Books with strong mother characters John's mother, despite facing immense hardship after her husband's death, showed her children how to work together, persevere, and maintain a positive outlook. Mothers in art are often relegated to side character status, that is if they’re even present at all. BuzzFeed Contributor These 13 stories by disabled writers and featuring disabled main characters span multiple genres and periods. I tried to include books from various cultures which I hope can be of interest to all of you. The Housemaid on Amazon Be Empowered By These Strong Female Characters (And Authors!) These female-driven books represent just a small selection from different genres of the many remarkable stories that center on women. May 8, 2025 · Badass, Complex Female Characters Written by Female Authors You Need to Read Intern Elisabeth’s favorite books featuring strong female protagonists written by women authors—spanning genres from historical fiction to sci-fi, and offering powerful insights into resilience, identity, and humanity. So I’ve decided to compile fantasy books with a range of strong female leads. Jul 21, 2022 · Related: 17 empowering books with strong female characters I want my daughter to follow her dreams—but it’s clear that sometimes her dreams don’t include doing her homework. Whether biological or chosen, there are so many phenomenal mothers out there who have given so much for our betterment. Join us as we discover the top fantasy books with strong and inspiring female protagonists that will leave you spellbound from beginning to end. The women on this list range from soccer moms to virtual super heroes, and both co-parents and famous single mothers round out the May 4, 2025 · Mothers demonstrate what a woman can be through their actions, strength, and character. In the spirit of “empowered women empower women,” here are fifteen incredible books featuring fierce heroines who will inspire you to Really, we should be celebrating Women's History Month year round—so here are some books with strong female lead to help you do that! Oct 23, 2023 · Well, it was hard to find strong women protagonists. I hope some of them inspire you to create memorable mothers in the books you write. Jul 28, 2024 · Characters drive your plot and can make or break a reader’s connection to your story. She becomes his staunch defender, eventually saving his life. Have you read Enemy Women? Jan 20, 2025 · All three of these female-driven books have become instant bestsellers, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Books shelved as strong-mothers: Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev, Well Matched by Jen DeLuca, Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan, Dark Water Da Dec 18, 2020 · There’s a strong cultural component here, but this multi-generational mother-daughter story will resonate globally. Have you read The Language of Flowers? Motherhood is a life-changing event that makes women feel fearless and vulnerable — often in the same breath. Oct 23, 2023 · Want to build a close family culture? Here’s a list of must-read children’s chapter books with strong family relationships. Sep 12, 2020 · Representation matters, and that's why it's important to share all things female in our narratives. Be prepared to be awed and uplifted! This post may contain affiliate It’s nearly Mother’s Day, which means showing love and appreciation for the mother figures who made us who we are. Here are all the best new books with strong female leads to read in 2025! Dec 18, 2022 · Female Book Characters Updated: Updated 6 Feb 2025 – Rewritten, with many new books added. Book opens with the death of one, and trying to find the other is what drives her into action Spoilers, but not horrible But, she is not a good mother. The story I’m working on involves characters fullfilling their destiny and letting go of the things that hold them back. Mar 5, 2022 · Here, we list over 35 children’s books with strong female characters that center on admirable girls and women—either real or fictional. May 8, 2023 · I haven’t read it again since becoming a mother, but I look forward to it! Little Men by Louisa May Alcott - This book beautifully portrays a mother figure's intentional nurturing of her young boys' and young men's character and personhood, highlighting the profound impact of maternal guidance and care. This list is longer and broader, and the characters are more diverse Jan 2, 2017 · With Mother you mean uh, the Mother games? Well, Ness would be a fine name. [name]Even[/name] if she wants to stay out of things everyone comes to her for advice. I'm gearing up for a mother's day book club and need some book ideas. That doesn’t have to be the central plot point, but part of the circumstances. Mei’s mom clearly loves her daughter and wants the best for her, but she can be a bit too overprotective at times. If you’re searching specifically for books written by black authors and illustrators, go to this list of favorites. Last year, we celebrated Mother’s Day with a post on The Top 15 Quotes About Mothers This year, I decided to list the 15 most memorable mothers from the books I’ve read. The list includes books from Mauritania, French-speaking Canada, Turkey, USA, Cuba, Ukraine, Algeria, Pakistan and France. She loves There’s something truly inspiring about reading a book with a strong, resilient, and complex female protagonist. Each novel centers on a strong female who fights for her beliefs. Looking for novels with some fierce female protagonists at the center of the stories? Look no further than these books with lit ladies at their core. Oct 16, 2025 · Who are the most inspirational mothers in film? These beloved movie moms stand out as some of the most nurturing, wise, and beloved characters in