ReFoReMo Day 16: Carrie Gelson Celebrates Girl Power

3/17/2016

By Carrie Gelson

Characters impact their readers. They reveal ways to be strong. Ways to be wise. Say hello to creative, introspective, determined girls. Girls who are independent thinkers and make their own way in the world. Celebrate these books that inspire young readers to be problem solvers. Sometimes quiet planning and original thinking are as important as big and bold moves.

Marilyn's Monster by Michelle Knudsen, with illustrations by Matt Phelan

Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke

Sparky! by Jenny Offill, with illustrations by Chris Appelhans

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki, with illustrations by Qin Leng

Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller, with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf

Carrie Gelson teaches Grades 2 and 3 in Vancouver B.C. She is always looking for ways to share the love of reading with her students and shares highlights of her reading and teaching journey on her blog There’s a book for that.

221 Comments

Sharon Giltrow

3/16/2016 03:21:50 am

Thanks Carrie for the post on the importance of girl power. It is strange but whenever I write a PB I always picture the man character as a boy. I am now making a conscious choice to make some of my main characters girls.

Joy Main

3/16/2016 03:36:15 am

Thank you Carrie. The main character in my current WIP is a feisty, grubby girl. Looking forward to reading these great mentor texts for lots more inspiration!

Maria Marshall

3/16/2016 03:37:04 am

Carrie, Thank you for the great list of strong girl characters. I had not yet read Hana Hashimoto and Marilyn's Monsters, what a pleasure. I also like the "Maple and Willow" series by Lori Nichols because she crated two strong, resourceful sisters who clash, mesh, and solve their problems with planning and original thinking.

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 06:36:11 pm

I also like Maple and Willow! I am so pleased you liked these 2 titles that were new to you.

Kate Harold

3/17/2016 09:24:55 am

I absolutely adore Maple and Willow, and love their love of nature!

Karla Valenti

3/16/2016 04:06:10 am

Oooh! I love these mentor texts. Thank you for such great recommendations!

Mona

3/16/2016 05:22:22 am

Thank you, Carrie. Great suggestions.

Sara Gentry

3/16/2016 05:27:39 am

Thank you, Carrie, for the suggestions. It is nice to see more girl main characters!

Deborah Allmand

3/16/2016 05:31:32 am

Carrie, I am familiar with one of your suggestions but look forward to reading all the others. I also think it will help develop more well rounded characters by studying these examples. Thanks for the post!

carole calladine

3/16/2016 05:53:21 am

I have enjoyed reading your selections, Carrie. Some of them I have never read before and found myself saying, I'd like to share these with my grand daughter. Now I know why. Girl Power. Thanks for the thoughtful post.

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 06:47:49 pm

I love hearing that these are going to be shared. They are wonderful read alouds!

Cheryl Kim

3/16/2016 06:00:49 am

Thank you for the interesting recommendations, Carrie! Can't wait to read them. I also enjoyed reading through your blog, especially the middle grade recommendations, which I also hope to read soon!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 07:09:15 pm

Many thanks Cheryl and thank you for visiting my blog!

Katelyn Aronson

3/16/2016 06:06:25 am

Great post, Carrie! I love your point about "quiet planning and original thinking." I have almost all of the books you mention on order right now and cannot wait. What good taste you have! Another girl power pb I love is "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell. You most know it!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 07:12:05 pm

Yes, I do know this one! :-) I hope you enjoy reading these titles when they come in.

Mary Warth

3/16/2016 06:31:29 am

Thanks Carrie for the beautiful examples of independent thinkers!

Mike Karg link

3/16/2016 06:37:12 am

Let's add Bloom by Doreen Cronin/David Small to this list (just released Feb 2016): "You tell them there's no such thing as an ordinary girl!"

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 07:13:08 pm

I just read this! Perfect title that would accompany this list!

Lisa Connors link

3/16/2016 06:37:51 am

I completely agree with you Carrie. Those are great examples of how to be an independent thinker.

