Brave Girls and Strong Women

A special collection of books from small publishers for ages 2-17

This list of empowering books for girls is all on one page so you can print it out easily. However, the links below allow you to jump quickly to the section of your choice.

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Introduction

Girls' self-esteem - it's the hot topic for the new century. Study after study has shown that as girls reach adolescence, their brave, forthright child selves often disappear, to be replaced by young women who are unsure of themselves and who hesitate to take the lead.

Here is a list of books designed to help girls build and maintain their self-esteem, from small publishers in the U.S. and Canada. Why only small publishers? Small publishers are not just "small" -- they often are committed to making the world a better place and are often more willing to take risks than big publishing conglomerates. Many of the small publishers on this list are dedicated to publishing empowering books for girls and women, or multicultural books, or books that encourage self-reliance and cooperation. Yet small publishers' books tend to get overlooked in the glare of publicity put out by the major firms. This list helps readers identify these little-known treasures.

These books were chosen not only for their positive messages, but also for their engaging, high-quality writing. Boys should be encouraged to read these books too, to see strong girls and women in action.

If you choose not to buy the books from this site, ask for them at any library or bookstore, especially women's bookstores and independent bookstores.

Young Children (Ages 2-7)

It's a Jungle In Here, by Deanne Lee Bingham
Fiction, ages 2-5. A little girl discusses her feelings and actions by comparing herself to various animals. Cute! (Second Story Press)
Minou, by Mindy Bingham
Fiction, ages 4-7. Minou is a pampered cat whose owner suddenly dies. Another female cat shows her how to take care of herself and even find a job. Beautiful full-color illustrations of Paris from a cat's eye view. (Advocacy Press)
Shy Mama's Halloween, by Anne Broyles
Fiction, ages 5-8. An unusual Halloween book. A family of recent Russian immigrants prepares for their first Halloween. Mama is shy and afraid of the holiday, but when Papa falls ill, she agrees to take the kids out trick-or-treating. Gradually, as she puts on bits of the children's costumes which they are tired of wearing, she assumes her own disguise, and comes to enjoy this strange holiday. A lovely, touching story. (Tilbury House Publishers)
Travels with Tarra, by Carol Buckley
Nonfiction, ages 6-10. This is the true story of Carol, a college student, and the baby elephant she befriends. Tarra, the elephant, was kidnapped from her family in Burma and brought to California as a way to attract customers to a tire store. Carol, who lived near the tire store, quickly became the elephant's caregiver and eventually bought the elephant. She taught Tarra tricks and the two toured the U.S. for many years. In 1995, Carol created an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee for Tarra and a number of other elephants. (Tilbury House Publishers)
The Treasure on Gold Street, by Lee Merrill Byrd
Nonfiction, ages 4-7. A touching story about a mentally-challenged adult, Isabel, who befriends the little children in the neighborhood. Told through the eyes of Hannah, who is about three or four, and whose mother also was Isabel's friend when she was a little girl. English and Spanish text.(Cinco Puntos Press)
Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! by Diana Cohn
Fiction/nonfiction, ages 6-10. Based on the true story of the Los Angeles Janitors strike in 2000, this story tells of Carlitos and his mother, a janitor who joins the strike. Carlitos and his friends make signs for the strike and help the janitors win better pay and more time for Carlitos's mother to spend with him. English and Spanish text. (Cinco Puntos Press)
I'm Lost, by Elizabeth Crary
Self-help, ages 3-8. This is one title of a six-part "problem-solving" series. In this book Gabriela is lost at the zoo, and readers explore different solutions with her, from crying (which doesn't work), to finding someone to ask for help (which does). Other titles (some of which feature girls) are: I Want It, I Want to Play, My Name is Not Dummy, I Can't Wait, and Mommy, Don't Go. (Parenting Press)
Drum, Chavi, Drum! by Mayra Dole
Fiction, ages 4-7. Chavi loves to drum, and wants to drum at the Calle Ocho street festival in Miami. However, her music teacher thinks that girls should not drum, so she is not chosen to be in the parade. She disguises herself, attends the festival, and shows off her drumming skills, thereby earning herself a place on the school float. English and Spanish text. (Children's Book Press)
