serafina, caught between the grandeur of Biltmore Estate and the wildness of the forest, faces a new threat. A sinister force endangers her home and the Blue Ridge Mountains. As attacks escalate, Serafina is torn from her friend Braeden and must confront the darkness alone. To protect everything she loves, she must delve into her own mysterious origins and embrace her true destiny. Will she uncover the strength within to defeat the evil before it consumes all?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2006

Bec

By Darren Shan · Book #4 in the The Demonata series

A young priestess battles demons to uncover her mysterious past.

241 pages· 61,624 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,988 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: In a land torn by demonic Fomorii, orphaned priestess-in-training Bec joins a band of warriors on a perilous quest. As they fight to save their world, Bec seeks answers to her mysterious origins. Will the journey reveal her true identity, or will the cost of battling demons be too high? Dive into a tale of courage, secrets, and survival.

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