Entertainment
The 11 Most Feminist Characters In Children's Books
Reading has always been more than just my favorite pastime; it's been a learning tool. From moral dilemmas, to failed relationships, to difficult decisions, and more, reading has truly gotten me through so much of my life. I learned love, life, and the pursuit of happiness through the pages of books. And without even realizing it, I was reading about feminist characters in children's books.
Feminism is the basic concept of equality between the sexes, and that's a concept that should be taught from day one. Whether it's being taught outright or it's being taught covertly through the pages of a beloved classic children's novel, feminism is a concept we can all get behind.
In classics, in contemporaries, in science-fiction, and in beloved children's books everywhere, there are feminist characters hiding between the pages. Maybe you've never noticed how feminist they are, maybe you never thought children's books could be feminist. Maybe, you've never read the following books! Maybe, you're just in the market for a children's book. In any case, might I suggest one of the following? You'll not only entertain your favorite kid (or yourself), you'll be teaching them a few good things about feminism in the process.
1Lucy Pevensie From 'The Chronicles Of Narnia'
Lucy believed in herself even when her siblings didn't. She never let her brothers opinions outweigh her own, and she stayed strong, supporting her family through it all.
2Kristy Thomas From 'The Babysitter's Club'
Kristy was a young entrepreneur, a tomboy, and a complete and total boss. Even when she was going through a rough time with her dad, she found strength in her sisters and powered through, becoming stronger in the process.
3Sara Crewe From 'A Little Princess'
Sara was a champion for all the girls at school, not just the privileged girls. When she lost everything, she didn't let it affect her relationships with her friend. She continued to lift up her friends.
4Hermione Granger From 'Harry Potter'
Smart, sassy, and entirely capable of everything the boys could do and more? Hermione Granger, at your service.
5Matilda Wormwood From 'Matilda'
Despite her disadvantage and family struggles, Matilda was a champion for everyone around her. Much like Sara Crewe, Matilda believed in equality and kindness for everyone, and didn't stop when faced with adversity or negativity.
6Harriet M. Welsch From 'Harriet The Spy'
Though Harriet had to learn a few lessons the hard way, she paved a path for girls who were interested in hobbies that were so often attributed to boys, more acceptable.
7Anne Shirley From 'Anne Of Green Gables'
Anne Shirley was the character of young women's dreams. Always finding herself in a scrape, Anne was quick-witted, lovable, kind, and courageous beyond belief.
8Ramona Quimby From 'Ramona'
Ramona Quimby is brilliant — there's no other way to put it. Scrappy and bright, the 8-year-old provided an individual for young women everywhere that assured them it was okay to be different, and okay to embrace who you are inside, regardless of societal standards.
9Nancy Drew From 'Nancy Drew'
A series steeped in an era that so often discounted the knowledge and education of women, Nancy Drew provided a forum for curious and educated young women to believe that they too could be the hero, that they could save the day without anyone else's help.
10Laura Ingalls Wilder From 'Little House On The Prairie'
Laura Ingalls Wilder was her own type of woman. She fished, farmed, and hunted, while going school and remaining curious. A combination fairly lethal and unheard of for her time.
11Pippi Longstocking From 'Pippi Longstocking'
Pippi Longstocking had a mind of her own, and she wasn't afraid to use it. Courageous, outrageous, and one-of-a-kind, Pippi is a role model for children everywhere.
