10+ Best Feminist Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for empowering reads that celebrate equality and girl power for the young reader in your life? Look no further! Our curated selection of feminist books for 9-year-olds is packed with stories that inspire and educate, showing girls and boys alike that everyone's voice is valuable. Keep reading to discover our top picks of feminist books for 9-year-olds that are perfect for nurturing a young mind!

Fun Feminist Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Lauren Child
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is a quirky, strong-willed girl living alone with her monkey and horse. Her adventures are filled with fun and defy conventional norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's independence and strength are empowering, showing young readers that girls can be adventurous and self-reliant.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those who enjoy stories about unconventional characters.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her family. Using her intelligence and telekinetic powers, she overcomes obstacles and stands up against the oppressive Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and courage in the face of adversity and encourages standing up against wrongs.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who value intelligence and justice, and anyone who enjoys a touch of magic and humor.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag to rescue her fiancé from a dragon, only to discover she's better off without him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips traditional fairy tale norms, promoting independence and self-respect over conforming to societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales looking for strong female characters and a twist on the usual princess stories.

• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from all over the world, from queens to activists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad spectrum of inspiring female role models, encouraging ambition and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need empowering role models and those interested in learning about diverse historical figures.

• I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is a lyrical ode to self-confidence and kindness, following a girl who learns to embrace who she is.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes self-love and acceptance, crucial for developing confidence and empathy at a young age.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning to appreciate themselves and their peers, fostering a sense of community and self-worth.

Educational Feminist Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Rosie, a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. Through her attempts to build amazing gadgets, she learns important lessons about perseverance and innovation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, engineering basics, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages girls to explore STEM fields and teaches the value of learning from failures.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young engineers and inventors, and any child interested in how things work.

• Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Grace learns that there has never been a female president, she decides to run for president of her school's student council. The story follows her campaign and teaches about the U.S. electoral system.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of democratic processes, leadership skills, civic education
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to American politics and empowers young girls to consider leadership roles.
  • Perfect for: Young leaders and anyone curious about how elections work.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life scientists, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a love of science and inquiry, especially encouraging girls in science.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds fascinated by the how and why of things.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: A young girl, referred to simply as "the girl," sets out to make the most magnificent thing, but finds that the task is much harder than she anticipated.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, creativity, engineering design process
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of iteration in the creative process.
  • Perfect for: Young creators and inventors, and anyone who needs encouragement to keep trying despite setbacks.

• Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella story, Cinderella is a talented mechanic who dreams of fixing fancy rockets. She gets her chance to shine at the Royal Space Parade.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, mechanical interest, self-reliance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fresh and empowering take on a traditional fairy tale, promoting independence and technical skills.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic fairy tales with a twist and young dreamers interested in space and mechanics.

Challenging Feminist Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is set in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and follows 11-year-old Parvana who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family after her father's wrongful arrest.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as oppression, freedom, and survival under extreme conditions, which are mature topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a perspective on resilience and the importance of hope and courage in difficult times.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in other cultures and those inspired by stories of strength and perseverance.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through time and space to rescue their father from evil forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines elements of science fiction with complex themes such as good versus evil and the power of love, which can be intellectually demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the idea that young girls can be heroes in science and leadership roles, encouraging a sense of adventure and inquiry.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi enthusiasts and readers who enjoy thrilling adventures with a strong female lead.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: This story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and must learn to wield her powers responsibly.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of magic, power, and sacrifice with a sophisticated narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, while highlighting the importance of understanding and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magic and fantasy, and those looking for strong, complex female characters.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a hidden door in her new home that leads to an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own but soon reveals its dark secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a chilling narrative that deals with themes of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of terrifying odds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of courage and the importance of being satisfied with what you have.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories and learning about bravery and self-reliance.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who navigates family expectations and her own scientific ambitions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the conflict between societal roles and personal interests, exploring themes of gender and science in the historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance in pursuing one's passions, especially for girls in science.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and historians, and readers who enjoy stories about breaking traditional boundaries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some fantastic feminist books with your 9-year-old, it's a great opportunity to also help them develop strong reading habits. Here are a few fun exercises designed specifically to engage young readers while exploring themes of equality and empowerment. These activities not only make reading more enjoyable but also deepen their understanding of the material.

• Create a Character Diary
  • What it is: Write entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and understanding of the character's feelings and decisions.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to write about a key event from the book from the character's viewpoint.

• Discussion Dates
  • What it is: Set a regular time to discuss the book's themes and characters.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Use open-ended questions to explore thoughts and feelings about the book's events.

• Book-Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art inspired by the book, such as drawings, paintings, or crafts.
  • How it helps: Allows expression of understanding and interpretation through creativity.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of materials and let your child's imagination guide the activity.

• Role-Play Scenarios
  • What it is: Act out different scenes or create new scenarios for the characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding narrative structure and character development.
  • Tips: Keep it fun and lighthearted to encourage participation.

• Vocabulary Hunt
  • What it is: Identify new words in the book and use them in daily conversations.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Create a small booklet or a wall chart to add new words and their meanings.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the experience more interactive but also reinforce the powerful messages found in feminist literature. Happy reading and exploring!