Feminist Middle Grade Novels for International Women's Day
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Happy International Women's Day! To celebrate, here's a list of some of my favorite feminist middle grade novels, and a few nonfiction books as well. This list will include everything from young activists to transgender girls struggling to come out to legendary historical figures. Enjoy, and fight the patriarchy!
For International Women's Day 2023, I have added seven more badass books to this list. :)
Lumberjanes, created by ND Stevenson
April, Jo, Ripley, Mal, and Molly were looking forward to a relaxing summer in the woods away from the real world. What they didn't expect was for creatures from out of this world to appear all over Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. From bear-women to sea serpents, three-eyed foxes to Greek gods, it appears that this summer is not going to be like any others.
Over 75 issues of this comic book series, the five girls of the Roanoke cabin (plus their frazzled counselor, Jen) adventure in the forest next to the Lumberjanes camp and discover dark secrets and new friends. And, possibly, a hole in the fabric of time itself...
Healer and Witch by Nancy Werlin
Sylvie is content with her life as the village healer's daughter, learning her mother and grandmother's trade and trying to ignore the strange powers that surfaced after she got her first bleeding. But when her beloved grand-mére dies, Sylvie tries to use those powers to heal her mother's grief...and fails disastrously. The consequence? She leaves her village to try to find someone, anyone, who can help her master her powers before she hurts someone else. On the journey she will meet new friends...and new enemies. Sylvie's powers may be only part of who she is, but in the end, she has to make a choice: will she be a healer...or a witch?
Drum Roll, Please by Lisa Jenn Bigelow
Melly Goodwin didn't
expect to like the drums when her best friend, Olivia, made her join the
school band. But surprisingly, introverted Melly fell in love with the
powerful, rhythmic sounds that she can make when she's behind a drum
set. So when she and Olivia sign up for music camp together, she's
excited. Until her parents tell her that they're breaking up the morning
before camp starts.
And Camp Rockaway isn't everything Melly expected. She and Olivia, who pride themselves as being close as BFFs can be, seem to be growing apart. Melly starts to develop feelings for one of her bandmates, Adeline, and she isn't sure if she has what it takes to be a real rock drummer. Will Melly be able to sort out her feelings before camp is over?
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
Shannon has thought she'd always be best friends with Adrienne. But when Adrienne introduces her to Jen, the most popular girl in their grade, Shannon starts to see her best friend slipping away from her. Soon Shannon is a reluctant member of The Group, the popular circle of girls. Shannon definitely doesn't fit in here--she'd rather make up stories about orphans and superheroes than gossip about boys. But without The Group, she'd lose Adrienne, and without Adrienne, she'd be alone. Is Shannon a real member of The Group? Are these girls her real friends?
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra
Marlene dreads Sundays, when her mom drags her to the salon to "fix"
her curly hair. Marlene doesn't see herself when she looks in the mirror
afterwards--this straight-haired girl isn't the Marlene she wants to
be. Marlene is tired of everyone around her criticizing her natural
hair, and telling her that there's a specific way she has to look to be
"beautiful." Does beauty even matter that much, anyway?
One day, Marlene decides she's had enough--she's going to wear her hair the way she wants. The result of her first attempt to wear curly hair doesn't exactly work--but luckily she has her best friend Camila and favorite Tía Ruby to help her out. With their help, she slowly learns to love her curly hair and finds a way to wear it that feels right.
The Prettiest by Brigit Young
Eve Hoffman has started wearing her brother's baggy shirts to avoid the stares she knows she'll get after she "got curves" over the summer. But the shirts aren't enough to protect her when Eve's name lands at the top of a list of the fifty prettiest girls in eighth grade. Soon, Eve can't ignore the stares and whispers about her--about her body.
Sophie Kane has always been number one in everything. So when Eve Hoffman's name appears before hers on the list, she feels her carefully constructed reputation falling apart. The mean comments she's getting about being number two are making her wonder whether everything she values is falling apart--including her group of friends.
Nessa Flores-Brady, Eve's best friend, isn't on the list at all--but she doesn't care. In fact, she's proud of it. Or is she?
Though unlikely allies, Eve, Sophie, and Nessa band together to prove to the school that there's more to them than their looks. And though they started out seeking justice, they might find something else too--an unbreakable friendship.
Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange
The six Fernsby sisters spend their days working on their father's farm,
with their father's obsession with the Curse of the Six Daughters
controlling their lives--especially that the eldest, Grace, who is to be
married off by next spring. But the sisters find their joy in each
other, and in their Grammy, whose secret stash of forbidden books gives
the girls dreams of the world beyond the small marsh village where they
live. When the mysterious Full Moon Fayre arrives in town, Willa, Grace,
and Freya anticipate a rare night of revelry--but when Grace disappears
the morning after the Fayre, Willa goes after her, beginning a journey
of peril through the murky waters of the Lost Marsh. If she wants to
save her sister, and the rest of her family, she will have to face not
only the dangers of the mire, but her own father and village as well...
Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone
Molly Frost and her friends go to Fisher Middle School, where the dress code is tight. In fact, there's even a dean (who the kids nickname "Fingertip) whose job it is to patrol the hallways and call out kids--scratch that, girls--who are disobeying the unfairly strict dress code. After one of Molly's best friends is yelled at by two middle-aged male teachers about wearing a tank top, Molly decides that she, and her friends, have had enough. So she starts a podcast where she invites fellow middle schoolers, and some alumni from her school, to share their dress coded stories. Among these are...
- A girl who got dress coded for having hair
- A girl who got dress coded because she had a fever
- A trans girl who was forced to wear pants
- A girl who missed a math test because she was dress coded
Marya Lupu has lived all of her life in the shadow of her brother, Luka, who everyone says is destined to become a sorcerer, one of the magical elite who protect Illyria from the evil Dread. In Illyria, girls don't have many places to fill, and Marya's mother has just about given up turning Marya into the nice young lady who can someday be a gift to society.
But when the sorcerers come to judge whether Luka has the magical talent required to join their ranks, Marya makes a big mistake, the consequences of which will send her down a path she could never have imagined. She is sent to Dragomir Academy, a school high in the mountains where troubled girls go to learn how to be good. Marya is suddenly surrounded by classmates who, like herself, have been instructed never to talk about their pasts.
When a sorcerer arrives at the school, and strange things start happening to the other girls, Marya and her classmates discover things about Dragomir Academy, magic, and the Dread that could get them into a lot of trouble if they tell someone--but more trouble if they don't.
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Ray Tercerio and Bre Indigo
A modern, diverse reimagining of Little Women.
With Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy's father in the military and their mother working overtime, their Brooklyn family is struggling to keep their heads above the water. The sisters find comfort in each other, and in their new neighbor Laurie, who lives with his grandfather. Meg struggles with her shame of being poor, Amy has difficulties at school where she's bullied, Beth works hard to keep the family together, and Jo struggles with a secret. But when Beth falls terribly ill, and their father is injured overseas, their precarious world is thrown out of balance.
Melissa by Alex Gino (previously titled George)
Melissa knows she's a girl. But everyone else sees her as a boy named George. When a performance of Charlotte's Web is announced at her school, Melissa is determined to try out as Charlotte. She could be seen as a girl for just a day, and then maybe she'll have the courage to tell everyone who she really is. But because she's seen as a boy, her teacher doesn't even let her try out for Charlotte. How will Melissa show the world who she truly is?
Mia's family has immigrated to Anaheim, California from Beijing, China to seek a better future, but that future may not be so bright: her parents move from low-paying job to low-paying job, until they finally get work managing a motel where the owner treats them like servants. Mia makes new friends among the residents of the motel and her classmates while facing up against unfairness and racism. She discovers her love of writing, and pushes through even after being told that she will never be as good at writing as the American kids because English is her second language. When Mia discovers a chance to change her family's fortune, she uses her writing skills to fight for herself and her family.
The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson
Faith is excited when
one of the popular girls in her new middle school urges her to join the
girls' soccer team, but the team does more arguing than playing, and no
one can make a single goal. Faith finds refuge in her drawings and the
stories she creates in her head, and over time, she makes friends among
the other girls on the team--each of which has more to her than meets
the eye. In the end, the team's friendships and rivalries may be more
important than actually winning a game.
Castle Waiting by Linda Medley
Castle Waiting used to be full of kings, queens, courtiers, and jesters, but the effects of a historic Sleeping Beauty-esque curse have left it devoid of royalty. It is certainly not empty, however, and the liveliness of its new inhabitants will leave you wishing you could take a visit. Because Castle Waiting has not lain idle, it has turned into a sanctuary for those who need to run from something or just want to live a peaceful life. Jain Solander is one of these such people. Running from a dark past that reveals itself as the story goes, Jain and her newborn son, Pindar, take refuge in the castle and learn to love its quirky inhabitants. First there's Rackham, the eloquent steward, who has the head of a stork and the body of a human. Then there's Dinah, the cook, and her half-giant and gentle son Simon. Henry, the silent blacksmith. The three ancient aunties--Patience, Prudence, and Plenty--who "came with the castle" from its days of glory. Sir Chess, the not-so-humble knight with the head of a horse; and the strange Doctor, whose mind hasn't been what it used to be since he experienced a strange and terrifying past. You will fall in love with these characters at once, feeling right at home in the cozy Castle with its diverse cast of characters.