Princess Backwards, by Jane Gray
Fiction, ages 4-7. A cute, funny book about a princess named Fred who lives in a land where everything is done backwards. Except that she has trouble doing things backwards and everyone makes fun of her and calls her Princess Backwards! However, when a dragon threatens the kingdom Fred saves the day by running forwards and throwing water at it. The dragon becomes her lifelong friend because all he ever wanted was a big drink of water! (Second Story Press)
 Watch Out for Clever Women, by Joe Hayes
Folktales, ages 5 and up. Five traditional Hispanic tales featuring clever women, including "The Day it Snowed Tortillas," about a woman who prevents robbers from claiming three gold bags her husband found, and "In the Days of King Adobe," in which an old woman tricks two rogues who try to steal her ham. English and Spanish on the same page. (Cinco Puntos Press)
Pajaro Verde, by Joe Hayes
Folktale, ages 6 and up. A magical tale based on New Mexican folklore. Mirabel falls in love with a green bird (Pajaro Verde) and marries him despite her sisters' and mother's jeering. He is of course a prince in disguise, and when he is injured, she must rescue him. Another twist in the story is that Mirabel's sisters have various numbers of eyes, from nine to one. The illustrations are gorgeous. English and Spanish text. (Cinco Puntos Press)
Mighty Mountain and the Three Strong Women, by Irene Hedlund
Folktale, ages 5 and up. A Japanese tale about a wrestler who, on his way to the capital to compete in the Emperor's wrestling match, encounters three women stronger than he! They help him train for the competition, he wins, and then he returns to marry one of the women. A funny story with beautiful color illustrations. (Volcano Press)
Impatient Pamela Calls 911, by Mary Koski
Fiction, ages 3 and up. Pamela, a very impatient preschooler, learns her own address and telephone number, and she learns about 911. Using her knowledge, she helps a friend who is choking. (Trellis Publishing)
Shower of Gold: Girls and Women in the Stories of India, by Uma Krishnaswami
Folktales, ages 5 and up. Eighteen folk tales from India, including the story of Chitrangada, who chooses to rule her kingdom rather than remain the wife of a handsome prince; and Supriya, who teaches adults about compassion. Told in a simple, engaging style. (Linnet Books)
Girl, You're Amazing! by Virginia Kroll
Rhyme, ages 2 and up. A rollicking rhyme about all the amazing things girls can do. (Albert Whitman & Company)
Father Gander Nursery Rhymes: The Equal Rhymes Amendment, by Douglas Larche
Rhymes, ages 2-5. Non-sexist versions of Mother Goose rhymes. Jill and Jack both jump over the candlestick, and cooperation is emphasized. This book is an international best-seller. (Advocacy Press)
The Princess Who Danced with Cranes, by Annette LeBox
Fiction, ages 4-7. A tale with an environmental theme. Princess Vivian loves to play in the marsh near her castle, and especially to see the cranes. But when everyone in the kingdom goes bonkers over a new game called Gullywhupper, they fill in the marsh for more lawn to play on. Eventually, Vivian remembers the marsh and the cranes, and convinces her father and others to restore the marsh. Lovely illustrations. (Second Story Press)
Frog Girl, by Paul Owen Lewis
Fiction, ages 6 and up. A Native American girl magically finds herself under a lake, in a frog town. There she learns about a volcano that is about to destroy her village. She is able to save her village by using knowledge from the frogs. Beautiful illustrations. (Tricycle Press)
My Mother the Mail Carrier, by Inez Maury
Fiction, ages 4-7. Lupita's mother is a mail carrier, and Lupita sure is proud of her! Mother is strong enough to carry a whole sack of mail and brave enough not to be scared of dogs on her route. The pictures are full of details to keep a child's interest. English text with Spanish translations on the same page. (Feminist Press)
 The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch
Fiction, ages 4-7. Princess Elizabeth wears expensive clothes and plans to marry Prince Ronald. When a dragon burns up her castle and clothes and carries Ronald away, Elizabeth dons a paper bag to rescue him. She outwits the dragon and enters its lair, but Prince Ronald turns up his nose at her attire. She promptly leaves him to his fate. (Annick Press)
 Stephanie's Ponytail, by Robert Munsch
Fiction, ages 4-7. Stephanie wants a hairstyle like no one else has. First everyone says how ugly she is, then when she defends her hairstyle, everyone copies her. Stephanie's hairstyles become more outrageous in her quest for individuality. Finally she threatens to shave her head -- and guess what happens? (Annick Press)
Pianomania! by Manjusha Pawagi
