46 Empowering and Inspiring Books for Young Girls

Set in 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle finds herself the only passenger on a long voyage by ship traveling with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew. As conflict arises, readers watch young Charlotte grow from timid to strong, independent, and courageous.

Hannah Scott said:  LOVE this book! It was required reading when I was in sixth grade, but I still have my copy. It's such a refreshing departure from preteen "chick lit."

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone shares the inspiring story of Elizabeth Blackwell, who decided she wanted to be a doctor despite the fact that women were not doctors in that time. After 28 medical schools rejected her, she was finally accepted, graduated at the top of her class and become the first female doctor. She later opened a women's hospital and women's medical school, inspiring other women to become doctors.

This book will inspire girls to never give up, chase their dreams and believe in themselves. It also shows that anything in life is possible.

Erin P. said:  

Someone just gave this to my daughter for her birthday and I'm excited to start reading it to her! It includes 100 stories about female scientists, painters, engineers, judges and many more, and 100 original portraits by 60 incredible female artists from around the world!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Daisy Gordon Low was a girl unlike most in the late 1800s. She traveled the world and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. In Here Come the Girl Scouts, by Shana Corey, we learn how Daisy founded the Girl Scouts of America giving girls the foundation to not only swim and camp, but to grow up with the qualities that make good citizens.

Daisy was a fighter and advocate. She put her heart and soul into the Girl Scouts and helped thousands of girls live better and more adventurous lives. Trust your heart and follow your beliefs to do good for others.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly shares the story of four intelligent women who excelled at math and how they successfully worked on NASA's first journeys into space. This started at a time before equal rights which made it more of a challenge. The women proved their talents, making history in the process.

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dr. Christine Darden are inspiring to many girls to study math, engineering and science. Their accomplishments have shown girls they can grow up and choose any career they want.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Girl Running by Annette Bay Pimentel is the inspiring story of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1966, after her application was denied. She ran the course in just over 3 hours (with blisters) as spectators cheered wildly for her. She was later declared the Boston Marathon female winner for 1966, 1967 and 1968. Women were officially allowed to register in 1972.

This book will motivate children with a passion for running or sports. Bobbi was tireless, even training in nurse's shoes. She inspired countless women to run in her quest for female sports equality.

Erin P. said:  Work your way through the alphabet, from Amelia Earhart, pilot and adventurer, to Zora Neale Hurston, writer and anthropologist, to learn about 26 women who changed their world. This wonderful book from Cynthia Chin-Lee will inspire your children, and your daughters in particular, to dream big!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos by Monica Brown is the story of a girl who loved animals, survived two major health problems and went on to become a famous painter, at a time when there were few female painters. Frida had polio as a child and later survived a horrible bus accident, both leaving her bedridden for months. During this time, she used her imagination, painting and animals to survive.

Frida also inspires girls because she had different sized legs but this didn't stop her from playing sports and doing boy activities to make her legs stronger, even when she was teased.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  As a young girl, Mae Jemison dreamed of being an astronaut, at a time when females were not astronauts and before man landed on the moon. In Mae Among The Stars, by Roda Ahmed, we learn how Mae's persistence and hard work along with the encouragement of her parents led her to be the first African American woman in space.

Mae's story is empowering to girls because she made history by going to outer space. Her commitment to her dream stayed with her and she never faltered - graduating medical school and then joining NASA's astronaut training program. She believed in herself, always.

Grace For President by Kelly DiPucchio is about a girl who finds it unacceptable that there has never been a female president. Grace tries to change that by running for president at school against Thomas, a popular boy. Grace puts in the much needed time, energy and commitment to her campaign while Thomas gives only a small effort, expecting to receive all of the boys votes.

This book shows girls that hard work and dedication pay off and they can win against any boy and receive support from boys if they are the right person for the job. It celebrates girl power to change the world.

Jennie Utsinger said:  Me...Jane, by Patrick McDonnell (author and artist of the Mutts comic strip), follows a young Jane Goodall as she explores animals and the natural world with excitement, accompanied by her favorite toy chimpanzee, and ends with Jane in Africa greeting a real chimpanzee. This simple story is accessible for small children and is a lovely introduction to the anthropologist and conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Dear Girl, by the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal and her daughter Paris Rosenthal, is a beautiful and moving letter to all girls. This sweet book helps girls embrace their differences, believe in themselves and follow their dreams. It empowers girls to take charge of their lives by asking questions, being brave, following their heart and knowing they are intelligent.

This book inspires girls because it reassures them it is special to be unique and wonderful in their own way. Also, it teaches that being true to yourself is best and reminds girls they are loved no matter what.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl shares her personal experiences when her family and family friends were hiding for 2 years from the Nazis during World War II. Her moving words take the reader to the attic where she hid and the experiences of war in her tender teen years.

Anne never gave up, despite the dire conditions. Her fierce spirit shines through in her diary entries, creating a remarkable yet sad piece of history. The legacy of her life has inspired females to follow their dreams and not take anything for granted, especially life, family and happiness.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  This delightful rhyming book has an excellent message. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty tells the story of hard-working Rosie, inventor of many products who chooses to never quit, and is based on Rosie the Riveter from World War II.

Also from Beaty for more girl STEM power is Ada Twist Scientist, inspired by Ada Lovelace. If your daughter likes to build, Iggy Peck Architect is a great choice.

These books reflect real life STEM themes. Girls will root for the characters to succeed, providing empowerment and conviction to explore the fields of science and history.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Audrey Hepburn had a life on her own terms. In Just Being Audrey, by Margaret Cardillo, we learn about her strong work ethic, survival during World War II, rise to fame in America and humanitarian efforts. Audrey was a leader, humble and down to earth: cooking for the crew on movie sets and winning multiple acting awards.

Audrey's life is inspiring because she didn't mold to Hollywood; rather, she created her own trends, such as fashion and short hair. As a humanitarian, she fought for children's rights with UNICEF. She also treasured motherhood as the mom of two sons.