Great Books With Fabulous Female Characters

Forget fairies and princes these books pack a punch because they’re full of positive role models for girls. The 11th of October is the United Nations Day Of The Girl, and here are some fabulous books to help kick start some fantastic "Go Girl" action.

1. The Paper Bag Princes by Robert Munsch

Now I said no princesses in my introduction but The Paperbag Princes is a must for this category. This story turns the traditional fairy tales we are all familiar with, on their head. This sassy, no-nonsense chic, when faced with adversity takes matters into her own hands and not only saves herself, but also the prince.

2. Violet The Pilot by Steve Breen

Ages 4 to 8

By the time she’s two years old, Violet Van Winkle can fix nearly any appliance in the house. And by eight she’s building elaborate flying machines from scratch.

The kids at school tease her, but they have no idea what she’s capable of. A classic underdog story full of humour and sweetness, Violet the Pilot is inspirational, endearing and adorable. A classic picture book for girls that encourage creativity and innovation in girls.

3. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Ages 5 to 8 years

Rosie is a brilliant inventor who dreams of becoming an engineer. Encourages and mentored by her aunt Rose, Rosie builds a flying machine to impress her aunt. When her flying machine fails she is disappointed and believes the invention is a failure. However her aunt deems the contraption a raging success, explaining that you on fail if you quit!

Building creative thinking, resilience and perseverance this book is a must have.

4. Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes,

This easy to read chapter book is perfect for grade 2 to grade 4 kids. Beatrice Zinker is 8 years old and fun of fun. Beatrice and her best friend Lenny play spies with a secret headquarters and they’d wear their black Ninja costumes. But when Lenny begins to wear dresses with ruffles and play ponies, Beatrice must do some creative thinking to cope with the situation.

This book is about being true to yourself, friendship and resilience. The perfect message for young girls.

5. The Truth About Verity Sparks by Susan Green

Ages 9+

This historical novel is part murder mystery with a little bit of supernatural thrown in. It is set in Victorian London (1870), where Verity is an orphan working for a seamstress. However she is sacked and put out on the streets when a rich lady accuses her of stealing a expensive piece of jewellery.

Verity uses her unusual power and some quick problem solving to discover her past, and solve the mystery. This book is a page turn and loved by many.

6. The Ruby Redfort Series Lauren Child

Best know for the Charlie and Lola series Lauren Child has pitched this “smart kids” book at the mid to upper primary level.

Ruby Refort is a “genious code breaker, undercover agent, 13 year old”. Go on some bold adventures with this brave, no nonsense, independent, free thinker. Who knows where you’ll end up.

7. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Age 8+

It would be impossible to write about books with strong female characters without including this wonderful book from Mr Dahl. Ahead of his time Dahl created this intelligent, independent, creative and kind girl who faces grat adversity and comes through shining.

Now a brilliant stage play full of toe tapping songs by Tim Minchin this is a must read for all children.

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