Fiction, ages 4-7. A funny book that conveys a subtle message. Priya desperately wants piano lessons so she can play the music she hears in her mind. However, when she starts learning, she is dismayed to find that she is expected to practice scales. Where is the music of her imagination? She tries various outrageous solutions, such as arranging for her friends to bring all their instruments onto the stage at the fall recital and play along with her, but that just creates lots of noise and havoc. Fun, but not what she had in mind. Finally, she tries playing some scales and chords and starts to hear, faintly, the music in her mind. (Second Story Press)
 Tatterhood and Other Tales, by Ethel Johnston Phelps
Folktales, ages 5 and up. Fun, absorbing tales featuring strong, brave, and/or clever girls and women. These are not made-up tales -- they are actual folk tales from around the world that the author has discovered. A rich treasury for family reading. (Feminist Press)
The Princess and the Admiral, by Charlotte Pomerantz
Fiction, ages 6-10. Princess Mat Mat rules the Tiny Kingdom, which because of its poverty has never been invaded. But on the eve of 100 years of peace, twenty war ships are sighted. Despite a lack of weapons, Princess Mat Mat devises a plan to save the kingdom, and 100 years of peace are celebrated. (Feminist Press)
Mother Scorpion Country, by Rohmer and Wilson
Folktale, ages 6 and up. In this tale from the Miskito Indians of Nicaragua, Naklili loves his wife Kati so much that when she dies, he follows her to Mother Scorpion Country, the land of the dead. Kati protects both of them from dangers along the way, and when Naklili realizes he doesn't belong with Mother Scorpion, Kati sends him back to the living. Beautiful color pictures add to this memorable, slightly spooky story. English and Spanish text. (Children's Book Press)
But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land, by Sandy Sasso
Folktales, ages 6 and up. This collection of stories about strong women in the Bible was written by a feminist Rabbi who searched through Biblical literature to find women whose stories are usually ignored. Includes tales of Lilith, Adam's first wife; Serach, Jacob's granddaughter; and Bityah, the woman who drew Moses from the water. (Jewish Lights Publishing)
Noah's Wife: The Story of Naamah, by Sandy Sasso
Fiction, ages 4 to 8. Noah saved all the animals on earth from destruction by the flood. But what about the plants? In this book we find out that Noah's wife, Naamah, gathers seeds to save all the plants on earth. Written by the same feminist Rabbi as the above book. Beautiful color illustrations. (Jewish Lights Publishing)
Sing Through the Day: Eighty Songs for Children, by Marlys Swinger
Songbook, all ages. This absolutely wonderful songbook and CD features multicultural illustrations and songs about nature and joyful living from all over the world. Many of the illustrations are "gender-neutral" -- the child pictured could be either a girl or a boy. Some of the pictures break gender stereotypes: a girl doing construction work, a boy watering flowers, a father holding a baby. (Plough Publishing)
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom, by Tim Tingle
Fiction, ages 5 and up. A Native American girl, Martha Tom, helps a family of slaves escape into her tribe's Choctaw territory. Written by a Choctaw storyteller and beautifully illustrated by a Cherokee artist, this is a haunting, magical tale. (Cinco Puntos Press)
Belfry Bat the Scaredy Cat, by Gayle McGuire Tremblay
Fiction, ages 4-7. Belfry Bat, who's afraid of everything, gets a chance to lead Witch Mildred on a race with a roller-coaster. Despite her fears, she helps Mildred win the race. (Second Story Press)
The Seven Chinese Sisters, by Kathy Tucker
Folktale, ages 4 and up. Six Chinese sisters each use their special skills to rescue their seventh sister, a baby, from a dragon. A cute story with attractive illustrations. (Albert Whitman & Company)
Elizabeth's Song, by Michael Wenberg
Biography, ages 5 and up. This is the story of the childhood of Elizabeth Cotten, who composed the folk song classic "Freight Train" at age 11. Her unique, self-taught way of playing the guitar (upside down and left-handed) gave rise to the phrase "cotton-picking." Wonderful illustrations and a memorable story. (Beyond Words Publishing)
The Woman Who Outshone the Sun, by Zubizaretta, Rohmer, and Schecter
Folktale, ages 5 and up. Lucia Zenteno arrives in a village and the animals and plants immediately love her. But the people are suspicious and drive her away. When she leaves, the village's river goes with her. Humbled, the people ask her forgiveness. She returns the river and reminds the villagers to treat even strangers with kindness. Color pictures, English and Spanish text. (Children's Book Press)