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/16/2016 06:44:33 am

Thanks, Carrie, for this roundup and your awesome blog! I love that you pointed out their introspection. We don't hear that discussed much about picture books, and we hear a lot more about "spunky" girls. I do like spunky girl characters, and some of these books have them. But I appreciate that the girls are not ALL snappy and funny and quirky. Some are really thoughtful. Thanks!

Melanie Ellsworth

3/16/2016 06:26:54 pm

Excellent point, Laura!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 07:26:25 pm

Yes! That is what I love about these girls. Exactly this.

Terri DeGezelle link

3/16/2016 06:48:17 am

I think one thing roses books all have in common is they have heart. Thank you did a great list. Something that also has heart is Carrie's blog, I'm following. PS I want all nine of my grandchildren to have you as their teacher.

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 07:27:40 pm

What a lovely, lovely compliment. Thank you Terri!

Linda Chavez

3/16/2016 06:53:27 am

Thanks for the lovely examples of girls solving their own problems. I enjoyed Marilyn 's Monster last night. "Quiet planning and original thinking" I like that.

Patricia Nozell

3/16/2016 07:05:21 am

Cannot wait to find these books; I've read & loved Sophie's Squash, but the others are new to me. Thank you for highlighting books with strong female characters.

Cathy Breisacher

3/16/2016 07:07:54 am

I like the idea of looking at these kind of texts. Great stories by such talented writers. Thank you for sharing.

Lori gravley link

3/16/2016 07:12:21 am

I had not read any of these books and I love them all. Thanks for the list!!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:20:54 pm

So pleased you enjoyed these

Nancy Rimar

3/16/2016 07:12:35 am

Thanks Carrie for the great list - Sparky is one of my favorites.

Laura Renauld

3/16/2016 07:23:12 am

Julia's House for Lost Creatures is a new favorite. Great suggestions!

Julie Burchstead

3/16/2016 07:32:34 am

Some old and new friends on your list. We can't underestimate the power of compelling characters to influence readers. Thanks for this great list and focus.

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:22:00 pm

I so agree!

Manju Howard

3/16/2016 07:40:50 am

Carrie, I use all 5 of these PBs as mentor texts. Great characters and strong story structures.

Sue Poduska

3/16/2016 07:43:12 am

Go for girl power! Thanks for these great examples.

Linda Schueler

3/16/2016 07:46:58 am

"Sometimes quiet planning and original thinking are as important as big and bold moves." I love that!

Donna Cangelosi link

3/16/2016 07:47:54 am

Thank you, Carrie! I've used Sophie's Squash as a mentor text. Looking forward to studying your other recommendations more closely.

PatHaap

3/16/2016 07:49:41 am

Great list! We need more books like these!

Marilyn Garcia

3/16/2016 07:55:04 am

Carrie, I am so looking forward to studying this list of books. I am a girl and even I write mostly boy main characters. There certainly must be a strong underlying social pressure to think in male terms as a default and it is important to challenge that when we see it. Thanks for the reminder!

Kathy Halsey

3/16/2016 07:58:25 am

Girl Power - nice list - thank you. Love SOPHIE'S SQUASH & SPARKY. Gotta investigate the others.

Donna L Martin link

3/16/2016 07:58:59 am

My own debut picture book is about a young girl with the power of perseverance so I agree with the importance of empowering females in picture books. It teaches children early on that anything is possible!

Marianne Kuzujanakis link

3/16/2016 07:59:41 am

SPARKY & SOPHIE'S SQUASH are some of my favorites.
Thanks Carrie!

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/16/2016 08:01:53 am

Most often the default is not just to male characters, but white male characters. Three quiet, introspective cheers for able, thoughtful female characters (!)(shhh, I'm working).

