The books we read as children can have a huge impact on the weird humans we eventually become. Our beliefs, aspirations, and morals can all be attributed to the colorful pages we excitedly soaked in during our youth. So, whether you’re buying a book for a friend’s child, your own child, or for yourself (because why not? We would), make it a piece of literature that sustains and empowers women. Because, well, those little messages go a long way.
Here are 12 children’s books we think every young girl should have:
1. Judy Moody – Written by Megan McDonald and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Wearing tiger-print pajama pants on the first of school? We so get it. Judy Moody wasn’t just moody—she was a normal kid who had a lot of feels, and weren’t we all? Nobody sings the third grade blues and inspires individuality better than Judy Moody.
2. Not All Princesses Dress In Pink – Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple; Illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin
It’s important to know that one can love baseball, roll around in the mud, and ride a bike, all while wearing a sparkly crown. This tribute to girl power encourages young people to break molds and fearlessly be themselves.
3. Madeline – Written and Illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans
4. Imogene’s Last Stand – Written by Candace Fleming and Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
5. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon – Written by Patty Lovell and Illustrated by David Catrow
6. The Princess Knight – Written by Cornelia Funke and Illustrated by Kirsten Meyer
7. Matilda – Written by Roald Dahl and Illustrated by Quentin Blake
8. Rad American Women A-Z – Written by Katie Schatz and Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl
9. Harriet The Spy – Written by Louise Fitzhugh
10. Grace For President – Written by Kelly S. DePucchio and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
11. Miss Rumphius – Written and Illustrated by Barbara Cooney
12. The Paper Bag Princess – Written by Robert Munsch and Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
This post was originally published March 4, 2015