Middle Readers (Ages 7-14)

Sarah's Boat, by Douglas Alvord
Fiction, ages 8-12. Sarah's grandfather teaches her how to sail a small boat, and Sarah decides to enter the town's Labor Day race to see if she can beat Tommy Watkins, who made fun of her boat. Filled with diagrams and details about sailing. (Tilbury House Publishers)
How Come the Best Clues are Always in the Garbage? by Linda Bailey
Fiction, ages 8-12. This is the first book in the Stevie (AKA Stephanie) Diamond detective series. Stevie has to figure out who stole money from the Garbage Busters, the environmental group her mother runs. After several mishaps and hair-raising adventures, she catches the thief -- with some help from her 72-year-old woman neighbor. Stevie's adventures continue in three other hilarious titles: (Albert Whitman Publishers)
Before the Lark, by Irene Bennett Brown
Fiction, ages 9-13. Jocey has a harelip, and in 1888 Kansas City she's teased mercilessly. She flees to her father's abandoned farm with her grandmother, and manages to raise crops and make a living for them both. When neighbors are kind to her she decides to seek out friends instead of hiding herself. Then she hears about an operation to fix her mouth, and she travels alone to the hospital and gets the operation. Jocey's strong sense of self despite people's reaction to her face is inspiring. (Blue Heron Publishing)
Willow Whip, by Irene Bennett Brown
Fiction, ages 11-16. It is 1918, and Willow desperately wants her family to own their own Kansas farm instead of moving every year as tenant farmers. She works for hours planting and plowing, thinks up ways to earn more money (winning a horse race, selling walnuts), but gets so caught up in her single-minded pursuit that she cannot even sympathize when her brothers fall ill. When she succumbs to sunstroke and her friends help harvest the alfalfa for the downpayment on the farm, Willow realizes she must balance hard work with fun and compassion. An absorbing novel. (Blue Heron)
Super Women in Science, by Kelly Di Domenico
Nonfiction, ages 9-14. Profiles of 10 women scientists from around the world. This is part of the Women's Hall of Fame Series. Other titles in the series include: (Second Story Press)
History of Women series, Vivian Sheldon Epstein. Nonfiction, 9-14. This unique series includes: All books are fun to read and very informative. (VSE Publishers)
Is There a Woman in the House -- or Senate? by Bryna Fireside
Nonfiction, ages 9-14. Absorbing profiles of 10 women members of Congress, including the first woman in Congress, Jeanette Rankin; the first African-American woman, Shirley Chisolm; as well as Bella Abzug, Patricia Schroeder, and others. Chronicles their childhoods and career set-backs as well as successes. A must-read for future leaders! (Albert Whitman Publishers)
Women of the Lights, by Candace Fleming
Nonfiction, ages 9-12. True-life stories of the daring and difficult lives of several women lighthouse keepers, many of whom rescued men from the ocean and kept the lighthouses shining despite storms and earthquakes. (Albert Whitman Publishers)
Period. by Gardner-Loulan, Lopez and Quackenbush
Nonfiction, ages 8 and up. A down-to-earth discussion of menstruation and pelvic exams, including thoughts on body image and quotes from real women and girls on how they feel about menstruation. Removable parent guide helps parents talk to their daughters about these issues. Spanish edition available. (Volcano Press)
A Friend Like Zilla, by Rachna Gilmore
Fiction, ages 8-13. Nobby meets a neat girl, Zilla, while on vacation. The weird thing is, Zilla is 17 -- but she acts 10! Nobby's parents explain that Zilla is slow for her age. Nobby admires Zilla's knowledge of nature and cooking ability. Zilla admires Nobby's skill at reading. Then Uncle Chad arrives and makes fun of Zilla's disability. When Uncle Chad disappears in a storm, Zilla uses her knowledge of nature to find him, and he comes to understand the specialness of her intelligence. (Second Story Press)