MD Knabb

3/16/2016 08:03:33 am

Loved MARILYN'S MONSTER, SOPHIE'S SQUASH AND HOME FOR LOST CREATURES. Will have to find the others. Books that inspire thinking are true treasures. Thank you

Kirstine Call

3/16/2016 08:03:54 am

I adore these book suggestions, Carrie! Thanks for introducing me to a few new ones too!

Denise Engle

3/16/2016 08:06:35 am

Thanks, Carrie! I enjoyed reading theses mentor texts from the perspective of problem-solving. This new insight will add a rich new layer to my writing!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:24:37 pm

Great to hear!

Amy Murrell

3/16/2016 08:26:32 am

Thank you for the great mentor text suggestions, Carrie. I can't wait to read them - Amy

darlene koppel link

3/16/2016 08:32:43 am

Great suggestions about Girl Power! I'm going to begin working on ideas with that theme. Thank you.

joanne sher link

3/16/2016 08:35:50 am

Love these young ladies! Such good role models and mentor texts. :) Thanks!

Monique Wakefield

3/16/2016 08:37:10 am

Thanks Carrie for some great suggestions on girl power. I will need to check out Marilyn's Monster and sparky.:)

Stephanie Gray

3/16/2016 08:40:19 am

I have two small boys and am determined to have them grow up wanting to read books about both male and female protagonists. These are some great choices in the picture book category to show them that girls rock too!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:26:49 pm

So important that our children and students don't think there are boy books and girl books.

Sue Heavenrich

3/16/2016 08:49:49 am

Oh, I loved reading all these books. I love the way the girls solve their problems: got too many guests? put 'em to work. Need a pet that's quiet? What fun stories, great characters, and novel solutions.

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:28:04 pm

I love the solutions too!

Traci Bold link

3/16/2016 08:56:12 am

It is so easy to forget about the quiet impact on situations. Many times, these subtle nuances are far more powerful that blatant boldness. You chose excellent mentor texts to showcase this.
Very good post Carrie. Thank you.

Karen Condit

3/16/2016 01:34:11 pm

So true!!!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:30:16 pm

Thanks Traci. I am a definite fan of clever, creative characters.

Robin Currie link

3/16/2016 08:58:10 am

Not a single princess! Very nice list of empowered girls. Thanks.

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 09:31:15 pm

Not a one!

Cecilia McCarthy

3/16/2016 08:58:33 am

Love to read books with strong female characters especially girls who think. Thanks for this list.

Val McCammon

3/16/2016 08:59:44 am

Great suggestions for girl-focused PBs! Thanks, Carrie.

Andrea Mack link

3/16/2016 09:00:46 am

What a wonderful list!! Another one I love is The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires, about a girl who persists with making a project even when it's not working.

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:40:15 pm

Students love this one! It is a great title to model persistence.

Tina Cho link

3/16/2016 09:04:24 am

Awesome mentor texts. This is very timely as I'm working on a girl power book.

Mary Boehmer

3/16/2016 09:06:01 am

Thank you for sharing with us! Hip, Hip, Ho Ray for Girl Power, such wonderful suggestions! I am so excited about this and adding new mentor texts to our Girls With Grit collection :) Happy Reading!

Linda Thomas

3/16/2016 09:08:45 am

Carrie, I just visited your blog and I'm enjoying your slice of life posts! So now I'm a follower. Thank you for the book recommendations. Go girls!

Carrie Gelson

3/16/2016 10:02:59 pm

Thanks so much Linda. I am enjoying writing them.

Linda Carpenter link

3/16/2016 09:14:04 am

Great post Carrie! Headed to your Blog for more...

Lindsay Hanson Metcalf

3/16/2016 09:14:40 am

Love Sophie's Squash. I read recently that we don't publish enough PBs with girl protagonists. It's good to celebrate the ones that feature girls.

Cathy Mealey

3/16/2016 09:21:00 am

I especially love Sparky! because it is ostensibly about the sloth as MC but the unnamed girl protagonist is the real star of the show. Boys AND girls reach for this one.

