57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

According to a study by the Literary Trust, young girls are twice as likely as boys to see their gender as a barrier to pursuing their aspirations. In the same report, younger women see strong literacy skills as a perfect way to achieve those aspirations. Therefore, we think it’s never been a better time to put books in front of their eyes.

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

The Literary Trust also found that young people who enjoy reading are three times more likely to read above the level expected for their age than children who don’t enjoy reading. This means that it’s incredibly important that you find the right books for them to read, so from John Green and Malala to Little Women and Pride & Prejudice, here is the definitive Molly Brown London guide to books for teenage girls.

The Classics

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

Animal Farm – George Orwell

‘All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.’ A relatively short story that teaches teens about the dangers of power and corruption through a tale that’s easy for all ages to find intriguing. When the animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human master, they believe their lives will become better. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, as two pigs named Napoleon and Snowball take over, and a ruthless regime begins, the animals soon realise that a happier life may not be possible.

Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

Originally intended to be written for adults, Catcher in the Rye has been read by teens the world over, as they are able to relate to the main themes of the book, which centres around rebellion, and the angst of growing up. Holden Cauldfield – the main character in the book – has become a literary icon for the way he rejects adulthood. This book was one of the most censored in US history due to some of the vulgar language and adult themes that Salinger uses but is still bought in the millions today. An essential read for older teens.

Little Women – Louisa May Alcott

Centered around four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – this classic novel is hilarious, sometimes sad, and teaches younger women that growing up isn’t always that easy. The emphasis in this novel is that by being a good and moral person, you can live a fulfilling life, regardless of how much money you have. By being reminded constantly throughout that wealth is no guarantee of happiness, and that the support of family is one of the most important and valuable parts of life, teens can truly learn complex and enriching lessons from the March girls.

Darcy Swipes Left – Jane Austen & Courtney Carbone

If your teens aren’t quite ready to tackle the more complex language of some of the older classics, then look no further than Darcy Swipes Left. This modern twist on Pride and Prejudice is the perfect way to get them to appreciate the stories in a familiar format to them, as we find out what would have happened if Lizzy Bennett and Mr. Darcy had lived through the age of the smartphone.

Goodnight Mr Tom – Michelle Margorian

One of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching tales of friendship, loss, and love. Willie Beech is a young evacuee from London, who is sent to live with Tom Oakley in the countryside. Initially sent to ‘Mister Tom’ by his abusive mother, who wanted Willie to live with someone religious, the two characters find that they need each other more than they first realised. Get the tissues ready for this one, as the beautifully happy ending comes after a lot of heartbreak.

Noughts & Crosses – Malorie Blackman

Malorie Blackman changes the course of history in the first of an incredible series. In a fictional world where native African people have colonised Europe, Sephy, a young black ‘Cross’, and Callum, a white ‘Nought’ have to hide their friendship as interracial relationships of any kind are frowned upon. By turning societal norms on their head, Blackman teaches young children about power dynamics and race in a thrilling set of novels. These are essential reading for everyone.

A Series of Unfortunate Events – Lemony Snicket

A collection of some of the darkest children’s books ever written, and that’s why your teens have to read them, because believe it or not they’ll find them impossible to put down. These 13 books follow the three Baudelaire children – Violet, Klaus, and Sunny – as they try and navigate a cruel world while getting to the bottom of the reason their parents were killed in a fire. As the siblings grow up, we learn with them about morality, the benefits of being well-read, and the true values of secrets. Don’t expect a happy ending though, as Snicket loves to keep readers on their toes.

Anne of Green Gables – LM Montgomery

A classic children’s novel that was first published in 1908, we follow Anne Shirley, an orphan from the fictional community of Bolingbroke, Nova Scotia. When she is sent to the farm of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert by accident – the siblings had wanted a boy to help Matthew on the land – they decide to let her stay. In the first of eight wonderful books, we find out that Anne is an imaginative and fiery young girl, and she is finally able to get what she’s always craved, a home. Anyone can pick this book up and find joy in this tragicomedy, make sure the younger readers in your family don’t miss out.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ – Sue Townsend

The first book of the brilliant Adrian Mole series, and told from the perspective of Adrian’s teenage diary, teenagers can relate to him as he feels like he is treated like a child by all the adults around him. He deals with all of his problems with equal scorn, from spots to girls, as well the Falklands war. And not to forget his sworn enemy, Margaret Thatcher. Townsend’s writing deals with the interactions between adults and teenagers perfectly, and as such, your teens will love these books.

