Your pre-approved list of feminist books for all the kids in your life

If you’re a mom, aunt, teacher, babysitter, or really anyone who currently cares for a little girl, chances are you are sick of pink-washing princess stories featuring damsels in distress. Luckily, if you want to read a real page-turner — out loud and at bedtime — with a strong female message, Book Riot has your back.

Bookriot.com recently released “The Best Feminist Books For Younger Readers.” The article explains that the word “best” is certainly subjective, but the list sought to “include a variety of genres and some lesser known/newer options.” And, the term “young reader” also runs the gamut, so the list includes suggestions by age based on publisher recommendations.

Here’s Book Riot’s fabulous girl power list, with a few HelloGiggles additions!

From Book Riot . . . 

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Recommended for ages 5-8)

The Case of the Missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford, illustrated by Kelly Murphy (ages 8-12)

Luz Sees the Light by Claudia Dávila (ages 8-12)

The Year of Shadows by Claire Legrand, illustrated by Karl Kwasny (ages 8-12)

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (ages 8-12)

Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle by Dana Simpson (ages 8-12)

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis (ages 9-12)

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente, illustrated by Ana Juan (ages 10-14)

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde (ages 10-14)

The Thickety: A Path Begins by J. A. White, illustrated by Andrea Offermann (ages 10+)

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (ages 10+)

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (ages 12+)

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff (ages 12-17)

HelloGiggles’ additions to the list! 

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (ages 8-12) 

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (ages 9 -12) 

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell (ages 9-12)

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (ages 10-17)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (ages 12+)

Rookie Yearbook One by Tavi Gevinson (ages 12+)

Forever by Judy Blume (ages 12-17) … Really any Judy Blume

If the young readers list is a little too mature for the girl in your life, check out Book Riot’s list of “The Best Feminist Picture Books.” And, Bitch Magazine has a great list of empowering Young Adult reads for teens and tweens, too.

(Images via Tumblr.com, Bookriot.com and Amazon.com. Featured image via kirstie belle doodles. Age ranges provided by publisher via Bookriot.com, Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.)