The Ten Novels that Every Girl Should Read

November 1, 2010     Posted in Cool Stuff, Reality


By Charlsie

In the late 1800s, children’s literature split into two overall genres: boys’ books and girls’ books. Although girls’ literature continues to be published today, the recognition of female protagonists is often overlooked. In a world full of Mowglis (from The Jungle Book) and Harry Potters, it’s hard for girl characters to get the recognition they deserve. However, though these novels may not receive attention from critics the way boys’ books often do (they are more likely to be critically acclaimed), girls’ literature has been incredibly influential in shaping girl culture overall.

These novels are considered to be classic pieces of girls’ fiction and the issues they touch on helped put the culture of girls and women on the map as an important issue in literature. These novels changed the genre with their forefront issues of gender, socio-economic class systems, body-image and eating disorder acknowledgment, racial discrimination and minority representation, sexual abuse recovery, and the abandonment of young girls by their families and in their educations … simply because they weren’t boys.

Even if sentimental novels or ghost stories aren’t your thing, there will be some story that you will identify with. Perhaps though, identification of yourself in a character is the most important part of girls’ literature and its role in our lives today. Women, no matter what age, can see themselves in these protagonists – and that is why these novels are still around, despite not being critically acclaimed for hundreds of years. And that’s even more reason why every girl (or woman!) should add these to her must-read list:

1. The Wide, Wide World by Susan Warner: Not only is this the first main girl character in girls’ literature, The Wide, Wide World was the first American bestselling novel and it came out in 1850. You’ve probably never heard of it though, even though it was one of the first novels to ever sell over a million copies. Although the female protagonist Ellen Montgomery is wishy-washy and full of tears, the story is worth your time because the sentimentalism of this novel will suck you in. People always say you need to understand the past to know the future – and this is the founding past of girls’ literature. Without Ellen Montgomery, who knows where characters such as Jo from Little Women and even Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl would be.

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: This is the go-to book for girls’ literature. Alcott’s story features a sisterly bond between the March girls: Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth. While this may be on nearly every high school’s required reading lists causing America Literature students to roll their eyes, Little Women manages to be one of the most beloved and frequently studied girls’ novels of all time – despite its 1868 publishing date. Every time I read this novel, I find something new to fall in love with. And not only will the story give you something to hold onto, Alcott’s writing celebrates her influences, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson’s work, making this novel a multi-layered literature feast of goodness!

3. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggins: Published in 1903, Rebecca’s personality is dazzling. She writes poetry, makes her mean and nasty aunts fall in love with her, and manages to find happiness – even though her family had to send her away. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a simple story, but an overall rewarding read! Rebecca pulled at my heartstrings, but still managed to make me laugh.

4. Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter: How often do you hear the term “don’t be a Pollyanna” or “I don’t mean to be a Pollyanna”? It stems from this little lady from the 1913 novel. Pollyanna plays a game, wherever she goes – entitled “the Glad Game.” Despite rolling my eyes at the “Glad Game,” Pollyanna’s one of the most talked about girls’ literature characters of all time, even today. So, are you a Pollyanna or not?

5. Nancy Drew by “Caroline Keene”: A product of a publishing company, the Nancy Drew series has been written by a ghost writer ever since the beginning. Since her debut in 1930, Nancy has become one of the most well-known female protagonists. Nancy solves mysteries and constantly seeks out adventure, all while managing to be the epitome of a girly girl. While some love her and others hate her, Nancy remains timeless with new novels and revised editions hitting the shelves ever since her original debut. Most recently, Nancy Drew turned into a major Hollywood production in the 2007 film with Emma Roberts playing Nancy – giving a new batch of young girls a look at this iconic character.

6. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: This novel came out in 1943. You will fall in love with Francie Nolan as an 11-year-old in Brooklyn, and you will end your story with a 17 year old Francie – still making you smile and want to fight for your own dreams. The novel highlights a tree that grows and flourishes even in the worst of circumstances – just like Francie. But despite the hardships in Francie’s life, you never doubt her ability to grow and succeed. This may be one of the most underrated novels of the 20th century.

7. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh: Harriet is one of the most self-centered girl characters of all-time, but her insights – even a child – are amazing. This novel a lot of influence on Harriet’s coming-to-terms with her own self, all through the form of a diary and “spying.” Published in 1964, this novel was revolutionary for the genre of girls’ literature. Today, Harriet is still a memorable character with a Hollywood film remake released in 1996 and a 2010 Disney TV movie featuring a blog, instead of a spy journal. If I had to recommend one single girls’ book, Harriet the Spy would be my top pick because although Harriet can be a brat, the progression of her character from the beginning of the novel to the end will change you, as much as it changed her.

8. Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush by Virginia Hamilton: Tree, the young protagonist in this 1982 novel, will catch your attention – even through her family’s hardships will break your heart. In the 200-something pages, Tree sees a ghost, yearns for her mother, and loses her best friend and brother, Dabney. Although the story is sad, Hamilton pulls readers in with this unique piece of fiction. The genre of girls’ literature does not have enough minority representation, but Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush manages to fill a gap and finds a place in reader’s hearts.

9. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: Published in 1999, Speak has become one of the most talked-about girls’ books within the last ten years. Melinda, the main character, is raped – but she doesn’t tell anyone until the end of the novel. Although readers will scream “Tell!” as they turn the pages of this novel, there is something hopeful and interesting about Melinda’s high school insecurity. According to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), 1 in 6 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime – making Melinda’s struggle important to understand.

10. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Anne Brashares: Who doesn’t know The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? The first novel came out in 2001, and since then two movies have been made along with the release of three other Sisterhood novels. Carmen, Lena, Bee, and Tibby have a committed bond and friendship to each other, and their personal journeys make coming-of-age seem worthwhile. In a world of Gossip Girl novels, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants puts the focus on girls and their potential – instead of undermining their beliefs and futures.
What’s your favorite girls’ book?

Celebrate National Author’s Day with one of these 10 picks or click here for even more must-reads.

35 Comments on "The Ten Novels that Every Girl Should Read"

  1. Allison says:
    Mon, 1st Nov 20103:26 pm 

    The first two that come to my mind are Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" and Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible" – both great books. When I was younger I loved Lois Lowry's "Gathering Blue", and of course Katherine Patterson is always good for a strong female heroine.

    Great list! I've loved many of the books on it.

  2. Rhiannon says:
    Mon, 1st Nov 20104:31 pm 

    Anne of Green Gables!!!

  3. Haley says:
    Mon, 1st Nov 20106:06 pm 

    This list is incomplete without Anne of Green Gables.

  4. shari says:
    Mon, 1st Nov 20107:55 pm 

    what about "are you there god, it's me margaret?"

  5. Charlsie N. says:
    Mon, 1st Nov 201010:24 pm 

    Anne of Green Gables originated in Canada, and when I wrote this list — I was thinking in terms of American fiction for girls. A lot of these books are American classics and have a lot of importance in the world of literature, but they haven't necessarily been explored by every day readers. They are all amazing.

    However, I will say … if I wrote a comprehensive list, I would definitely have Pride and Prejudice on there and of course, Judy Blume. Along with the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

  6. soniaenespanol says:
    Tue, 2nd Nov 201012:00 am 

    "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is my absolute favorite book. I think the first time I read it I was about 13 or so. Since then I've reread it about every 4 years and I'm just about to start it again. Every time I finish the last page I find myself sobbing in the best way possible and wanting to open the first page again.

    May I also recommend a new book called The Help. Incredible! This book also has a female protagonist, in fact just about every character is a woman. It's about the time of civil rights in Louisiana and the interactions between the white woman and then black women who work for them and raised them.

  7. shieldmaiden56 says:
    Tue, 2nd Nov 20101:35 am 

    Seriously…no Pride and Prejudice? Every woman must read that book, it’s a female’s literary staple!

  8. Angeline says:
    Tue, 2nd Nov 201012:54 am 

    I'm not American but my favourite book as a child was 'What Katie Did' by Susan Coolidge. Though its a children's book, its not sentimental or patronising to the reader and it was probably the first time my childhood idealism about the way the world works was challenged.

    Also – you're never a true Jane Austen fan until you've read Persuasion. The humility and grace of Frederick Wentworth surpasses that of Mr. Darcy by far.

  9. Allison says:
    Tue, 2nd Nov 20106:07 am 

    I don't know, I thought Persuasion was rather a less compelling retread of a lot of Jane Austen's existing characters and storylines. Wentworth never seemed to me to have much of an arc: he was a good person who was angry, and then he was a good person who wasn't angry. Which is still not to say I didn't like the book.

    And I second (third? fourth?) the Anne of Green Gables love.

  10. Anne says:
    Tue, 2nd Nov 20108:08 am 

    I would submit "An Experiment in Love" by British author Hilary Mantel. Definitely something every college girl could read. It is a great story about love, friendship, sexuality, growing up, growing away and even anorexia (although the narrator states herself that this is not the focus of the book). It is "a book about appetite, in all its forms" and deals with many of the issues that college girls face today. I read it for one of my classes and fell in love with it.

