Classic literature is full of famous books about angsty teenagers learning who they are as men. but what about all the women? Women’s coming-of-age books aren’t as celebrated, but they are just as meaningful, poignant, and important as all children’s books.
From young adult adventure stories to non-fiction graphic novels, these groundbreaking reads will shape how you think about being a woman, which, let’s face it, is very important. It’s time to dust off your library card and get ready to empower yourself.
You are reading: Books to read for girls
1. daughter of the fortune of isabel allende
allende spent seven years researching this novel, which she describes as a young woman’s quest for self-knowledge. The result is a beautiful story of a young Chilean woman raised by English brothers that Allende says reflects her own struggle to define the role of feminism in her life.
2. persepolis by marjane satrapi
persepolis is a graphic novel that I first came across in an introduction to genre & women’s studies in college. I wish I had read it years earlier. The autobiographical novel details the life of Satrapi living in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. the novel will help any reader understand what it means to be a woman in other cultures.
3. pride & jane austen prejudice
This book is classic for a reason. teaches two incredibly important life lessons every girl needs to learn: first impressions aren’t always right, and everyone needs second chances. Not to mention, it comes with Austen’s trademark satire and a fierce feminist undertone.
4. i know why maya angelou’s caged bird sings
this 1969 autobiography by maya angelou shows how a woman can stand her ground despite social and personal injustices. Fighting against racism, sexism and personal trauma, the novel reflects how easy it is to internalize these negative forces and how powerful a woman can become by resisting.
5. roald dahl’s matilda
This classic children’s novel teaches women that they have value beyond what others see in them. Matilda is an intelligent girl abandoned by her family, who, when she is encouraged by a kind teacher, she discovers that she has magical powers. The rest of the story follows Matilda taking control of her life and deciding her own fate.
6. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
This is the dystopian novel superior to all dystopian novels. Offred is a servant in a futuristic (yet eerily similar) society where declining fertility rates have caused women to lose control over their own bodies. I guarantee this book will give any woman a new appreciation for her ability to control her reproductive health.
7. the bell jar by sylvia plath
The only novel by American poet Sylvia Plath, this novel addresses issues of gender and mental health. The story is modeled after Plath’s experience at Smith (a women’s college) and winning a scholarship to work at a New York magazine. Despite her seemingly impressive life, the protagonist experiences mental health problems that shed light on the complicated history of medical treatment in the United States, especially for women.
8. the house on mango street by sandra cisneros
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esperanza lamb is a young latina growing up in chicago trying to figure out how her family’s culture fits into the culture of the united states. The novel is a series of beautiful short vignettes that harrowingly and hilariously illustrate life in an immigrant family in the United States.
9. kristin castore graceling
graceling is the first in a series of young adult novels perfect for fans of fantasy. the series is full of strong female leads and treats sexuality in a mature way appropriate for young teens. This fast-paced, fun novel lays a good sex-positive foundation for girls in a fantasy world that includes birth control and LGBT characters.
10. to kill a mockingbird by harper lee
a classic, famous for addressing issues of racism, starring a 6-year-old protagonist who is undoubtedly a feminist icon: the scout finch. In the Great Depression era, the explorer refuses to accept society’s standards and instead pushes for race and gender equality. In the process, he learns life lessons applicable even to modern readers.
11. tina fey’s bossy pants
This hilarious autobiography by comedian Tina Fey puts an end to the pesky rumor that women can’t be funny once and for all. Without a doubt, the book contains valuable lessons on feminism and body image, but more importantly, it’s hilarious, you can’t stop reading and laughing out loud.
12. the bluest eye of toni morrison
The first novel by Toni Morrison, this story follows a young Black Pecola growing up in the Midwest. the book tackles themes of racism, incest, and child abuse, all while making for an intimate and moving reading experience.