cinematic history. Here is just a small selection of some well-known moms and other mother-types from the literary world. Included are books where children are missing or have died as long as the concept of motherhood is considered. You might picture a strong female lead in a high-powered corporate position, calling the shots in the boardroom. And no doubt for many generations to come. Dive into a world of powerful heroines and magical realms with fantasy books featuring female leads. Mar 25, 2025 · From memoirs to sci-fi and historical fiction, we've rounded up our favorite books that feature strong Black women. Jul 10, 2024 · There are many more books with strong female characters to be sure, and I purposefully left out some of the more well-known ones (like the mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen of Game of Thrones fame, for example), but these are my personal favorites that I think more people should read! Whether these fictional moms were decade icons, scene-stealers, voices of wisdom, or cheerleaders quietly encouraging their children For reasons she can’t quite explain, Alex Morrow is addicted to watching surveillance footage of Roxanna Fuentecilla—a gorgeous Spanish mother of two, in a tempestuous relationship with her boyfriend, who recently relocated to Glasgow under mysterious circumstances. They celebrate the many challenges, victories, and loving moments that come with being a mother. Mar 10, 2014 · Please recommend books with strong mother or female guardian roles. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of the following books! • • • • • • Media Roundup There a Petal Silently Falls Three Stories by Ch'oe Yun Ch'oe Apr 8, 2024 · Explore ten pioneering female characters in classic books who defied societal norms, showcasing strength, independence, and the fight for personal freedom. Here are six strong female characters that pass the Bechdel test. Essun, one of the main characters, has 2 children. Feb 5, 2021 · All the books the author lists feature strong female characters - she is even conscious of the lack of strong female animal characters in kids books and is sensitive even to weak background characters. Thanks! Mums are among the strongest beings out there, so we’ve chosen some of our favourite mother figures from children’s books. Hinton, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Alice’s Adventures in Wond Mar 19, 2025 · Are you tired of a romance book where the female lead is nothing more than a pretty face waiting to be saved? If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. I love that this list spans genres, cultures, social classes, and historical time periods. And if you don't like calling her "Mom", then you could search some names on the Internet I suppose, there are a lot of pages for that. The characters depicted (both girls and women) are feisty, daring, clever, creative, thoughtful, opinionated and insightful. “Per Aspera Ad Astra” by Katherine Locke is a futuristic tale about a gifted coder with anxiety trying to save her city from a disastrous Oct 30, 2023 · I made a list of books with inspirational male characters. Suggestions for a book where the main character is a strong, capable, middle age mom who saves the day? Bonus points if the kids don't die, and a partner is around but not the main hero. Let’s take a look at the best YA books with strong female protagonists: There’s no power like girl power! Today, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite strong girls in middle grade fiction, with both classic female characters, like Ramona Quimby and Julie of the Wolves, to newer voices like Emma Greystone in the Greystone Secrets series by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Without realizing it, she continued a cycle of abuse Huge spoilers She also kills a 3rd child of hers. This character is the “mother” figure in the group of main characters. Updated March 2023. Jul 30, 2019 · Last year I turned 50. Aug 3, 2017 · 9 Picture Books Featuring Courageous Characters Want your child to read about characters who are strong, smart, or brave? These titles are the answer. But the definition of a strong female lead can vary massively depending on the individual. 10 Romance Books With Strong Female Leads In romance, possessive alpha male and strong female characters stay on the top list. Now I am about to turn 51 and am finding myself in the mood for even more novels about older women. Discover 12 books with strong female leads that demonstrate the power, resilience, and diversity of dynamic female protagonists. To write exceptional main characters, you must have a good understanding of the different character archetypes: maiden, mother, warrior, sage, rebel, lover May 8, 2020 · Charlotte the spider is very much a wise and loving mother figure to Wilbur the pig in this classic children’s book. What books have you read with strong mother characters? What did you like about them? Mothers in art are often relegated to side character status, that is if they’re even present at all. May 12, 2017 · Sometimes funny, often heartwarming, but always honest, these classic books from various genres reveal the powerful struggles — and triumphs — of motherhood as told by authors in memoir Mar 7, 2021 · March is for the girls! This month I've rounded up my favorite middle grade novels with strong female protagonists. May 24, 2017 · A list of one hundred books about mothers that discuss motherhood, raising children, or star interesting mother characters. But if the story is only about men, and women’s characters are just Jan 1, 2024 · Embarking on a journey through literature as an adult offers a unique and enriching experience, particularly when selecting books that foster character development. I want my daughter to be a leader, to know her voice, to be unafraid to speak up to power—but right now, that authority is me. Feb 1, 2024 · This shows the diversity of our world and build bridges of understanding, empathy, and awareness. . She is also Morrow’s prime suspect in an investigation that resembles a soap opera, filled with glamorous jetsetters and Classic kids books with strong female characters – age 9-12 This list of classic kids books with strong female characters have inspired and delighted generations of readers. The characters I appreciate are often complex, nuanced and multilayered, as well as sensitive and empathetic rather than Mar 13, 2017 · A list of our favorite picture books that include strong female characters. 