YA Books with Strong Female Leads
A designated week celebrating women’s achievements started in 1981 and was then proclaimed a month-long celebration in 1987. It has been celebrated every year since. The month of March is meant to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments women have made throughout United Stated history, many of which were unsung or credit was mistakenly given to men for decades. To find out more about Women’s History Month, visit its website, hosted by the Library of Congress.
Be sure to check out our library displays and our online event calendar for programs throughout the month of March celebrating women and their successes!
In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to celebrate strong ladies in the young adult (YA) fiction genre. This genre often celebrates strong young women and their talents and leadership. Common themes in YA fiction include friendship, first love, family relationships, and finding your identity in this world. And, according to a 2017 article in The Atlantic, while YA fiction is meant for ages 12-18, half of its readers are adults!
It seems like everyone has read TheHunger Games and Divergent, Legend and Throne of Glass, (all great series that you should check out if you haven’t already!) but what are some new titles and series with young women that are strong and brave and confident? Check out the list below and contact me with anything I missed!
This West-Africa inspired fantasy novel is set in the fictional land of Orïsha. This is an action-packed adventure told from the alternating perspectives of Zélie, who remembers the king’s ordered genocide all too well; Princess Amari, who Zélie rescues from the king’s men; and Amari’s brother Inan, who has been tasked with chasing the young women down before they can bring magic back into the world. This book explores themes of race, skin color, and prejudice.
After Bree’s mother dies, she decides to start college early to get away from her family memories and childhood home. She doesn’t expect to witness a flying demon on her first night there. When Bree finds out there might be more to her mother’s death, she decides to infiltrate the Legendborn and seek answers.
Female graduates at the Medio School for Girls are taught one of two things: how to run their husband’s household or raise their children. Top-of-her-class, soon-to-be graduate Dani is looking forward to her marriage to the son of a prominent politician. But when she’s asked to become a spy for the resistance, will Dani continue to play along or give up everything to be free?
After Molly’s friend is berated by a teacher for wearing a tank top and another friend fails a quiz because she was forced to miss class due to getting pulled into the principal’s office for her outfit, she decides to start a podcast where girls can share their experiences being “dress coded.” A thoughtful book about misogyny, bullying, and body image.
Sydney already has bad feelings about going to visit her mother Lila. When she discovers Lila is seeing sketchy art dealer Jake, her bad feelings increase. A thriller of a book about self-discovery, sexism, and family.
Pinky loves making her conservative parents squirm. But she’s tired of listening to their complaints about her poor decisions. So she convinces perfect mama’s boy Samir to pose as her boyfriend. But what happens when their bickering turns into flirting?
Innovations Academy offers its female students a wide variety of subjects to study. Gardening, art, interior design... Absent are math, sciences, or current events. Obedience is the name of the game. Then the girls discover all may not be what it seems.
Les Misérables set in space! Chatine is a thief trying to escape the brutal Regime. Marcellus is an officer and the son of a traitor. Alouette is in charge of guarding the last library on the planet. Each will play a part in the upcoming revolution that will shape their planet.
Taking place in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, White introduces us to Nina and her twin sister Artemis studying at Watchers Academy. When Buffy does something dramatic (of course) that empties the world of its magic, Nina becomes the last slayer, like, ever. A great excuse to binge-watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer… again.
Fifteen-year-old Liliana Cruz is having a tough time. Her father is
missing, her mother is depressed, and she’s recently been accepted into a high
school “desegregation program.” Now she wakes up at 5:00 a.m. to catch the bus
to a predominantly white and wealthy suburban high school. This debut novel handles
issues such as immigration, deportation, assimilation, and racial tensions in a
humorous yet resonant way.
- by Elena M., West Windsor Branch
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