To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee

Harper Lee magnifies the topic of rape and race in 1930s America through the lens of two children, Scout and Jem Finch. The mockingbird in this story is Tom Robinson, a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. When lawyer Atticus Finch, the children’s father, is appointed to defend Robinson, the children are forced to experience the injustices of the world first-hand. Although some of the topics covered in the book are fairly adult, they are told with the warmth and humour of a child, and that’s why this story is essential for those who want to learn about the cruelties of the world.

 

Coming of Age

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Series – Louise Rennison

You’ll recognise the first two books in this series through their adaptation in film: Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. The ten books in this series follow Georgia and her friends as she clumsily bundles her way through school with hilarious consequences. These books will teach your teens about dealing with low self-esteem, the changes in their bodies, and how friendships can change as they grow up. An absolute must-have.

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time – Mark Haddon

Voted by children as one of the top five happy endings in literary history, this extraordinary book is written from the unique perspective of 15-year-old Christopher Boone. Christopher is implied to be on the autism spectrum, but his disability is never revealed in a wonderful detective tale. The book takes you on an unbelievable journey of finding independence and shows the impact that distrust can have on a family.

Elsewhere – Gabrielle Zevlin

A modern classic. Zevlin uses her literary powers to teach us about forgiveness, grief, and how to let people take care of you when you’ve lost everything. A truly beautiful and refreshing way of dealing with death for young adults.  The book begins when Liz is killed in a hit and run accident. She wakes up on a boat on the way to Elsewhere, a place where everyone ages backward until they reach the age of 7, and is sent back to earth as a baby to be reborn.

Perks of Being a Wallflower – Steven Chbosky

A modern cult classic, Charlie is caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Capturing the exact moment that teens become adults perfectly on paper, Chbosky brings the school world to life sensitively and beautifully. Sexual abuse and drugs are prevalent, so make sure your teens are ready for that, but this book is an essential read to show how trauma can manifest itself in children, and how it can be worked through together.

Paper Towns – John Green

Quentin is a typical rule-follower, Margot is the complete opposite. They’ve been neighbours since they were kids, and Quentin has always loved her. One day Margot is reported missing by her parents. When he realises that clues have been left for him, Quentin embarks on a trip across America to look for Margot, but slowly comes to terms that he’s actually been searching for his own identity the whole time. John Green’s story has been adapted onto the big screen in a film starring Cara Delevigne, but of course, we’re all about going back to the pages.

The Truth About Forever & This Lullaby – Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen is the ultimate in young adult books. Her work themes around “effortless perfection”, where young girls are expected to have everything in their lives together and make it look easy. Dessen shows them that it’s not always easy growing up, and we’ve picked our two favourite works that can show young women how hard it can be growing up.

The Truth About Forever centers around Macy, who is dealing with the loss of her father. The book shows how Macy learns to cope with her grief and shows that life doesn’t have to stop when someone disappears. Throughout the book, Macy learns that her identity comes from being true to herself, which is the most important thing anyone can be.

In This Lullaby, we meet Remy. Her mother is about to get married for the fifth time and gives her heart to anyone who shows an interest in her. This makes Remy hate the thought of falling in love, but when Dexter comes crashing into her life, it becomes much harder for her to follow her own rules. This Lullaby shows how people can bring their barriers down to trust people, make friendships, and even let themselves fall in love.

Holes – Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats is one of the unluckiest boys alive, and when he gets sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile facility in the desert, he begins to reassess everything he knows. Holes touches on many interconnecting stories that bring this book to an incredible and satisfying end. Younger readers will be gripped by the storyline and can learn about how certain choices can have far-reaching consequences.

Girl Online – Zoe Sugg

Internet sensation Zoella’s debut novel was the fastest-selling book in 2014, and introduced young adults to romance in a familiar and modern way. The book teaches children that they need to be cautious about their online activity, as we see the world through the eyes of Penny Porter, a 15-year-old girl living in Brighton. Penny blogs about all the problems in her life, school drama, friends, family, boys, and her panic attacks. Things go awry for her when she travels to New York with her mother, where she meets musician Noah, and falls in love. This causes Penny’s blog to go viral, which means she has to deal with a whole host of new problems.