Victoria Woodhull: Fearless Feminist, by Kate Havelin
Biography, ages 10-14. Victoria Woodhull is a little-known women's rights leader. Her colorful, controversial life includes making a living as a spiritual guide, running for U.S. President, owning a stock trading business, caring for an alcoholic ex-husband, and eventually marrying a wealthy British banker. (Lerner Publishing)
Across the Great River, by Irene Beltran Hernandez
Fiction, ages 10-14. When Kata's father disappears into the Rio Grande during their flight to the U.S. and Mama falls ill on the other bank, Kata and her brother are taken in by Doña Anita, an herbalist who owns a small farm. Kata grows to love this brash, wise woman who saves her mother's life. Kata is a perceptive narrator who matures from her harsh experience and Doña Anita is a wonderful role mode. (Arte Publico Press)
Book of Black Heroes, Vol. II: Great Women in the Struggle, by Igus, Ellis, Patrick and Wesley
Nonfiction, ages 10 and up. Black women throughout history are profiled in this easy-to-read book featuring famous and not-so-famous women freedom fighters, educators, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, policy makers and scientists. (Just Us Books)
 The Lilith Summer, by Hadley Irwin
Fiction, ages 8-12. To earn money for a new bike, Ellen agrees to be a paid companion for an elderly neighbor, Lilith Adams, for the summer. Soon Ellen learns that Lilith is also getting paid to babysit her. After they each get over their anger at needing someone to watch over them, a special intergenerational friendship develops. Lilith's dignity, gentleness and wisdom make her a wonderful role model, and a lesson in the humanity of older women. (Feminist Press)
Susie King Taylor: Destined to be Free, by Denise Jordan
Nonfiction, ages 7 and up. A short biography of a little-known African-American woman. Susie King Taylor was born a slave and was just 14 when the civil war started. Because she had been secretly taught to read, she became a teacher to Black children and adults during the war. She also worked as a nurse. Much later, she was the first Black Civil War nurse to write her own story. (Just Us Books)
Girls and Young Women Entrepreneurs, by Karnes, Bean, and Verdick
Nonfiction, ages 8-14. Girls and young women who have started a business tell their stories in this fun to read book. You'll read about girls who make and sell jewelry and cheesecake; two sisters who perform magic shows; a girl who uses a home computer for graphic design; and more. Information on starting your own business included.(Free Spirit Publishing)
Girls and Young Women Inventing, by Karnes and Bean
Nonfiction, ages 8-14. True stories of girls and young women ages 6-17 who've invented everything from a blinking tooth-fairy light to computers that recognize speech. Includes information on how to invent something yourself. Inspiring! (Free Spirit Publishing)
Girls and Young Women Leading the Way, by Karnes and Bean
Nonfiction, ages 8-14. Real-life stories of girls and young women leaders such as the girl who organized a recycling project, and two girls who led a campaign against censorship of library materials. Includes tips on being a leader yourself. (Free Spirit Publishing)
I am Lavina Cumming, by Susan Lowell
Fiction, ages 8-12. After her mother dies, 10-year-old Lavina Cumming must travel alone from Arizona to California in 1905 to live with her aunt and be raised as a "young lady." Lavina misses her exuberant Arizona life of riding horses and killing rattlesnakes. Her survival skills come in handy during a San Francisco earthquake when she helps rescue her aunt and cousin. Despite her homesickness, Lavina decides to stay in California to study and eventually become a teacher. A very satisfying read. (Milkweed Editions)
