Looking for books for smart, curious girls that will inspire confidence, resilience, and a love of reading?  Books have a way of shaping us. Some stories stay with us long after we’ve turned the last page—sometimes even influencing major life choices. Case in point: I named my son Laurie after my favorite character in Little Women. (Yes, I had high hopes for his manners.)

The right books can introduce them to strong empowering characters who navigate challenges, overcome struggles, and embrace their unique identities. Stories like these spark imagination, build resilience, and help tweens see that they, too, can tackle life’s ups and downs with confidence.

This list of empowering books for teens features unforgettable protagonists from a variety of backgrounds, all facing universal experiences like friendship, family struggles, and finding their place in the world. Whether your child sees themselves in these characters or gains a new perspective, these books are sure to inspire and spark meaningful conversations.

Looking for the right books for smart curious girls? Here’s my list of 10 empowering books to inspire your tween!

1. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)

• By Malala Yousafzai
• Theme: Overcoming adversity, the power of education, courage.
• Summary: Malala shares her incredible story of growing up in Pakistan, her fight for girls’ education, and her miraculous survival after being targeted by the Taliban. Written for a younger audience, this edition is accessible, inspiring, and deeply empowering.
• Lesson: Malala’s resilience and determination show that standing up for your beliefs can create extraordinary change, no matter your age.

2. Wonder

• By R.J. Palacio
• Theme: Kindness, being different, empathy, friendship.
• Summary: Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, attends school for the first time and teaches those around him the power of compassion and acceptance.
• Lesson: Tweens will learn that being different isn’t a weakness, and choosing kindness can transform relationships and build bridges.

3. Anne of Green Gables

• By L.M. Montgomery
• Theme: Individuality, imagination, family, resilience.
• Summary: Orphan Anne Shirley finds a home in Avonlea, bringing her wild imagination, humor, and big heart to a town that quickly falls in love with her unique personality.
• Lesson: Anne teaches tweens to embrace their quirks, dream big, and show resilience in the face of challenges.

4. The War That Saved My Life

• By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
• Theme: Overcoming hardship, family, resilience.
• Summary: Ada, a disabled girl who has suffered abuse from her mother, is evacuated to the English countryside during WWII. There, she discovers love, belonging, and her own strength.
• Lesson: This powerful story shows tweens that their past doesn’t define them and that courage and kindness can lead to transformation.

5. El Deafo

• By Cece Bell
• Theme: Embracing differences, self-confidence, friendship.
• Summary: Cece Bell shares her experience growing up with hearing loss in this heartfelt and funny graphic novel. She reimagines herself as “El Deafo,” a superhero with the power of her hearing aid.
• Lesson: Tweens will learn that challenges can become superpowers and that confidence comes from embracing who you are.

6. Front Desk

• By Kelly Yang
• Theme: Resilience, family, standing up for justice.
• Summary: Mia Tang, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, helps run a motel while dealing with racism, class struggles, and her dream of becoming a writer.
• Lesson: Mia’s story teaches tweens the value of resilience, standing up for what’s right, and working toward their dreams.

7. Inside Out and Back Again

• By Thanhha Lai
• Theme: Immigration, family, adapting to change.
• Summary: Told in poetic verse, this novel follows Hà, a Vietnamese girl who flees her war-torn country and struggles to adjust to life in America.
• Lesson: Change is difficult, but family, hope, and perseverance can help you find strength in the hardest circumstances.

8. The Penderwicks

• By Jeanne Birdsall
• Theme: Family bonds, adventure, friendship.
• Summary: The four Penderwick sisters spend a magical summer at a beautiful estate, forming friendships and creating unforgettable memories.
• Lesson: Strong family relationships and meaningful friendships can make life’s adventures even more rewarding.

9. Brown Girl Dreaming

• By Jacqueline Woodson
• Theme: Self-discovery, cultural identity, storytelling.
• Summary: Jacqueline Woodson reflects on her childhood in the 1960s and 1970s, sharing how her experiences shaped her love of writing and storytelling. Written in verse, it’s a poetic exploration of identity and dreams.
• Lesson: Tweens will learn the value of embracing their roots and the power of self-expression through storytelling.

10. Harriet the Spy

• By Louise Fitzhugh
• Theme: Curiosity, friendships, honesty.
• Summary: Harriet is a curious and independent girl who keeps detailed notes about everyone around her. When her notebook is discovered, Harriet learns important lessons about honesty and kindness.
• Lesson: Curiosity and honesty are valuable, but balancing them with empathy and understanding is essential.

How to connect with your tween and teen through reading:

Reading may seem like a solo sport but actually they offer opportunities for connection. Here are a few ways to make reading an interactive and bonding experience:

1. Share your favorite teenage book: Think back to the book that shaped you or stuck with you growing up. Share why it mattered to you and encourage your child to read it too. This shared experience can lead to meaningful conversations.
2. Encourage a book review: After your child finishes a book, ask them to retell the story or share their thoughts. What did they like? What did they learn? This boosts their confidence, reinforces the lessons from the book, and helps them articulate their thoughts.
3. Read together: Choose a book to read together as a family. You can take turns reading aloud or read independently and discuss the next day—kind of like chatting about friends, except these ones won’t get mad if you analyze their life choices.
4. Watch the movie together: Many books have been adapted to film, making for a perfect movie night. Just be prepared for the classic debate: ‘The book was better!’ vs. ‘But the movie brought the characters to life!’ and just hope they don’t leave out their favourite part.

Books have the power to inspire, teach, and create connections. With these empowering books tweens will learn valuable lessons about resilience, kindness, and self-discovery—lessons that will stay with them for life.

What was your favorite coming of age book?

What was the book that inspired you growing up? How did it shape your life? Share your favorite book in the comments and encourage your tween or teen to discover it, too!