Stories With Strong Female Characters to Inspire Young Girls

10 October 2025

Let’s be real—kids soak up stories like sponges. Whether it's bedtime tales or afternoon reading marathons, the characters they meet shape their view of the world. That's why it's so important for young girls to see themselves reflected in strong, capable, and inspiring characters.

Gone are the days when every princess needed saving or when boys always had the coolest adventures. These days, the shelves are (finally!) full of stories where girls slay dragons, solve mysteries, lead teams, and do it all on their own terms. This article is all about those stories—the ones that lift girls up, give them confidence, and whisper, “Hey, you can do anything.”

Ready to fill that bookshelf? Let's dive into stories that give young girls permission to dream big, speak up, and be unapologetically themselves.

Why Representation Matters So Much

Picture this: you're a little girl snuggled up in bed with a book. You're turning the pages, and every hero, every wizard, every explorer... is a boy. You don’t realize it at first, but that subtle message gets in your head: adventure isn’t for me.

Now flip that script.

Imagine reading about a girl who outsmarts a dragon with her brains, saves her kingdom in sneakers, or builds machines in her backyard. That’s a whole different message, isn’t it?

When girls see themselves as the hero of the story, it sparks something. It says, “You're powerful. You're clever. You’ve got what it takes.”

Classic Female-Led Stories That Still Inspire

1. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda isn’t your average kid. She has telekinesis (pretty cool, right?), but the real power she wields is her mind. Raised by unkind parents and taught by a villainous headmistress, she uses wit, smarts, and kindness to change her world.

What makes Matilda so powerful isn’t just her powers—it’s her love of learning, her bravery, and that quiet resilience. She’s proof that you don’t need to be loud to make a big impact.

2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne might be more than 100 years old as a character, but her spirit? Timeless.

She’s quirky, imaginative, stubborn, and not afraid to be different. Anne teaches girls it’s okay to be odd, loud, and full of dreams. Her curiosity and refusal to be boxed in make her a forever favorite.

3. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi is everything kids love: bold, wacky, and totally fearless. She lives alone with a horse and a monkey, lifts grown men with one hand, and marches to her own beat.

She doesn’t care what other people think—she knows who she is. That kind of confidence? Contagious.

Modern Stories With Unshakeable Female Leads

1. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Got a curious daughter? Ada Twist is her spirit animal. This pint-sized scientist isn’t afraid to ask questions—even the annoying ones adults don’t want to answer.

Ada shows girls that science isn’t just for boys and that it’s totally okay to question the world.

Science + sass = girl power.

2. The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

Double life? Check. Secret missions? Check. Princess Magnolia might wear frilly dresses, but when trouble strikes, she becomes The Princess in Black.

This series is perfect for kids just starting chapter books and proves that girls can be both elegant and tough as nails.

3. Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

If your kid loves comic books or graphic novels, Zita is a blast. She’s swept into an alien world when her friend gets kidnapped, and instead of waiting around, she jumps into action.

Zita is brave, resourceful, and deeply loyal. Plus, the art is gorgeous, which keeps reluctant readers hooked.

Books With Real-Life Female Heroes

1. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

This isn’t just one story—it’s 100! Each page features a different real-life woman who made a mark on the world. From scientists to activists, athletes to artists, these short bios are total power boosts for bedtime reading.

Short, digestible, and super inspiring—these stories prove girls have been changing the world all along.

2. She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Focused on resilience, this book features stories of girls and women who faced obstacles but didn't back down. Think: Harriet Tubman, Sally Ride, and more.

It’s simple, powerful, and perfect for starting conversations about determination and grit.

Diverse Heroines: Every Girl Needs a Mirror

Let’s face it—strong female characters are great, but diverse strong female characters? That’s the real game-changer.

Girls come in every color, shape, background, and ability. Their stories should reflect that.

1. Lola Levine series by Monica Brown

Lola is a half-Jewish, half-Peruvian girl who tackles life with humor and heart. She loves soccer, hates bullies, and doesn't let stereotypes box her in.

It’s a perfect series to show that being different is something to celebrate.

2. Jasmine Toguchi series by Debbi Michiko Florence

Jasmine is an 8-year-old Japanese-American girl trying to break family traditions by doing things usually reserved for the boys—like pounding mochi at new year’s.

These stories are sweet, relatable, and packed with cultural pride.

3. The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez

Malu is into zines, punk rock, and not fitting into anyone’s mold. This middle-grade novel is a beautiful mashup of self-expression, cultural identity, and girl power.

Plus, it’ll totally make you want to start a zine with your daughter.

Not Just Books—Movies & Shows That Pack a Punch

Don’t stop at books! Visual stories have just as much punch when it comes to inspiration.

Here are a few small and big screen gems with epic female characters:

- Moana – Passionate, brave, and guided by her own moral compass.
- Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir – A female superhero who handles school and saves Paris? Yes, please!
- Brave (Merida) – She defies royal expectations and rewrites her destiny.
- Carmen Sandiego – A globe-trotting genius who uses her skills for good (and wears a sharp red coat while doing it).
- Anne with an E (Netflix) – A deeper dive into the Anne of Green Gables story with modern themes of identity, feminism, and justice.

Reading Together Boosts the Message

Here’s a little secret that makes these books even more powerful: read them with your daughter.

When you’re both immersed in a story, you get to discuss the choices the characters make, the challenges they face, and the courage they show. It becomes more than just a story—it becomes a lesson, a bonding moment, and a mirror for your child to see what's possible.

Ask her questions like:
- “What would you have done in her shoes?”
- “Why do you think she was so brave?”
- “Do you think you could do something like that?”

You’ll be amazed at how deep little readers can go.

You Don’t Need a Cape to Be a Hero

Sometimes we think strength looks like muscle and magic, but stories with strong female characters show us it’s really about:
- Standing up for what’s right.
- Being kind when it’s easier not to be.
- Facing fears and still moving forward.
- Being proudly and unapologetically yourself.

Whether your girl is into science, sports, fairies, or fight scenes, there's a character out there who will make her feel seen and powerful.

Final Thoughts: Let Her Be the Hero

We all want our kids to be kind, courageous, and full of confidence. The stories we share with them? They're powerful tools toward that goal.

So let’s fill their shelves, their screens, and their hearts with stories where girls shine, lead, and inspire. Let them know they don’t have to wait for someone else to hand them a sword—they already have everything they need.

Because the strongest story she’ll ever write... is her own.