Ezzie's Emerald, by Kathleen McDonnell
Fiction, ages 7-10. Jake calls Ezzie a "hippo" because he thinks she's fat. Ezzie tries to ignore him, but she gets so furious that she shouts at even her friends. When Ezzie saves a baby from an attack by a fierce dog, the newspapers and her classmates make a big deal for a few days -- then it's back to "hippo" again. But this time Ezzie's ready, and she stands up to Jake and tells him never to call her names again. (Second Story Press) 
Riddle of Roses, by Caryl Cude Mullin
Fiction, ages 9 and up. A delightful fantasy novel. Meryl, a young bard-in-training, decides to go on a quest to become a bard the "old" way -- by experience -- rather than the "modern" way -- by book-learning. She seeks an ever-blooming rose bush in Avalon, and returns home wiser, more confident, and ready to continue her travels. (Second Story Press)
Grandmothers' Stories, by Burleigh Muten
Folktales, ages 6 and up. A collection of eight  "wise women tales" from many cultures, including Senegal, Japan, Russia, and Sweden. Some of the tales are funny, some a bit scary, and all are fun and inspiring.  (Barefoot Books)
Connie and Bonnie's Birthday Blastoff, by Ray Nelson, Jr.
Nonfiction/Fiction, ages 6-10. Connie and Bonnie, "identical twins who look nothing alike," blast off to Pluto for a birthday party. While their silly story is told in equally silly rhymes, each page is covered with colorful photos and drawings of the solar system, as well as facts about planets, comets, asteroids, and galaxies. A good book to get girls (and boys) interested in astronomy. (Beyond Words Publishing)
See Jane Win for Girls: A Smart Girl's Guide to Success, by Sylvia Rimm
Nonfiction, ages 10 and up. Wow! What an interesting, useful book! Rimm surveyed 1,000 successful women fo find out how their childhoods helped them to succeed. Now she has written this book for girls with ideas, worksheets and resources to help them lay the foundation for success. Includes chapters on building self-esteem and social skills, learning from family members and teaching family members, dealing with change, and more. This book is very encouraging and practical. (Free Spirit Publishing)
Gutsy Girls: Young Women Who Dare, by Tina Schwager and Michele Schuerger
Nonfiction, ages 10 and up. Profiles 25 girls and young women who have done something daring: climbed mountains, sailed around the world, performed in a circus. Also contains a section on how readers can be "gutsy" themselves. A fun book. (Free Spirit Publishing)
Aruna's Journeys, by Jyotsna Sreenivasan
Fiction, ages 8-12. Aruna's parents are from India, and Aruna hates looking "different." Just when she finally finds a best friend at her new school, her parents take her to India for the whole summer. There she meets her feminist aunt Vandana who is on a hunger strike to avoid an arranged marriage. Vandana's example and words encourage Aruna to hold on to her dreams and enjoy being different. Filled with details of urban life in India, and one of only a very few available novels about Indian-Americans. Winner of the 1998 Skipping Stones Magazine Award for multicultural books. (Smooth Stone Press)
Ela Bhatt: Uniting Women in India, by Jyotsna Sreenivasan
Biography, ages 10-14. Ela Bhatt overcame her shyness and her stuttering to start a union for the poorest women in India. By really listening to the women and helping them implement their own ideas, Ela helped the women start a bank, worker cooperatives, and child care cooperatives. This inspiring book is part of the Women Changing the World series published by the Feminist Press. Other titles in the series include: (Feminist Press)
The Moon Over Crete, by Jyotsna Sreenivasan