White Oleander – Janet Fitch

When this incredible book was released in 1999, Oprah immediately selected it into her book club, which led to it becoming a bestseller. It’s set around 12-year-old Astrid’s relationship with her mother, Ingrid, a self-centered and eccentric poet. When Ingrid is put into prison for poisoning her boyfriend, Astrid is placed into a number of foster homes. This is certainly one for older readers, and the book shows the complexities of a relationship between mother and daughter that centers around the themes of betrayal and abandonment. Not all coming-of-age books are happy stories, and this one has some upsetting scenes that show how cruel life can be.

 

Fantasy

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

The Harry Potter Series – J.K. Rowling

Widely seen as some of the greatest children’s books ever written, the Harry Potter series of books are a must-have on the bookshelf for any lover of reading. Rowling will keep you hooked from book one through to seven, as we follow Harry Potter as he battles his way through a magical world. Along the way, he realises the importance of love, family, and friendship, all the while he battles the dark lord Voldemort. A perfect story for adults and children alike.

The Hunger Games Trilogy – Suzanne Moore

They’ll have certainly seen and loved the films, and The Hunger Games book trilogy continues our theme of inspiring women. The books follow Katniss Everdeen as she tries to fight her way through a terrifying dystopian world, where each year 12 boys and 12 girls are chosen to fight to the death. And it’s all live on TV! Each book in the series brings Katniss closer to victory and will help teach your teens about how to stay courageous as their identities evolve.

The Scorpio Races – Maggie Stiefvater

Stiefvater is probably best known for her young adult fantasy series The Wolves of Mercy Falls, and The Raven Cycle, but this standalone novel is the perfect novel to get your fantasy obsessed teen into her writing. Set on the fictional island of Thisby, every year, thousands of people gather to watch the Scorpio Races, where people ride gigantic water horses in a death-defying race. In the book, Sean Kendrick tames the wild beasts and is an expert rider, he meets Puck Connolly, a young girl forced to enter the races to save her family.

The Edge Chronicles – Paul Stewart

The perfect way to get younger members of your household into fantasy. Expertly written, and beautifully illustrated, these books transport their readers to The Edge, a magical world where rocks float, lightning turns into crystal, and North is at the bottom of a map. We recommend you start them off with the first book Stewart wrote with illustrator Chris Riddell, Beyond the Deepwoods, this is where we meet Twig, and follow his adventures as he is forced to leave his childhood home for the first time in his life.

 

Romance

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

The Fault in our Stars – John Green

Get the tissues at the ready for this one. We follow 16-year-old Hazel, a terminal cancer patient who expects to live the last years of her life alone, but when she meets the gorgeous Augustus Waters at a Cancer Kid Support Group, she falls head over heels in love. John Green writes a beautiful story of young romance of two kids who have no time left in the world. About life, death and the people in between.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before – Jenny Han

If you haven’t seen the film on Netflix, where have you been? Dig into this amazing young romance novel inspired by author Han’s habit of writing letters to boys she had crushes on as a teenager. We follow Lara Jean as she has to manoeuvre the world of dating boys in High School, and how she becomes more independent from her family the older she gets.

The Kissing Booth – Beth Reekles

This book tells the story of Elle Evans, who’s pretty, popular, but never been kissed. When she decides to run a kissing booth for the school carnival, she never expects she’ll have to sit in it, let alone have her first kiss with school bad boy Noah Flynn. From then on, her life is turned upside down, as she experiences changes in her body, unreliable boys, and experiences the importance of friendship.

Everything, Everything – Nicola Yoon

Madeleine is eighteen, and has never left her home. This is because she has a rare genetic condition known as SCID, or ‘bubble baby’ disease, she must live in a germ free environment. When Olly moves in next door, he wants to become her friend, and things start to unravel when they fall in love. What follows is a beautifully written story, that shows the world described ornately through Madeleine’s eyes, someone who gets to experience her surroundings for the first time as an adult. A beautiful and necessary read for any teenager.