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:41:08 pm

I think so too! Sparky is one of my all time favourites.

Rebecca Colby

3/16/2016 09:27:14 am

Many thanks, Carrie! This list is perfect for me to study and perfect to share with my two young daughters.

AJ Irving link

3/16/2016 09:33:46 am

Love it! Thank you, Carrie!

Sheri Radovich

3/16/2016 09:47:03 am

Thank you for these books. Couldn't find one of them but the others were interesting ways for m.c. to solve their own problems. Brave little girls.

Vicki Reinhardt

3/16/2016 09:55:40 am

These books look amazing! Can't wait to get my hands on them! =) Thank you for your recommendations!

Shelley Kinder

3/16/2016 10:05:19 am

Thanks Carrie! Will definitely be picking up those books and checking out your blog.

Maria Johnson

3/16/2016 10:11:45 am

Sophie's Squash is such a heart felt circle of life tale told with such a unique spin. The love and family and satisfying ending make it a favorite of mine. I just adore it.

Lauren Kerstein link

3/16/2016 10:13:13 am

"I love this:
Characters impact their readers. They reveal ways to be strong. Ways to be wise."
Thank you for a very inspirational post with excellent mentor text recommendations!

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:42:07 pm

Thank you Lauren. Happy reading and writing!

Susan Deo

3/16/2016 10:26:43 am

Carrie: I'm so excited to dig into these "girl power" books! Thanks for sharing your ideas of empowering texts/stories.

Lynn Davidson link

3/16/2016 10:29:53 am

The only book I've been able to get so far of this list is Sophie's Squash. It is such an adorable story! It reminded me of something similar when I was a child. The wheels are turning!
Thank you for your book suggestions, Carrie.

Kathy Mazurowski

3/16/2016 10:30:09 am

Wow, this was a timely post for me, thank you. As I contemplate a big revision, I had just checked out Sparky and Sophie's Squash as mentors texts. I think I might be on the right track now.

Rachel Hamby link

3/16/2016 10:31:19 am

These characters will definitely help me as I revise my story. Thanks, Carrie!

Natalie Rompella link

3/16/2016 10:33:46 am

These are perfect! I am a character-driven novelist and need help diving back into the world of writing pbs. Maybe I need to try more of one with a strong character. Thanks!

Angela Turner

3/16/2016 10:34:26 am

Love that these books show girls solving problems. Thank you for the recommendations.

Meena

3/16/2016 10:36:02 am

Love your suggestions, heard of one. Checked out the blog as well. I agree with the title - There's a book for that! (if not waiting to be created by YOU!)

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:43:01 pm

Thanks for checking out my blog Meena!

Sydney O'Neill

3/16/2016 10:40:34 am

Thank you for these wonderful recommendations, Carrie. I think books that model quiet planning and original thinking can appeal to both genders.

Christie Allred link

3/16/2016 10:44:40 am

One of my favorite all time girl power books is The Paper Bag Princess. Hooray for girl power! :D

Chana Stiefel link

3/16/2016 10:46:20 am

Great list about girl power! SOPHIE'S SQUASH is one of my all time favorites. Thank you!

debra daugherty

3/16/2016 10:48:44 am

Great choices, Carrie. Sophie's Squash is one that enthralled my 5 yr. old nephew.

Lori Dubbin

3/16/2016 10:53:07 am

I've been looking for more girl-main-character picture books like SOPHIE and SPARKY. Thank you for all these recommendations. Characters who show "quiet planning and original thinking" are sure to be great mentor texts for word choice and voice.

Leah Leonard

3/16/2016 10:55:23 am

Great post! Thank you.

maria gianferrari link

3/16/2016 11:03:54 am

Thank you, Carrie! I already loved Sophie's Squash, but somehow Hana Hashimoto escaped my radar, and it's absolutely lovely! Thanks for these great recommendations!!