Fiction, ages 8-12. Eleven-year-old Lily travels back in time 3,500 years to ancient Crete, where women and men were equal. Lily has to figure out how to warn the Queen about an impending fatal attack by patriarchal warriors. A fast-paced adventure and one of the only children's novels that deals with sexism head-on and helps kids imagine a world of equality. (Smooth Stone Press)
Doe Sia: Bannock Girl and the Handcart Pioneers, by Kenneth Thomasma
Fiction, ages 8-14. Ken Thomasma has written several books in his "Amazing Indian Children" series. This one is the gripping story of a ten-year-old American Indian girl, Doe Sia, who encounters a group of Mormon pioneers making their way on foot from Iowa City to Salt Lake City. Doe Sia becomes friends with a Mormon girl, Emma, and helps to save her life when Emma becomes lost in a winter blizzard. A moving story with many factual details gathered from careful research. This book would be great to read alongside Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series. (Grandview Publishing)
Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran, by Kenneth Thomasma
Fiction, ages 8-14. Another in Thomasma's "Amazing Indian Children" series. Naya Nuki was friends with Sacajawea when both were captured by an enemy tribe. This was about four years before Sacajawea began leading Lewis and Clark. Naya Nuki escaped from the enemy camp and walked 1,000 miles back home. Based on true events. (Grandview Publishing)
The Truth About Sacajawea, by Kenneth Thomasma
Nonfiction, ages 8-14. Sacajawea was the Native American woman who guided Lewis and Clark on their exploration of the American west. She is featured on the new one-dollar coin. This book documents her life - from a teenaged mother to a world-famous guide and interpreter -- using the actual diary entries by Lewis and Clark. (Grandview Publishing)
Behind the Bedroom Wall, by Laura E. Williams
Fiction, ages 9-14. Thirteen-year-old Korinna Rehme loves Hitler and what he's doing for Germany. Then she finds out her parents are hiding a Jewish family behind her bedroom wall. Will Korinna turn her parents in -- or save the Jewish family? Unusual perspective and thought-provoking situations. (Milkweed Editions)
New Moon: The Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams -- www.newmoon.org
The Web site for the award-winning feminist magazine by girls, for girls 8-14. Profiles of women and girls, stories, comics, feedback from girls on sexism and other problems. Give a subscription to this magazine as a gift to a girl -- or even to a boy or an adult! 2 W First St #101, Duluth, MN 55802, 218-728-5507.


Older Readers (Ages 12 and up)

Boy v. Girl? How Gender Shapes Who We Are, What We Want, and How We Get Along, by George Abrahams and Sheila Ahlbrand
Nonfiction. Based on a survey of 2,000 teens and pre-teens, this interesting book examines the gender stereotypes and expectations that kids encounter every day. Contains chapters on gender roles in school, in sports, in the media, and in the social scene, as well as a chapter on going beyond gender stereotypes. A great book to spark lively discussions! (Free Spirit Publishing)
Cool Women, Hot Jobs, by Tina Schwager and Michele Schuerger
Self-help. Profiles 20 women with interesting or unusual jobs, such as: Egyptologist, dolphin trainer, executive director of a foundation, zoo director, FBI agent, newspaper columnist, and so forth. The women talk about how they got into the career, what they do on the job, their most favorite and least favorite aspects of the job, as well as practical matters such as the hours, the dress code, the work environment, and education and skills needed. Each chapter also lists books and web sites for more information about that career. There is also a section on how girls can work towards their dream careers. A useful book for high school students. (Free Spirit Publishing)


This list was compiled by Jyotsna Sreenivasan -- jyotsna64 [at] aol.com, to whom you can send questions, comments, suggestions, etc.

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