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Inspiring female characters who crush it
From Katniss to Offred, the heroines in these books are the definition of bold, courageous, and inspirational women.
Published on March 8, 2024
Let Us Descend: A Novel
Jesmyn WardDrawing on Dante’s “Inferno” and America’s sordid history, one of the greatest writers of our generation delivers the gut-wrenching story of an enslaved girl with a powerful ancestry. As Annis makes the grueling journey between plantations by way of New Orleans’ slave markets, she relies on lessons passed down from her mother — teachings that connect her with nature, protective spirits, and herself.
Fourth Wing
Rebecca YarrosIn “Fourth Wing,” Violet, the bookish daughter of a formidable mother, must put aside her fear to become a dragon rider. Besides the riveting action and romance, this story has also gained immense appreciation for its treatment of chronic illness. Witnessing Violet defeat the odds despite her physical challenges is truly inspiring.
The Hunger Games
Suzanne CollinsEquipped with only a bow and a heart of gold, Katniss Everdeen saves her sister and goes on to battle people and monsters alike, igniting the hero in us all. With an unlikely heroine at its heart, “The Hunger Games” laid the groundwork for a new generation of YA literature and spawned a $3 billion dollar blockbuster film series that now includes the prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
After Sappho
Selby Wynn Schwartz“At its heart, the book is about trying to find a shape for your life that hasn’t already been prescribed as your inevitable, cramped destiny,” says debut author Schwartz of her novel. “After Sappho” fills in historical gaps, speculating on the lives, pursuits, and feelings of 20th-century women like Virginia Woolf and Natalie Barney. This story splinters between the protagonists but reads like a collective chorus railing against patriarchal expectations.
Parable of the Sower
Octavia E. ButlerIt’s the year 2026 and America is rapidly disintegrating into anarchy. Eighteen-year-old Lauren Olamina has a vision for a better future, but in a world that increasingly prioritizes competition over community, her biggest strength — empathy — is also her biggest liability. If you’re discouraged by today’s world, “Parable of the Sower” may hit a little too close to home, but will hopefully renew your faith in the power of the human spirit.
The Handmaid's Tale
Margaret AtwoodAtwood’s timeless novel, and its award-winning Hulu series adaptation, isn’t just an argument for women’s rights; it’s also a brilliant commentary on the effects (and dangers) of misogyny, dehumanization, and blind obedience. Offred’s experiences are often hard to read, but her resilience is unmatched.
Strike the Zither
Joan HeHe (“The Ones We’re Meant to Find”) reimagines the Chinese classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” in this YA series opener. In 414 during the Xin Dynasty, Zephyr, a brilliant 18-year-old strategist, supports warlordess Xin Ren’s claim to the throne, placing herself at the heart of dangerous political territory to secure Xin Ren’s victory. The author’s world-building skills shine in this fast paced, tightly knit tale about an ambitious young woman determined to change the fate of her continent.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. MaasA skilled hunter, Feyre’s latest kill gets her in trouble with the leader of a magical kingdom. But soon after she’s captured by the dark and mysterious ruler, her icy feelings towards him start to thaw. Wildly inventive and deeply emotional, this retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” blends fantasy and scorching romance to create a heart-pounding adventure — with fierce Feyre leading the charge.
Shadow and Bone
Leigh Bardugo“Shadow and Bone” includes a variety of inspiring women, most notably Alina Starkov, who rises from orphan to hero. But the extended Grishaverse also includes grumpy yet powerful Bahgra, beautiful and bold Genya, and the morally upstanding thief, Inej. There’s no wonder Bardugo’s books are perennial favorites.
Wicked: Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Gregory MaguireBefore defying gravity onstage, one of the most iconic witches in pop culture lived within the pages of this strange and dark tale that’s very unlike the Broadway version. Elphaba, “the Wicked Witch of the West,” is already an outsider before she becomes embroiled in political and social activism, refusing to accept discrimination against certain citizens of Oz. We’re now looking forward to two live action films bringing Elphaba’s story to life. “Wicked: Part One” arrives in theaters November 27, 2024.