Brenda Huante

3/16/2016 11:07:07 am

Thank you for the list, Carrie. I can't wait to read them!

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/16/2016 11:08:12 am

Love seeing a list of "girl power" titles!

ali Bovis

3/16/2016 11:13:12 am

Thanks so much for this great post. I can't wait to read these amazing books. Creative, determined, problem solving girls are awesome to have in PBs. I am SO happy every time I discover another book that shows them in this way! I also love the Paper Bag Princess which has a similar message.

Charlotte Dixon

3/16/2016 11:15:32 am

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing mentor texts for girl characters :) I have read some of these and need to find the rest.

Tracey Brown

3/16/2016 11:29:56 am

Love PB's that move away from the stereotypical expectations and behaviors of both girls and boys.

Mary Worley

3/16/2016 11:33:27 am

Spunky, determined girls are my favorite kind of character. Thanks for the list.

Tanya Konerman link

3/16/2016 11:43:55 am

I love books about strong girls...thanks for the great recommendations!

Beverly Marsh

3/16/2016 11:48:45 am

Thank you Carrie for the great book recommendations -- can't wait to read about these independent thinkers!

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/16/2016 11:53:32 am

Hurray for girl power and hurray for these great recommendations. SOPHIE'S SQUASH is one of my favorites.

Linda Hofke

3/16/2016 11:57:02 am

I've read all of these of these except Julia's House for Lost Creatures. I hope I can find that one.

My favorite of all these books is Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin.

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:44:26 pm

Look for Suki's Kimono by the same author. It is wonderful.

Joan Swanson

3/16/2016 12:01:53 pm

I absolutely loved "Julia's House for Lost Creatures"! Thank you for the book suggestion. I think this is a keeper to buy.

Marlene Rohr link

3/16/2016 12:02:18 pm

Thanks for these great recommendations, Carrie, I look forward to reading all of them. I enjoy reading PB's with girls as main characters!

Alice Fulgione

3/16/2016 12:04:35 pm

I loved "Sophie's Squash" and I can't wait to read the other choices!

Karen Brady link

3/16/2016 12:09:53 pm

Great examples of stories featuring strong, independent girls! They're wonderful to share with children (along with some girl-powered nonfiction) during March, which is Women's History Month!

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/16/2016 12:10:24 pm

I had not read any of these except "Sophie's Squash", which I love. Thanks, Carrie, for introducing us to these strong female characters!

Brook Gideon link

3/16/2016 12:17:03 pm

Carrie, thank you for the girl power books. I loved that they weren't too girly and sparkly and that they persevered in the end! Wonderful mentor text suggestions.

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/16/2016 12:32:41 pm

Thanks for the reminder that just as these books are mentor texts for us, so are these characters mentors for their readers.

sue twiggs

3/16/2016 12:35:41 pm

Carrie,
thanks for the girl power books. I'm off to the bookstore and will check them out. I enjoyed Sweetness at the Bottom of the pie by Allen Bradley, a mystery and the protagonist is a 10 year old English girl. Not a PB, probably middle grade. I listened to the audio version.

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/16/2016 12:47:10 pm

Oh, how I love Sophie's Squash, Sparky, and Hana Hanimoto! Now off to read the other two. Let's hear it for Girl Power!

Sharon Putnam

3/16/2016 12:50:12 pm

Thank you for these excellent suggestions, Carrie. I always looks for books with strong female characters. My latest WIP, an historical picture book, features a strong female MC who out smarts the British.

The main character in my current chapter book is a feisty young girl who acts before she thinks and tends to drag her younger brother along with her on her hair-brained schemes

Sue Ganz-Schmitt link

3/16/2016 12:50:23 pm

Both of the girl characters from Marilyn's Monsters and Julia's House for Lost Creatures have been added to my list of favorites. Just adore these books! Thanks Carrie for highlighting them!

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:45:35 pm

Thrilled tha you found some new favourites!

