Where Are All the Books About Girls?

Though some of the classics date from when we were children or even earlier, today kids have more book choices than ever, and many of them are fantastic. The Harry Potter series alone got many kids finally interested in reading books, and, in many cases, their parents joined in the fun, too. Novels, picture books, […]
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Though some of the classics date from when we were children or even earlier, today kids have more book choices than ever, and many of them are fantastic. The Harry Potter series alone got many kids finally interested in reading books, and, in many cases, their parents joined in the fun, too. Novels, picture books, graphic novels, and everything in between are available to kids at bookstores, libraries, and online.

But, if you look carefully, most books have main characters who are male. Where are all the good female main characters hiding? On this World Book Day, let's find out.

GeekDad Jonathan Liu wondered the same thing, perhaps partly because his two children are both girls. He has tirelessly assembled several lists of good books with female main characters for his series, Stories About Girls. The lists aren't all themed, but since there were too many books for one post, he broke them up.

Part one and part two both run the gamut from beginning readers to teens. Part three contains excellent picture books. Part four goes back to offering a variety of books. Part five contains many familiar names, including several Newbery winners. Part six, the final part for now, contains reader recommendations (including two from me!).

So check out Jonathan's well-thought-out lists. And please let us know in the comments what your favorite books about girls are, either from Jonathan's lists, or books that weren't yet covered.