What wonderful timing to read the first two books on my strong girls list. The Children's Theater in Minneapolis just came out with its selections for the season, and they include Esperanza Rising and the ever dazzling Pippi Longstocking. Hooray for Girls!
Esperanza Rising - by Pam Munoz Ryan
Ages 8-12
This book takes a young girl from one culture, country, and class through risk, loss, and poverty to America. Through it all, she finds in herself the strength to be more than what was expected of her. It is a wonderfully written tale, and I can't wait to see what they do with it at the Children's Theater.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Ages 8-11, can be read aloud to all ages.
Oh, Pippi. Who wouldn't want a horse in the kitchen? (Well, it wouldn't fit in the bathroom, you know.) Strong and ever-so-fun, Pippi has become a most loved character for good reason.
Kira-Kira - by Cynthia Kadohata
Ages 9-12
This book just won in 2005 Newbery Medal. It details the youth of two first generation Japanese-American sisters growing up in rural Georgia in the late 1950s. Kadohata winds the story with discrimination, poverty, struggle, illness, family strength, and joy through the eyes of a young girl reaching out to hold on to all the glittering kira-kira, the wonderment, the world can offer.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Ages 8-11
Matilda is the little girl who can do anything. She just has to believe in herself first. Then, the unstoppable pip-squeak rids the school of the delightfully wicked Miss Trunchbull, puts her perfectly awful parents in their places, and restores her lovely teacher Miss Honey to financial security. And what fun we have as she does all these things. Roald Dahl is a perennial favorite of mine, and coupled with Quentin Blake's illustrations, you can't miss.
More Coming...