The Twilight Saga – Stephanie Meyer

The books that inspired one of the biggest film franchises in modern history. Bella Swan moves to a small town in Washington and falls in love with a 104-year-old vampire named Edward Cullen. Classic. What happens next over the four novels has gripped everyone since they were written in the early noughties. Each book is themed on classic tales, from Pride and Prejudice, to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Teens will be gripped by the amazing love triangle that forms between Bella, Edward, and werewolf Jacob Black, and what happens in the dangerous world of vampires when humans come into contact with them.

 

LGBTQ+

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell

If you’ve never forgotten your first love, this is the book for you. Set across one school year in 1986, we go on a journey with Eleanor – the typical new girl in town, who sticks out like a sore thumb – and Park – quiet, careful, and impossibly cool. Neither of their families want them to be together, but the more they spend time with each other, the harder they fall in love. This modern version of Romeo & Juliet is one for the older readers, but is a must to help them understand what it feels to be ostracised for loving someone.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post – Emily Danforth

Danforth drops us straight into rural early ‘90s Montana in this incredible, beautiful tale of Cameron Post. It paints the perfect picture of growing up as a gay girl in a conservative family, a family that’s determined to ‘convert’ her back to heterosexuality. This book gives a voice to any teenager who wants to show the world who they are, and how to show courage to live their own lives.

The Prom – Saundra Mitchell, Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin & Bob Martin

Based on a Broadway Musical of the same name, the book adaptation takes place in middle America, where we meet Emma, and her secret relationship with the closeted Alyssa. Emma wants to take Alyssa to the school prom, but when the PTA  (run by Alyssa’s mother)  find out, they cancel the whole thing. Some down-and-out Broadway performers find out about Emma and Alyssa’s plight, and what follows is a tale of acceptance, the changing of beliefs, and retribution.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda & Leah on the Offbeat – Becky Albertalli

Described as ‘the love child of John Green and Rainbow Rowell’ by Teen Vogue, the first book follows Simon Spier, a closeted 16-year-old boy who is in love with his internet pen pal, who goes under the pseudonym ‘Blue’. Simon is forced to deal with his sexuality headfirst when his emails to Blue are discovered.

In the sequel, Leah is Simon’s best friend but has never confided in him that she is bisexual. The only person who knows about her sexuality is her mother, but as the story grows, Leah discovers that her feelings for one of her bandmates extend beyond friendship.  These are two books that deal with the issue of coming out as teenagers in an upfront and honest way and are excellent in helping teens understand the difficulties of growing up queer in modern society.

 

Horror/Mystery

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi

This book is set in the fictional land of Orïsha, and centring a coming-of-age story around themes of racism, oppression, and slavery. Adeyemi tells the tale of the conflict between the kosidán and maji, with the kosidán possessing lighter skin and having enslaved segments of the maji. The story is told through the eyes of Zélie, a young maji who looks to harness her powers to help bring magic back to her people, and overthrow her oppressors.

The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold

Sebold’s incredible debut novel is one that’s more appropriate for older readers. The Lovely Bones tells the story of 14-year-old Susie Salmon, and begins horrifically when she is lured to a field to be raped and murdered. We then follow Susie to heaven, where she watches the rest of her family and friends carry on their lives, never knowing what happened to her. The book is a moving and beautiful tale of loss, mourning and  written so well that you could read it in one sitting.

The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman

It takes a graveyard to raise a child in this book. When Bod escapes from a murderer who is intent on killing his family, he is taken in by the ghouls and spirits who inhabit his local graveyard. What follows is an expertly written book, illustrated superbly by Chris Riddell and Dave McKean, as Bod grows up not knowing how he will fit in with the living community, while he is raised by the dead.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – Ransom Riggs

A book that inspired the Tim Burton-directed motion picture and four sequels. The story is a modern classic that uses vernacular photographs alongside the narrative to help paint an incredible picture for teens to run wild with their imagination. Set in rural Wales, the tale follows Jacob in the aftermath of his grandfather’s death. Following clues left by his grandfather, Jacob ends up at Miss Peregrine’s home, and what follows is a magical tale, where the power and strength of youth prevails.

