I decided it was time to start a book list for girls, because I practically grew up next door to Laura Ingalls and Josephine Alcott. Though as a child I read my share of 'candy' books (books with little or no substance), the stories that always stuck in my mind were ones in which the characters had virtue, grace, and a gentle strength. In this day of 'Gossip Girl' and who-knows-what-else is-out-there, I'm trying my best to steer my daughter towards books of worth. I'll still let her pick out an occasional 'Tinker Bell' or 'My Little Pony' book, but I want her to grow on a balanced diet of good reading.
Like my book list for boys, this list will slowly grow as I read books with my daughter. Check for updates, and share suggestions too!
And if you'd like to see the recommended book list for boys, go to Growing a Man.
A Good Start for Your Beginning Readers
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same, by Grace Lin
I like all of Grace Lin's books, not only because she is a Chinese-American author writing about her childhood and culture, but because her gouache illustrations are whimsical and colorful and she is a young wife who lost her husband to cancer. Most of her books fall into the picture book category, but she is expanding her repertoire, and Ling & Ting is her first chapter book for young readers. It is about twin girls and how they may look alike, but are very different in some aspects. Great for sisters!
Tales of Amanda Pig, by Jean Van Leeuwen
Simple and sweet, I can never get enough of Amanda Pig and her brother Oliver. There is a whole series that is worth reading. The earlier books focus on her relation with her brother, and as Amanda grows and starts to go to school, the focus is shifted to her friendship with Lollipop.
Fancy Nancy, by Jane O'Connor
I'm not always a fan of the trendy and commercial, but I have to say, the Fancy Nancy series are fun and delightful because the books incorporate great vocabulary and a girl who is creative, confident, yet humble. The illustrations are a plus too. Yes, the publishers are taking advantage of her popularity with dolls and 'easy readers', but so far, they haven't watered down the original concept too much. Hopefully, that won't change.
Sleeping Ugly, by Jane Yolen
This book is a hilarious look at inner versus outer beauty. Jane Yolen is one of my favorite children's book authors!
Poppleton, by Cynthia Rylant
The Poppleton series is about a pig named Poppleton, his next door llama named Cherry Sue, and his neighborhood friends. The stories are funny and sweet, and the illustrations by Mark Teague are rich and colorful.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, by Peter Roop
Based on a true story about how a girl kept a lighthouse light going during a great storm.
Poppleton, by Cynthia Rylant
The Poppleton series is about a pig named Poppleton, his next door llama named Cherry Sue, and his neighborhood friends. The stories are funny and sweet, and the illustrations by Mark Teague are rich and colorful.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, by Peter Roop
Based on a true story about how a girl kept a lighthouse light going during a great storm.
Great for Read-alouds or More Advanced Readers
Betsy and Tacy, by Maud Hart Lovelace
This book is only the first in a series that follows Betsy and Tacy all through childhood and into adulthood. They are based on the author's life (she's Betsy) growing up in Minnesota and learning lessons on friendship, family, and life.
Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A favorite for any girl, but especially those who identify with the spunky Laura. The author's descriptions of frontier life transport the reader back in time, and her narrative makes you feel like part of the family. Both boys and girls enjoy reading the books, but I think girls are the ones who really fall in love with them.
The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
Another series that boys and girls alike will enjoy. Every book in the series has a girl protagonist, who has her own lessons to learn, even if she doesn't wield a sword. Again, if you don't want your children to read about battles and fighting, this series is not for you. But the Biblical truth woven into every chapter is worth it!
Pollyanna, by Eleanor H. Porter
Most people know the Disney movie Pollyanna, but they have never read or heard of the book! Though the movie is good, the book is even better. One of my pet peeves is the misuse of the name 'Pollyanna' to mean a person who is naive and sees the world through rose-colored glasses. The character in the book is anything but that! She is a person of wisdom and strength who changes a town through her 'game' of finding blessings in every circumstance. There's also a sequel, Pollyanna Grows Up.
Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink
Carol Ryrie Brink remembers sitting and listening to her grandmother tell stories of growing up on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. That grandmother's name was Caddie Woodlawn. Each chapter is a glimpse into the life of Caddie and her family on the frontier, and how the girl may often act 'improper' and 'unladylike', but when it really matters, she does what is right, despite what others may say.
The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster
Language, math, learning, and curiosity come alive in this fun book that I have loved for years. If your child ever says, "I'm bored!", then this is the book to read.
Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White
The classic tale of a deep and wonderful friendship between a pig and a spider. I don't normally like spiders, and even I can't help but want to become a person more like Charlotte!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson
My all-time favorite Christmas read, this story is funny and poignant and gives the reader a new perspective on the Christmas story.
Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, by A. A. Milne
Always sweet, the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories are a must-read if you know only the Disney character. It's great as a read-aloud, but the illustrations and way that Milne lays out the text also add to the quiet humor of the stories.
Simply and beautifully told, this is the story of a family in search of a new mother. The sequel Skylark is also worth reading.
Babe, the Gallant Pig, by Dick King-Smith
Sweet story about a polite and chivalrous young pig who wants to be a sheep-dog (I mean, sheep-pig!)
By the Great Horn Spoon!, by Sid Fleischman
This book's central character may be a humble butler, but he is honorable, respectful, loyal, level-headed, and brave, what every father and husband should be. The story is also a fun lesson in the California Gold Rush!
The Whipping Boy, by Sid Fleischman
A fun, short story about friendship and seeing life from someone else's perspective.
The Princess and the Goblin, by George MacDonald
The Princess and Curdie
If you love fairytales and are not familiar with George MacDonald, you're missing out! George MacDonald was a great influence on J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S.Lewis and wrote collections of short stories and "children's" books that hold many hidden gems of wisdom. Boys and girls alike will enjoy The Princess and the Goblin and its sequel.
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, by Margaret Sidney
This book began as a series more than 100 years ago! The poor Pepper family sticks together through thick and thin and remind each other that they are blessed, despite their hardships.
For Junior High/Highschoolers
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
A wonderful story (based on the author's life) about four sisters, each learning her own lessons as she becomes a woman. The focus is on Josephine (who is the author herself) and her struggle to find her place in the family and in the world.
The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
This story is classic, and I would have put it in the read-aloud section if all children could handle the older writing style. And like many stories that people 'think' they know, the original is worth reading because of the depth, insight, and Christian message that is often left out of the movies and retellings.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare
When I finished this book, I was so impressed by how the author handled the different personalities and religious views without pointing fingers at anyone (except one, who is an unloving, negligent mother and cantankerous wife). A great book to discuss loving one's neighbor and not being judgmental.Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
I remember seeing this book in the library when I was young, but I never read it. If only I had known what I was missing! Based on historical facts, the book tells of how the country of Denmark helped save their Jewish residents during German occupation. It is a heavy subject matter (as any book having to do with WW2 would be), but a very uplifting and amazing story.
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