Need help choosing a book to read during Enrichment? Look no further! In honor of March being National Women’s History Month, here is a brief review list of some fictional and nonfictional books by female authors featuring female main characters from different backgrounds (and even worlds). Not only are they empowering options to read this month, you can easily find them in the DWC Book Nook to borrow and read during Enrichment. 

For Middle Schoolers:

Julie by Jean Craighead George

This book continues the story of Julie, a young Eskimo girl, after the events of Julie of the Wolves. After surviving being lost in the Alaskan Wilderness for months thanks to the help of a world pack, adjusting to village life turns out to be more difficult than she expects. After reconnecting with her father and her growing family, she tries to balance the traditional Inuit ways she learned growing up with the modern changes happening around her. Still, Julie struggles to decide what kind of life she wants to live. 

I liked this book because it shows Julie trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. Her struggle between keeping traditions and adapting to new ways made the story interesting and relatable. I’d recommend this book because of the way Julie makes her voice heard in an oppressive environment, and for being an inspirational female character who learns to make her own choices about her future.

The Hero & the Crown by Robin McKinley

This is the prequel to The Blue Sword, and tells the story of Aerin, a princess who grows up hearing rumors that her mother was a witch who enchanted the king, and died after giving birth to a daughter instead of the son the kingdom wanted. Because of this, Aerin feels like she doesn’t belong and struggles with how people see her. But as she grows up, she discovers she has her own strength and destiny, and that she is meant to become a hero that will one day wield the powerful Blue Sword.

I remember reading The Hero and the Crown in 7th grade and being drawn into Aerin’s struggle to prove herself despite everyone doubting her. Watching her face dragons and find her own strength made the story feel empowering and memorable. I’d definitely recommend it as a great read that celebrates such a courageous and strong female hero.

For Upper Schoolers:

Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee

The sequel to To Kill A Mockingbird follows Jean Louise “Scout” Finch as she returns to her hometown of Maycomb, Alabama as a young adult after living in New York. Being back home makes her see the town and the people she grew up with in a new and more complicated way. As she spends time with her family and especially her father, Atticus, she is forced to face difficult truths and rethink some of the beliefs she had when she was younger. 

I found this book really interesting because it shows Scout trying to figure out what she believes and how to deal with people she cares about having different views. I’d recommend it because of the way it depicts a strong female character learning to think independently and stand up for her own beliefs.

Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel

This is the story of Galileo Galilei, the famous scientist, and his daughter, Maria Celeste. It includes a series of letters she wrote to him. Maria Celeste was a nun who lived in a convent, but she stayed very close to her father and supported him while he worked on his scientific discoveries. Through the letters, readers get to see both the history of Galileo’s work and the caring relationship between him and his daughter.

I liked the way this book shows a different side of history by focusing on Maria Celeste and how she supported her father during difficult times. Even though she lived a quiet life in a convent, her letters show how thoughtful, intelligent, and important she was in Galileo’s life. I would recommend this book because it highlights how some women have played important roles in history, even from behind the scenes.

*********

All of these books focus on strong female characters who grow, face challenges and learn to stand up for themselves and what they believe in, and are written by impactful women who dared to make these stories known. Reading books like these is a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month while also enjoying empowering literature, so I hope you’ll stop by the DWC and check out the Book Nook!