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
For as long as she can remember, Ellie has had to cope with people who try to make her uncomfortable in her own body. From bullies at school to her own mother and siblings at home, everyone seems to be obsessed with Ellie's weight. Ellie finds refuge in her backyard pool, where she can just swim and feel weightless for a while. Then her best friend, the only one who's ever understood her, moves away. Ellie's mom starts to get adamant about Ellie getting surgery. And Ellie's Fat Girl Rules--a list she always keeps for herself--are restricting her life. Ellie has to learn that when things get nasty, she has to stand up for herself.
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Cimorene's
traditional royal family are nothing if not tiring, especially when they
start setting up suitors for her. Instead of preening in front of
princes like her golden-haired sisters, Cimorene decides to escape to
the mountains to become a dragon's princess. This job proves
challenging, as the dragons first have to decide whether or not to eat
Cimorene (thankfully they come to a consensus not to), and Cimorene is
tasked with organizing her dragon, Kazul's, library and treasure hoard,
and cook elaborte meals for Kazul and her guests. And on top of
everything, annoying princes keep trying to come and rescue her!
Strange Birds by Celia C. Pérez
Ofelia Castillo is a budding journalist whose parents refuse to let her attend a writing camp in New York City. Aster Douglas is a foodie who lives with her grandpa and adores trying new recipes. Cat Garcia is a birdwatcher who is struggling with her mother's expectations. And Lane DiSanti is the granddaughter of the richest woman in town. When these four girls meet up at Lane's friend-making treehouse club, they aren't instant friends--but they learn to care about each other as they start a revolution concerning an offensive hat and some girl scouts.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Merci Suárez's family has never been like the other families at her private school. They live in three small pink houses--Las Casitas--with their extended family, not a big house by the coast. Merci and her brother Roli don't have piles of money, but are on an academic scholarship. So sixth grade is a whole new year of troubles--Edna Santos, school queen, has set her sights on Merci's "sunshine buddy," a new student who is part of Merci's community service. Merci isn't quite sure who her friends are. And on top of everything, Merci's grandfather, Lolo, has been acting strange lately, forgetting things and falling down, and Merci's family won't tell her anything.
Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera
To achieve her dream of meeting Fu Li Hernandez, the first ever Chinacan/Mexinese pitcher in the Major Leagues, Lupe has to earn all As. And the class that's giving her the most trouble is not expected: it's P.E. Lupe loves P.E., and everything sports-related (well, mostly baseball-related). But square dancing, the new P.E. unit, is NOT a sport. And Lupe Wong will NOT dance with a boy. However, her determination to get square dancing cancelled doesn't end as she planned: she creates drama with her classmates and friends, annoys the principal, and ends up without a dancing partner. Maybe Lupe should give up this particular cause?
Nah.
Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann
Sick and tired of the ever-empty pad dispenser in their high school's bathroom, and of a school administration that doesn't think of female health as a priority, Abby, Christine, Brit, and Sasha decide to do something. However, starting a menstruation revolution isn't easy when there's opposition from the school, reluctance from Sasha, who doesn't have a comfortable relationship with her period, and the usual high school drama to deal with. And when Abby goes too far, hurting Sasha and causing way more trouble than she intended, things between the four friends get a bit tense. But in the end, they'll always have each other's backs.
Aru Shah by Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah lives with her mother in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. So what if she doesn't go on fancy vacations like the rest of her classmates? She can tell them she does. But when some classmates show up on her doorstep one day, prepared to catch her in a lie, Aru is driven to light the Lamp of Bharata to prove that it's cursed.
But the lamp really is cursed, a complication that Aru hadn't anticipated. By lighting the lamp, she unknowingly releases the Sleeper, a trapped demon who has been waiting to wreak havoc on the mortal and magical worlds. To save her mother, who was frozen in time when the Sleeper awoke, Aru has to find the legendary Pandava brothers and journey through the Kingdom of Death with a new friend.
Currently a four-book series, the fifth and final installment will be published this spring, so keep your eyes open for that!