  11. Serena says:
    Wed, 10th Nov 20104:32 pm 

    The handmaid's tale by Margaret Atwood (Canadian) is another must read for women.

    A great and terrible beauty b y Libba Bray also touches on themes of women's power and freedom, and it is worth a shot and -alas- it is not a romance!

  12. Rita says:
    Thu, 11th Nov 201011:03 am 

    If we're talking children's books, where's Pippi Longstocking?? She was way cooler than Pollyanna, and one of the few female main characters who actually stands up for herself

  13. Cary says:
    Thu, 11th Nov 201010:50 pm 

    I never read Harriet the Spy until I was 18… And I absolutely adored it.

    Speak is also an incredible book, as is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

  14. bberg1010 says:
    Fri, 12th Nov 20104:00 pm 

    No girlhood is complete without Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. I think it should be handed out in health class when they start learning about periods!

  15. Callie says:
    Sat, 13th Nov 20108:35 pm 

    LOVE Harriet the Spy and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Speak is great, too.

  16. Tiffany says:
    Sun, 14th Nov 201012:20 am 

    …Where's Jane Eyre? SUCH a great book.

  17. Elizabeth says:
    Sun, 14th Nov 201010:57 pm 

    Sammy Keyes! That girl was my hero in middle and most of high school. Why lie, I still go to the library when a new one comes out, even if it only takes a few hours to read. Fantastic character and relationship development, hardcore adventures, and witty (if not kind of tacky) dialog abounds.

  18. Stacey says:
    Sun, 21st Nov 20102:07 am 

    Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass are also amazing and fun reflection of English society at the time (but that may just be me history-geeking out). But my favourite book of all time is Little Women but you already have that :)

  19. Girl/slash/Woman says:
    Wed, 8th Dec 20104:47 am 

    I second this times a million

  20. madeline says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20101:40 am 

    Don't forget _JANE EYRE_!

  21. Lise says:
    Fri, 10th Dec 20102:23 am 

    Like someone said, Pippi Longstocking! And where are The Hunger Games? It may be set in a fictional future world, but Katniss is a survivor.

  22. Aeryn says:
    Sat, 11th Dec 20106:23 am 

    In my teens, I loved the series that starts with Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. Georgia might not have a dark secret like Melinda of Speak, but her similar dryly funny approach to adolescent life plus her attempts to just be normal amidst a constant stream of hijinks and mishaps largely beyond her control is both humorous and compelling.

  23. Emi says:
    Wed, 15th Dec 20106:23 am 

    I love Georgia Nicholson's Diaries. They are absolutely hilarious and uncontrollably fun! Louise Rennison is the write methinks. Anyway those books saw me through high school :)

  24. Jane says:
    Wed, 15th Dec 201012:40 pm 

    Where's Pride and Prejudice … Like "Little Woman", this novel weaves a story of sisters in their dreams, mishaps and romances. It is my favorite book!

  25. juliana says:
    Thu, 16th Dec 201010:38 pm 

    i guess "speak" seems like an important book to put on this list, but i honestly can't think of a book i hated more. the main character was insufferable – it's understandable considering her situation, but everything about her was overly dramatic in the sense that she acted like she took some perverse joy in feeling like the victim. the whole ordeal could've been written better.

  26. Kristen says:
    Sat, 18th Dec 20106:26 pm 

    Caroline Keene? Try "Carolyn Keene"… or Edward Stratemeyer.

  27. BOOKWORM-EXTREME says:
    Wed, 22nd Dec 20102:24 am 

    um, wha1t kind of lunatic wrote this? i read 3-200+ page books a day for the past 3 years. NO REPEATS ALLOWED! and out of howmany thousands of books i've read, (most were good but 9 were HORRIBLE!)
    most of this list I HAVEN'T EVEN HEARD OF! and the ones i have that r on this list, SUCKED! no offence to the authors of corse. but whoever wrote this list, needs to take another look at today's reading. May i suggest Ally Carter's " Cross My Heart Hope To Spy " ? a personal favorate.

  28. Haylee says:
    Sun, 20th Feb 201111:17 pm 

    Thank you for reminding me about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I've been wanting to read that for such a long time but forgot about it. I'm ordering it off Amazon now. :)

  29. Bronte says:
    Thu, 17th Mar 20116:25 pm 

    He's just not that into you is a good book cause its written by a guy who resposes to womens e-mails about relationships.

  30. Vee says:
    Sun, 17th Apr 20119:47 am 

    A new classic for all girls should be "The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks". It is HILARIOUS and it's empowering. Really, really amazing book!

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