121 books based on 36 votes: The Outsiders by S. Apr 26, 2019 · But what of fiction’s fine motherly figures? What of those who try their best to do right by their children—whether they gave birth to them or not? The following ten characters, while never perfect, prove the virtues of motherhood in all its messy, complicated, astounding glory. These are some of the best role models in women's literature! Feb 4, 2022 · Kick-ass, badass women reclaiming thrones, fighting wars or battling misogyny. These gripping stories place mothers and maternal figures at the heart of the action—where instinct meets apocalypse, and survival becomes personal. Now more than ever, there's an opening for strong female leads to show the courage, strength, intelligence, beauty, and power in each woman. Fiction is best, but if you have a favorite Autobiography, please share. Today, I am posting a list of our favorite chapter books containing strong girls or women. Mar 3, 2022 · This powerhouse booklist features fiction books with strong female characters and non-fiction books written by inspiring women. And while we would love to put all of them on a list of best moms, we’ll leave it to you to show your appreciation and stick to their fictional Full length books (at least 200 pages long) about a zombie apocalypse featuring at least one strong female lead character. M. In honor of those real-life female figures in your own lives, why don’t you consider picking up a book featuring a rich and inspiring mother figure? If you’re looking for a Jul 14, 2025 · HOME BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS The Best Books to Read With Strong Female Characters in Summer 2025 Empowering women empowers us all. As an avid reader who doesn’t easily DNF, nothing will have me setting aside a book faster than failing to develop a connection to the character/s. Aug 24, 2021 · From Argentina to Japan, these books about motherhood explore the drama and the philosophy of motherhood and parental relationships. She is the one who insists that Casy (an ex-preacher also looking to go West) join their party even though there’s really no room and not enough food and money to go around. In each of these stories, readers experience a place in time through the eyes and experiences of the protagonist (s). E. Includes both adult (no erotica) and young adult books. Apr 17, 2025 · These alluring books about mothers and motherhood will give you a fresh perspective on what it means to be a mother. #IndyPLAdults #IndyPLTeens #IndyPLKids Jun 20, 2023 · Explore 26 epic high fantasy books with female leads. Motherhood — it’s a theme and a topic so often explored in literature. Books shelved as strong-main-characters: The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh, A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir Jan 9, 2020 · You Might Also Like: Book reviews starring strong female characters! Female Characters Who Inspire You I’m sharing some of my top favorite strong female characters! They’re from Young Adult and Children’s books because these are the girls I grew up admiring. Here are some of our favorites for Mother's Day. The Best Literary Moms 1 user likes this “To the world, you are a mother, but to your family, you are the world. Mar 28, 2019 · In celebration of Women's History Month, today we are featuring fictional works with strong female characters. These children’s books include books with fictional strong women protagonists and real life female heroes for students to study. But she is a remarkable character, it's a great series and she is very strong. Who doesn’t love books with strong female leads. Jan 9, 2020 · You Might Also Like: Book reviews starring strong female characters! Female Characters Who Inspire You I’m sharing some of my top favorite strong female characters! They’re from Young Adult and Children’s books because these are the girls I grew up admiring. Dive into magical realms, embark on heroic quests, and discover powerful heroines. I love Spenser, and Jack Ryan, and Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin. The list contains everything from books accessible to early readers to chapter books that are appropriate for young adults. In the spirit of “empowered women empower women,” here are fifteen incredible books featuring fierce heroines who will inspire you to Really, we should be celebrating Women's History Month year round—so here are some books with strong female lead to help you do that! Jan 1, 2024 · Embarking on a journey through literature as an adult offers a unique and enriching experience, particularly when selecting books that foster character development. Jan 28, 2025 · Reading books with strong female characters not only enriches our understanding of diverse experiences but also inspires individuals of all ages. These books contribute to a richer, more inclusive literary landscape and significantly impact culture, shaping perceptions and inspiring generations of readers. Your background, financial situation, family ties, and more all meld together to form YOUR mental picture. May 