The Penderwicks
The Penderwicks: four sisters, a botanical father, and a loving one dog, in for the summer of their lives. There's Rosalind, the practical eldest; Skye, rebellious and stubborn; Jane, a dreamy writer; and Batty, the youngest, who loves animals and her butterfly wings above anything else.
When they set off one summer in search of a little place to stay, they find a lavish estate with a comfortable guest house instead of the homely cottage they expected. And while the sprawling estate, Arundel, is certainly the fanciest place they've ever seen, they soon grow comfortable in it: especially when they discover Jeffrey, the owner's son. In Jeffrey is a kindred spirit, and a boy who will show them all the hidden corners of Arundel, from the less-than-welcoming bull who lives in a pasture to the attic of the mansion, filled with long-forgotten treasures. But Jeffrey's mother, Mrs. Tifton, is less than pleased to have the Penderwicks staying on her estate. Will they manage to stay out of trouble and remain on her good side?
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
Bridge, Tabitha, and Emily: three seventh-grade best friends, their friendship thick as a rope. Emily's new sort-of-boyfriend can't come between them, can it?
Sherm: Bridge's new tech crew friend, who's grappling with the loss of his grandfather. He likes Bridge a lot, but maybe not in the way everyone expects him to.
Valentine's Day: An unnamed high school girl navigates friendship history and turmoil. Will she be able to mend her broken conscience before the day is over?
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
When Astrid's mother takes her and her best friend, Nicole, to a roller derby match, it's love at first sight. Astrid jumps to sign up for the youth roller derby league in her town, but is shocked to discover that Nicole isn't joining her. What's happened between the two friends who used to do everything together? And roller derby turns out to be harder than it looks: Astrid is the new girl on the team, and finds herself lagging behind the others. Will she be able to patch things up with Nicole, and does she need to? And can Astrid be able to find it in herself to be the best roller girl she can be?
Like Vanessa by Tami Charles
Vanessa Martin dreams of being a beauty pageant icon like Vanessa Williams, the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America. So she's excited when her school announces a beauty pageant of its own. However, it isn't so easy: her father opposes the idea of her joining because it reminds him of Vanessa's estranged mother, and her own view of herself and her dark skin is less than confident. Vanessa will need to discover her own true beauty, with or without the beauty pageant.
The Skylarks' War by Hilary McKay (also published as Love to Everyone)
Clarry Penrose is used to her less-than-perfect life: with a father who never wanted children and a brother who is determined to see everything in a negative light, Clarry has learned to look on the bright side. The most exciting thing in her life is her cousin Rupert, and the summers she and her brother spend with him in Cornwall.
When war breaks out in England, Clarry is distraught to learn that Rupert has enlisted in the army. However, she continues with her life. She convinces her father to let her attend school, and spends many happy years there; she makes new friends, and even softens up her brother; and she learns things about the world around her. But when Rupert is declared missing, Clarry is determined to do everything in her power to find him, even if it means disrupting the stable life she has built for herself.
Nonfiction
Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz and Miriam Klein Stahl
A follow up to Kate Schatz's Rad Women A-Z, this compilation of rad female stories will inspire and empower you! A few of the many amazing people included in the book are Sophie Scholl, Malala Yousafzai, Wangari Maathai, and Qiu Jin. Be prepared to learn about many women from history whose stories you've never heard, and see a few familiar faces!
Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen
One hundred women, one hundred stories: from prehistory to the modern day, the women in Ann Shen's first illustrated book include some you've heard of and many you haven't. Included in the 200+ pages of beautifully illustrated portraits and inspiring life stories: Grace O'Malley, Irish pirate; Sojourner Truth, escaped slave and activist; Junk Tabei, Japanese mountain climber; and Oprah Winfrey herself. A book no one will want to miss!
Legendary Ladies by Ann Shen
A collection of goddesses, from mighty Athena to fiery Pele. Discover goddesses from India, Hawaii, Ireland, and Native American religions, to name a few, and learn what goddesses to call when you are in need.
Revolutionary Women by Ann Shen
The newest addition to Ann Shen's series, Revolutionary Women tells the stories of fifty incredible women of color who have redesigned history, reinvented the rules, and redefined feminism. From Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez to Zitkala-Ša, these women will amaze and inspire you.
I hope you check out some of these great books to celebrate International Women's Day! And the feminism doesn't end here--March is Women's History Month, but practicing (intersectional!) feminism is year-round! Support female authors and artists!
Image sources: kobo.com, previewsworld.com, goodreads.com, amazon.com
Wow! You have really read a lot of great books!
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