 

Adult Themes

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

The Color Purple – Alice Walker

The book that inspired a Steven Spielberg film, and a Grammy-winning musical. The Color Purple tells the tragic tale of two sisters – Celie and Nettie – and the abuse they face throughout their lives in the Deep South between World War One and Two. This incredible story teaches young women about how they should always stay strong and keep fighting. The themes throughout are graphic, but will help open the readers’ eyes to some of the realities women have faced in history, plus the story contains plenty of uplifting moments as the sisters come to thrive in spite of difficult times.

13 Reasons Why – Jay Asher

A necessary book with themes that centre around suicide and rape, it has been used as a useful tool in starting the conversation between adults and young people about mental illnesses and suicide. The book begins with High School student Clay receiving a package full of tapes recorded by Hannah, only Hannah had taken her own life two weeks previously. Each tape lays out in detail one of the ’13 reasons’ that Hannah decided to commit suicide, including how she was labelled a ‘slut’ for kissing someone at a party, and how she was raped in a hot tub. 13 Reasons Why can help young people understand that all actions have consequences, and how we should always ensure we don’t use the power of our words to bring our fellow women down.

 

Graphic Novels

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

Honor Girl – Maggie Thrash

Set in 2000, this graphic novel tells the story of author Thrash’s first love at an all- girl’s summer camp. Thrash depicts herself as a camp veteran, who is used to the strange traditions of the camp, this is until during a lice inspection when Maggie falls completely in love with Erin, an older counselor. This refreshing take on a coming-of-age tale shows how nice groups of teenagers can be, as Maggie’s friends encourage her to pursue her new crush. This graphic novel brings a love story to life with its simple illustrations, while pop culture references towards Harry Potter and the Backstreet Boys keeps this heartwarming tale familiar to a younger generation.

Persepolis: The Story of A Childhood – Marjane Satrapi

The first of two graphic novels about her childhood, and set in Iran around the time of the Islamic Revolution. Satrapi says that “images are a way of writing. When you have the talent to be able to write and to draw, it seems a shame to choose only one. I think it’s better to do both.” And we couldn’t agree more. In this book Satrapi – an intelligent and outspoken child – paints a world through a child’s lens where a country is devastated by internal turmoil and war with Iraq. Combining the humour of her childhood and her incredible drawing style, this is truly a tale that will educate your teens in a magical way.

 

Books For Younger Readers

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

The Famous Five and Secret Seven series – Enid Blyton

Perfect for your young ones, these timeless adventure stories have transported children from all generations to incredible places. These sets of children have real-life adventures readers can only dream of, as they investigate secret islands, scupper robberies, and solve all sorts of delightful mysteries. You can ensure that pre-teens fall in love with reading thanks to Blyton’s wonderful prose.

The Tracey Beaker Trilogy – Jaqueline Wilson

It was nearly impossible to choose one Jaqueline Wilson book, so we settled on one of her most iconic trilogies. Wilson teaches children about the realities of life using heartbreaking stories told through the eyes of her child protagonists, and Tracey Beaker’s tale is one of abandonment and abuse. Sensitively told, these three stories teach children the importance of a loving home, and help children understand the importance of independence.

The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S Lewis

One of the greatest series of children’s books ever written. Although some of the depictions of women and race are certainly of their time, the Narnia books transport younger readers into a magical world, seen through the eyes of the children that are transported from our world to there. From its birth in the first book, all the way through to its downfall in the seventh and final novel, these tales are worthy of any bookshelf and still capture the imagination of anyone who reads them.

 

Girl Power

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) – Sue Macy

Part of the National Geographic young adult series, this book will teach your teens about how women’s rights were accelerated (literally) by the bicycle. Macy charts the history of cycling from the early 19th Century, all the way through ‘til the advancement of the automobile in the early 1900s. Wheels of Change is built like a scrapbook, and is full of incredible and interesting facts about women’s liberation – did you know that women adopted more comfortable clothing so they could ride their bikes properly? This portrait of women’s history shouldn’t be missed.

We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A book so inspirational that in 2015, a year after it came out, the Swedish Women’s Lobby announced it would be distributing it to every 16-year-old in the country. This was in order to “work as a stepping stone for a discussion about gender equality and feminism”. Adapted from her Ted talk in 2012, Adichie brings feminism to the 21st Century with her essay-style work.

Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and other lies): Amazing women on what the F-word means to them – Scarlett Curtis

Curated by journalist and activist Scarlett Curtis, she asks 52 incredible and inspiring women the question: What does feminism mean to you? The answers fill out this extraordinary collection of essays from some of the most famous Hollywood actresses to teenage activists to Bridget Jones (yes, that one!). Funny, influential, and surprising, each piece of writing will show teenagers what it means to be a woman from every point of view.

Fangirls: Scenes From Modern Music Culture – Hannah Ewens

Teenage fans of popstars can often be painted as manic, and are generally seen in a dismissive, sneering light. This lovely book by Hannah Ewens challenges that stereotype in this study of female fandom and gives a voice to everyday female lovers of music. Ewens speaks to the fans as they camp overnight before concerts, observing the community of young, empowered women looking out for each other. Miss Vogue describes it as “a must-read for anyone who ever had a poster on their bedroom wall, or scrawled “Mrs Lead Singer” on their pencil case.” Get it for the music lover in your household.

 

Real Life

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

No One Is Too Small To Make a Difference – Greta Thunberg

If you want to help teach your teenagers about climate change, then this collection of 16 of Greta Thunberg’s most famous speeches are a perfect place to start. Greta famously got young people involved in the fight to save our planet in 2018, and Penguin have now published her words to inspire her generation.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban – Malala Yousafzai & Christina Lamb

This is the powerful story of Malala Yousafzai, who at the age of 15 was shot in the head by the Taliban for wanting to go to school. She survived, and her journey took her all the way to the halls of the UN. Teenagers can be inspired by how Malala became the young face of peaceful protest, and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank

Written by the author when she was 13, this is a necessary read for teenagers to understand the horrors of war, and the impact of Nazi Germany on Jewish lives in particular. These memoirs are written by Anne during the two years that she stayed hidden with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, until their discovery. As the book goes on, her writing grows with her age, she begins to give her opinions on human nature, and her thoughts lead her to think deeply about her relationship with God. The importance of this book cannot be overstated, and will give the reader more perspective on life than they can imagine.

The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this book was the New York Times #1 bestseller, and for good reason. It tells the story of Starr, a 16-year-old girl who witnesses her best friend being shot by a policeman, and the impact of the aftermath. Thomas started writing the book as part of a university project short story, and it has developed into a feature film seen across the world. A must-read for teens who want to understand race relations.

 

Non-fiction

57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

The 57 Bus : A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives – Dashka Slater

The heartbreaking true story of two teenagers whose paths should never have crossed. One is Sasha, an agender teen who attends a private school, the other is Richard, a poor African-American from a rough part of Oakland. They spend 8 minutes of each day together on the same bus on their way to school, and one day, Richard lights Sasha’s skirt alight. The book tells the story of the aftermath and perfectly highlights the power of being true to yourself, bravery, and the good and bad in all of us.

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives – Caitlin Alifirenka, Liz Welch & Martin Ganda

This moving and uplifting tale of two young children from the opposite sides of the world, and how one school assignment changed both of their lives forever. A heartwarming story that will help young girls think about their status in the world. Caitlin and Martin tell their story of how they became pen pals – her in the USA, him in Zimbabwe – and how their friendship changed their lives, and everyone’s around them.

This Star Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl – Esther Earl

Esther Earl died at the age of 16 in 2010, but this incredible book tells her story through her own words. She passed away through complications with Thyroid Cancer, but she was a dedicated member of the Nerdfighters, a community of young people dedicated to creativity. Using Esther’s old blog posts, stories, poems, and drawings, you can get to know the life of an inspirational young woman who didn’t let her illness get in the way of her passions. An uplifting tearjerker, her story will be told forever in this book.

  

Every young girl is different, we know that. And that’s why we’ve compiled as many different genres as possible to help you find the perfect book. Whether you want to inspire her through the stories of incredible women, teach her the important life lessons, or you want her to fall in love with reading, Molly Brown is here to guide you through that journey. If you’re looking for more inspiration to keep your teens preoccupied at the moment, we can help, here’s an article from our ‘stuck at home’ series.

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57 Good Books For Teenage Girls

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