Girls on adventures. Girls off exploring. Girls brave and daring. Girls want to have fun too. Chapter book stories about girls who are just like you!
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (Gr.5-8)
Growing up with six brothers in rural Texas in 1899, 12-year-old Callie realizes that her aversion to needlework and cooking disappoints her mother. Still, she prefers to spend her time exploring the river, observing animals, and keeping notes on what she sees.
Racing the Moon by Alan Armstrong (Gr. 4-6)
In 1947, eleven-year-old Alex and her impulsive, older brother Chuck befriend an army scientist who shares their interest in rockets and outer space travel.
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck (Gr. 5-8)
Fourteen-year-old Eleanor “Peewee” McGrath, a tomboy and automobile enthusiast, discovers new possibilities for her future after the 1914 arrival in her small Indiana town of four young librarians.
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R. L. LaFevers (Gr. 4-6)
Twelve-year-old Theo uses arcane knowledge and her own special talent when she encounters two secret societies, one sworn to protect the world from ancient Egyptian magic and one planning to harness it to bring chaos to the world, both of which want a valuable artifact stolen from the London museum for which her parents work. Theodosia’s adventures continue in Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris; Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus and Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh.
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy (Gr.4-6)
Although Aunt Arlene tries to interest her in clothing and growing up, ten-year-old Mildred is entirely focused on growing a pumpkin big enough to win the annual Circleville, Ohio, contest, as her mother dreamed of doing before she died. Be sure and look at the Official Circleville Ohio Pumpkin Show website. (www.pumpkinshow.com)
Marty McGuire by Kate Messner (Gr. 2-4)
When tomboy Marty is cast as the princess in the third-grade play, she learns about improvisation, which helps her become more adaptable. The second book in the series is Marty McGuire Digs Worms.
The Misadventures of Maude March, or, Trouble Rides a Fast Horse by Audrey Couloumbis (Gr.5-8)
After the death of the stern aunt who raised them since they were orphaned, eleven-year-old Sallie and her fifteen-year-old sister escape their self-serving guardians and begin an adventure resembling those in the dime novels Sallie loves to read. Maude March on the Run!, or, Trouble Is Her Middle Name is the sequel.
Ginny W., Youth Services.