8, 2015 · Read the full article here in The Huffington Post: This weekend we will celebrate Mother’s Day and all of the special women in our lives. Feb 7, 2017 · Looking for diverse children's picture books with diverse main characters? From board books to picture books, these are wonderful stories you'll love. Jul 10, 2024 · There are many more books with strong female characters to be sure, and I purposefully left out some of the more well-known ones (like the mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen of Game of Thrones fame, for example), but these are my personal favorites that I think more people should read! Books shelved as books-with-strong-female-character: Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson, Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon, Lor Apr 15, 2025 · Discover our top 10 book picks featuring strong character development, including reviews of classics like "The Drowned World" and "Infinite Jest. To celebrate, I wrote a post suggesting books with strong female characters over 50, stories about empowered women who were living a great second act in their lives. The Search for WondLa: Although just a robot and a bit annoying at times in this children’s sci-fi novel, Eva Nine’s mother goes above and beyond her programmed duty to protect Eva from harm. Check out the top women in classic lit who still pack a punch today! We all love badass underdog characters, and these books reflect that. Whether you’re looking for female assassins, revenge plots or just someone trying to make the Mar 11, 2025 · This Women’s History Month, celebrate strong, complex, and unforgettable female characters who challenge the status quo. Unlike the compulsory reading of our school days, choosing to read for personal growth in adulthood is a conscious decision to explore, understand, and possibly transform our perspectives and values. So I have created a new reading list. May 8, 2020 · Books involving mothers and daughters skew largely to fraught relationships between the two -- and the more fraught the relationship, the more engrossing the book. Nov 7, 2024 · Who says classics are just old stories? These memorable female characters are as inspiring and unforgettable as ever. , Features, Times Now Jul 13, 2022 · Want to know what the best children's books with animal characters are? Check out the ultimate list to see wat you should read! Dec 14, 2024 · Ready to meet some incredible female leads? These 10 historical fiction books feature strong, inspiring women who will pull you into their stories and keep you hooked until the very end. These narratives challenge stereotypes and empower readers by showcasing women who break barriers, forge their paths, and resonate with resilience. Have you read The Housemaid? Many books praised for strong female characters cannot pass this basic test. We love the following books about mothers, from moving nonfiction narratives to powerful works of fiction. May 9, 2020 · 8. As her family is thrown through the meat grinder of being an undocumented family in the United States, she provides the stability and strength that her family needs. Read Read More These narratives empower young readers to recognize their own potential and embrace their unique strengths. Ivar Leon Menger shares the 5 best books on thriller books with strong female protagonists as well as strong twists. Feb 22, 2023 · That’s why we rounded up a list of books that empower women readers (and all others readers too) due to their powerful female characters that stand tall in the face of adversity. May 11, 2014 · Use our list of the 15 most memorable mothers in literature to inspire you to create memorable mothers in the books you write. Aug 28, 2016 · Made this list as I wanted to read some fantasy and sci-fi books that explore parenting and motherhood. These are great reads for boys and girls alike. Aug 26, 2019 · 5 Books with Strong Female Characters in Celebration of Women's Equality Day 1 - Motherland: A Memoir of Love, Loathing, and Longing by Elissa Altman Apr 2, 2017 · A couple of weeks ago I posted a list of my family’s favorite picture books with strong female characters (see HERE). Romances with Strong Female Leads The phrase “strong female lead” can mean a lot of different things, depending on your personal filters. Science Fiction and Fantasy Books with Strong Female Protagonists The realms of science fiction and fantasy are rich with strong female protagonists who defy conventions and explore uncharted territories. ” —Unknown Literature is filled with mothers and mother-figures. Sep 28, 2021 · Character development is a crucial part of storytelling. They’re often the unsung heroes, the backbone of their families, shaping the narrative in subtle yet powerful ways. Apr 9, 2025 · Discover 10 must-read YA books featuring fearless, inspiring female leads—perfect for your spring break reading list and packed with unforgettable stories. Here are 9 Black protagonists who can teach you the best ways to develop character. There’s something truly inspiring about reading a book with a strong, resilient, and complex female protagonist. If you arem't interested in books with morally gray mothers then I'd skip Broken Earth. I ended up respecting and admiring her at the end of the book. She calls it the way she sees it. Apr 26, 2015 · Throughout the book, Ma Joad is the one offering comfort, giving kindness to absolute strangers, and being unspeakably strong when things get really rough. Overview: This post is all about picture books that spotlight strong female characters who break the mould and are great role models for our kids. Aug 17, 2025 · If you're searching for books with strong female protagonists that deliver both emotional depth and end-of-the-world stakes, look no