Book Recommendations – Children’s and Young Adult Fiction by Sarah O’Mahoney

Book Recommendations –  from the Feminist Library’s collective.

This month, Sarah O’Mahoney shares some of her favourite children’s and young adult’s fiction books.

Fox called Herbert by Margaret Sturton, age 2-4 years 
Meet Herbert: the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mum isn’t looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. A celebration of being who we know we really are.

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, age 4+ (40pp)
Asiya’s hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave. It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of wearing hijab – made of a beautifu lblue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong? This is an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

The Wishing Star by Emma Beswetherick, age 6+ (112pp)
Katy, Cassie and Zia find themselves transported into outer space. With the help of Katy’s cat Thunder, the girls navigate their way to the Wishing Star. Guaranteed free of unicorns and princesses, it’s fun and empowering.

Hope Jones Saves the World by Josh Lacey, age 8+ (176pp)
Hope Jones’ New Year’s resolution is to give up plastic. Starting with her local supermarket and café she begins to inspire others to do the same. She may be just one ten-year-old with a homemade banner, but with enough determination, maybe Hope Jones really can save the world.

Wild Girl by Helen Skelton – How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures, age 9+ 
Here’s one for post lockdown world!
From kayaking the length of the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole and running an ultra-marathon across the Namib desert, the Blue Peter and Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton has taken on record-breaking feats of endurance and shown that adventures definitely are for girls.

The Star Outside My Window by OnjaliQ Rauf, age 9+ (256pp)
When her Mum disappears, 10 year oldstar hunter, Aniyah, finds herself in foster care. So she embarks on an adventure to track down her mother star.
Told through the innocent voice of a child, this is a story that explores the subtle faces and impact of domestic violence and celebrates the power of hope and resilience.

Love, Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson, age 12+
Frankie is nearly fourteen and teenage life certainly comes with its ups and downs. Her mum is seriously ill with MS and Frankie can feel herself growing up quickly, no thanks to Sally and her gang of bullies at school. When Sally turns out to be not-so-mean after all, they strike up a friendship and are suddenly spending all of their time together.
But Frankie starts to wonder whether these feelings she has for Sally are stronger than her other friendships. Frankie doesn’t want Sally to just be her friend. She wants her to be her girlfriend. But does Sally feel the same?

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
Can 14 yearNigerian girl Adunni ever hope to find her voice and her dreams of an
education, when she is sold into marriage and domestic slavery.

The Rules for Being A Girl by Candice Bushnell, age 14+
No one believes Marin when her teacher tries to kiss her, so she decides to write an article called ‘Rules for Being a Girl’ and speak up and be heard.

Girl Garage – How to Use Any Tool, Tackle Any Project, and Build the World You Want to See by Emily Pilloton    
Girls Garage is the only book you’ll ever need for a lifetime of building and repair. Packed with over 175 illustrated tool guides, 11 how-to projects, 21 essential skills, and 15 inspiring stories from real-world builder girls and women, Girls Garage will inspire you to fill up your toolbox and get building!
With a background in architecture and construction, Emily Pilloton started the nonprofit Girls Garage to give girls the tools to build the world they want to see.