The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner
Angie ThomasStarr Carter is, well, a star. She’s a fantastic heroine, surrounded by a supportive, charming family. They’re all doing their best to change a cruel and complicated system with kindness (and humor). Thomas’ very relevant take on the topic of race and police brutality has quickly climbed the ranks as one of the greatest YA novels of our time, and Starr is a major reason why.
Moxie
Jennifer MathieuWhen Vivian witnesses sexist incidents at her high school, she takes inspiration from her mom and creates an anonymous feminist zine calling out the school’s administration. “Moxie” is a powerful story of girls supporting girls and standing up for what’s right.
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents
Julia AlvarezAlvarez’s novel about four sisters rising above language barriers and prejudice to find their footing in America is a unique coming-of-age tale. Told from varying perspectives and points of view — sometimes in first person, sometimes in third — it’s easy to become immersed in this story and the Garcia family itself.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown: A Novel
Talia HibbertHibbert’s quirky characters in “The Brown Sisters” trilogy are impossible not to fall in love with. The first book’s heroine is a plus-sized woman of color suffering from a chronic illness who’s determined to let none of those factors hold her back any longer. To ensure she has a lot of flippant fun, Chloe makes a list of rebellious activities she has to do, and attaches herself to biker Redford for a hilarious ride.
My Heart Is a Chainsaw
Stephen Graham JonesJones’ multi award-winning horror novel follows Jade Daniels, a young Native American woman with encyclopedic knowledge of classic slasher movies. When someone — or something — sinister starts wreaking havoc on her small town, only Jade can save the community. “My Heart Is a Chainsaw” is scary and thought-provoking in the best way, as is its sequel, “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”
Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Novel
Zora Neale HurstonJanie, a strong Black woman in the 1930s, searches for love over the course of three marriages in this classic 1937 novel, which shocked readers at the time for its frank depiction of a woman’s independence and sexuality. Today it’s a staple of must-read Black literature, and a moving example of a woman who refuses to settle for less.
The Color Purple
Alice WalkerCelie, a poor Black woman in rural Georgia, perseveres in rising above racism, abuse, and other harrowing challenges, despite the unlucky hand she’s been dealt. One of America’s greatest classics, this Pulitzer Prize-winner has several adaptations, including a film starring Oprah Winfrey, a Broadway production, and a recent musical film adaptation starring Fantasia Barrino.
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
Anthony DoerrDoerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is sensational — the rare book that takes a well-worn subject and adds a memorable spin. It follows the twin narratives of Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military, and the remarkable Marie-Laure, a blind French girl trying to survive at the height of WWII. The story is haunting and the imagery of war-torn France beautiful, but Marie-Laure’s spirit is the true star. Netflix’s highly anticipated limited series adaptation of this book premiered in November 2023.
Nothing But Sky
Amy TruebloodTrueblood’s historical fiction debut soars with stunning, high-flying action. Wing walker Grace Lafferty wants to become one of the greatest aviation stunt people of the 1920s. Full of determination and faced at every turn with sexism and other roadblocks, Grace keeps her head high, refuses to slow down, and is stubborn to a fault, making it hard not to be a fan.
Little Women
Louisa May AlcottAlcott’s classic is packed with examples of strong women, including independent Jo, wise Meg, empathetic Beth, and passionate Amy — not to mention everyone’s favorite literary mom, Marmee. The March women’s journey of navigating love, loss, and family during the Civil War is based on the author’s early life as she struggled to break free from the expectations placed upon women in her day.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane AustenA witty romp through Regency England, Jane Austen referred to this novel as “her own darling child” and we can see why. Watching the strong-willed and vivacious Elizabeth Bennet spar with the iconic Mr. Darcy is just as fun now as when it was originally published over two centuries ago.
Anne of Green Gables
Lucy Maud MontgomeryMontgomery’s story of a young orphan finding her way has charmed readers for generations. Anne Shirley’s wholehearted emotions, zest for life, and imaginative spirit are infectious. Her misadventures and mistakes only make her more endearing.