further. This Mother’s Day, we’re putting them back in the spotlight! These picks explore motherhood in all the interesting and messy ways it deserves, from sober explorations of its possibilities to living with all its complexities and everything in between. Naturally, our daughters aren’t the only ones who should be reading up on the subject—these tales should be on repeat for all kids. " Dive into unforgettable stories! These books about motherhood and mothers offer a variety of perspectives on what it means to be a mother and the complexities of being a mom. If you're referring to the maternal figure, then "Mother" or "Mom" will do. The end, with Charlotte’s life ending as her babies are coming into the world, is a total tearjerker. May 10, 2024 · The character development of Mei’s mom was amazing to watch because we, as the audience, can see how much her own mother treats her and how strong the intergenerational trauma is within the family. I’m looking for a book where the main character is a mom, with younger children. This group of eclec Jun 3, 2018 · In that fascinating 1833 novel, the independent, intellectual, skeptical, cynical, depressed, world-weary, God-doubting title character in some ways sounds like she could be living in 2018 — if the eloquent language used in Sand’s philosophical book were more casual and not densely rich like a lot of 19th-century prose was. Aug 20, 2021 · These best character-driven novels will reel you in and hook you as you dive deep into the innermost workings of complex fictional people. It's not a purely feel-good story, but there is a really strong and resilient mother character in Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. So if you’re looking for picture books with black main characters, you’ll find everything you need on this book list. Apr 15, 2025 · Discover our top 10 book picks featuring strong character development, including reviews of classics like "The Drowned World" and "Infinite Jest. Sep 29, 2023 · From the nurturing Marmee in “Little Women” to the fiercely protective Molly Weasley in “Harry Potter”, the portrayal of mom characters in literature has always held a significant place. Books shelved as strong-mothers: Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev, Well Matched by Jen DeLuca, Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan, Dark Water Da If you arem't interested in books with morally gray mothers then I'd skip Broken Earth. I enjoy a bit of snarkiness or silliness, but I also like a slightly more serious tone. Mom Characters Diving deeper, mom characters in media […] May 5, 2025 · Some of the best moms —besides our own — are in works of fiction. The romance genre has evolved tremendously, and today’s readers crave stories with fierce, independent heroines who know their worth. Jul 1, 2024 · This roundup of teen fiction books (and one memoir) with strong female protagonists shakes up tradition left and right, and we hope you and your students find at least one new heroine to root for! Sep 6, 2018 · These character-driven novels are not propelled by action. In this collection, I’ve curated 15 […] Nov 21, 2024 · Celebrate 15 iconic mom characters from fiction who have touched our hearts with their love, strength, and unforgettable stories. Rather, I couldn''t put them down because I just couldn't stop reading about these characters. This paper seeks to do the following: introduce two significant purposes for including multicultural literature with male characters in the curriculum, describe how to locate and evaluate multicultural literature, and present a selection of picture books as examples of high-quality books with strong male characters. “To the world, you are a mother, but to your family, you are the world. Head out to your nearest bookstore and read-up these books! Jul 28, 2021 · Check out these YA reads. Nov 9, 2022 · Looking for the best picture books with strong female characters to read with your kids? Here are some great picture books for primary and upper elementary grades or for classroom read alouds with strong female leads. Whether they’re leading revolutions, solving mysteries, or finding their own voices, these women remind us that strength comes in many forms. If you’re a person who often felt misunderstood by your own mother, only to become a mother yourself and realize you’re more like her than you ever imagined (raises hand), this one is for you. Jean Pike shares the 5 best books on family relationships with strong mother figures. Classic kids books with strong female characters – age 9-12 This list of classic kids books with strong female characters have inspired and delighted generations of readers. This example shaped John into a strong, responsible adult who valued hard work and family unity. Daenerys Targaryen – A Song of Ice and Fire series. Explore captivating adventures, intriguing characters, and epic quests that will transport you to new and enchanting worlds. Karen Lynne Klink shares the 5 best books on strong emotion, excellent plotting, and vivid descriptions that put me securely in time and place. The mothers can be good or bad, but no horror film, please. Highly recommend the Broken Earth trilogy. Aug 3, 2012 · I need some name suggestions for this character I’m working on. You might picture a fit athlete These books contribute to a richer, more inclusive literary landscape and significantly impact culture, shaping perceptions and inspiring generations of readers. Books with strong, competent, capable female characters and MCs who treat each other as equals I love strong, competent, capable female characters and I love it when the male and female MCs work together to solve whatever problem they have. tzqh qmkedo qolvkv kucf vjh uhrb mfk kpjy iaug lzzez zuymwta pmpv oxlz qtbi hdmbrbd