13. cornelia funke’s inkheart
meggie and her father share a special talent: when they read books aloud, the characters enter the real world. When her father reads aloud from a fantasy book about an evil villain and a dragon, Meggie embarks on a quest to save the day. funny and fiercely feminist, this fantasy adventure is perfect for women of all ages.
14. forever . . . by judy blume
This 1975 novel was a pioneer in its treatment of adolescent sexuality. Set during Catherine’s senior year of high school, it tracks her first love and sexual experience, as well as her first heartbreak. The novel will help readers come to terms with her own sexuality, wherever they are on that journey, and how they choose to express it.
15. feminism is for everyone: passionate politics for bell hooks
Bell Hooks (intentionally lowercase) is a must-read for any woman struggling to figure out how feminism influences her life. Considering Hooks is an author of complex feminist theory, it’s a remarkably easy read. Brief and to the point, the hooks introduce readers to intersectional feminist politics and how to make the movement your own.
16. the diary of a young woman by anne frank
Anne Frank’s famous diary, written during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, is poignant not only for its historical significance, but also for the small details of a girl growing up. Frank is wise beyond her years, she alternates philosophical musings on the nature of war and racism with relatable moments from her first crush.
17. the secret of platform 13 by eva ibbotson
This charming children’s book follows an adventure to a mythical island filled with all kinds of magical creatures and charming characters. throughout the novel, there are creative and complex characters of both genders. is a must read for children and highly recommended for adults who need to reconnect with the power of imagination.
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18. americanah by chimamanda ngozi adichie
americanah tells the story of a Nigerian woman who immigrates to the United States to attend college. Despite the bold and hilarious comments about racism and immigrant life in America, Adichie insists that the novel is primarily a love story. Filled with beautiful writing and rich characters, it’s easy to fall in love with the novel.
19. a wrinkle in time by madeleine l’engle
This science fiction novel centers on Meg, a 16-year-old girl who embarks on a quest to find her missing father. Despite being underestimated by her teachers and peers for years, Meg continues to trust her talent and ability to bring her family back together. A great read for any girl who needs to be reminded that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to.
20. star girl by jerry spinelli
Above all else, Stargirl is a story about refusing to conform to society’s expectations. Susan, a newcomer to the Mica Area High School, remains proudly unique even when directly challenged by other characters. Instead of falling into insecurity or hatred, Susan responds with kindness, inspiring the girls to be proud of her individuality in the process.
21. little women of louisa may alcott
This 19th century classic is just as beloved and familiar even two centuries later. the novel follows four sisters as they grow from girls to women, addressing issues of domestic life, work, and love. As each woman finds her individual identity, she learns her own priorities in life and what she needs to be happy.
22. she charmed by gail carson levine
Ella Enchanted is a modern Cinderella story, with a fiercely independent heroine battling the curse of obedience. she is undeniably intelligent and adventurous, and it is this wit that makes a prince fall in love with her. but she doesn’t need a white knight to rescue her, she is quite capable of rescuing herself.
23. speak for laurie halse anderson
This 1999 novel tells the story of a high school student dealing with the trauma of a sexual assault. the poetic language and non-linear plot make the novel an immersive and deeply moving reading experience. While he is classified as a young adult, the mature theme and modernist plot structure make him worth reading as an adult.
24. hope rise by pam muñoz ryan
This young adult novel is set in Mexico and California during the Great Depression. Centered on the struggle of a wealthy girl, Esperanza, whose family falls into poverty, the novel reflects on broader issues and the plight of Mexican farmworkers in the United States. the novel is a great starting point for girls to begin learning about immigrant life, overlapping cultures, and the challenge of poverty.
25. fun home by alison bechdel
have you heard of the bechdel test? well, yes, this alison bechdel is also that alison bechdel. The graphic novel is a memory of Bechdel’s own past, coming to terms with his sexuality and her relationship with her family. The story is funny and heartbreaking as Bechdel begins to realize how important her relationship with her father is to her adult life.
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