JEN link

3/16/2016 12:57:21 pm

Great suggestions! You've got me thinking of strong girl roles. These mentor texts will help me with Persie in my WIP!

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/16/2016 12:58:23 pm

Thank you for this post! Great selections. Very enjoyable reads and so nice to have strong female characters!

Sherry Howard link

3/16/2016 01:03:24 pm

Thanks for sharing these. I love discovering new mentor texts showing characters (girls or boys or monkeys) solving their problems in a clever way.

Pam Jones-Nill

3/16/2016 01:14:34 pm

Carrie,
Thanks for this awesome list.

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/16/2016 01:15:42 pm

I would not have thought of drawing the parallel between Sophie and Julia, but it totally works. Makes me think of some strong nonfiction girls, too--like What to Do About Alice.

Carrie Gelson

3/17/2016 01:46:47 pm

Yes! So many nonfiction biographies are all about strength, creativity and perseverance.

Karen Condit

3/16/2016 01:36:44 pm

Great recommendations! So many of these leave me pondering after I close the cover. Thanks!

Juliana Lee link

3/16/2016 01:41:34 pm

Currently looking for strong female characters. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be reading the new-to-me titles this afternoon.

Bev Baird

3/16/2016 01:46:30 pm

What wonderful characters! Great mentor texts indeed. Thanks for the post.

Michele Manning

3/16/2016 01:47:02 pm

Great reads for girls (and boys)! Thanks for the recommendations!

Noelle McBride

3/16/2016 01:49:38 pm

Thank you for making girl power a focus! I love these mentor texts.

sharon langley link

3/16/2016 01:58:14 pm

Girl power! Thanks for these new reads!

DeLeon

3/16/2016 02:09:18 pm

Girls rock!! I loved these stories and the illustrations were so lovely too. Now I have to think about a story with a determined, courageous, and original girl. Thank you, Carrie!

debbie mccue

3/16/2016 02:19:03 pm

I'm so glad to see more books written with clever female characters. I love SOPHIE'S SQUASH and look forward to reading your recommended list of girl power books. Thanks for your perspective.

Jena Benton

3/16/2016 02:59:01 pm

Yeah for strong girls! Thanks for sharing.

Therese Nagi

3/16/2016 03:00:04 pm

Carrie thanks for sharing the great mentor texts. I really enjoyed reading Hana Hashimoto, sixth violin. I will have to read the rest of them.

Denise Benavides

3/16/2016 03:07:48 pm

There seemed a common thread that a girl gets courageous when there's someone or something to love. Enjoyed the books you picked.
Thanks

Jess Townes link

3/16/2016 03:16:41 pm

Great reads for girls AND boys! I'm a mom of two boys, and they gravitate towards books with strong female characters, which of course makes me proud. Some of these were new titles for me, thanks for the recommendations!

Sandra Jenkins

3/16/2016 03:36:38 pm

Thanks, Carrie. Great examples that show the value of thinking and problem-solving.

Anna Forrester link

3/16/2016 03:48:23 pm

Great picks -- thanks! And I love love love your blog's name -- it is perfect!

Janet Smart link

3/16/2016 03:52:07 pm

that's a nice group of books. Thanks for the suggestions.

Diane Asyre

3/16/2016 04:01:22 pm

Wish these were around when I was discovering picture books for the first time

Ashley Bankhead

3/16/2016 04:17:17 pm

Thank you for sharing this great list of mentor texts with strong female characters.

Bethany Roberts link

3/16/2016 04:17:22 pm

Thanks for the helpful list, and for highlighting girl protagonists. I will check out your blog!

Ellen Leventhal

3/16/2016 04:23:34 pm

Thanks, Carrie. Love strong female characters! I find myself often writing male characters (probably because I raised two boys), but the main character in my current WIP is a girl, and I'm really glad she is. Great book recs! Thanks!

Susan Zonca

3/16/2016 05:00:17 pm

Wonderful choices. I have to say, though, "Sophie's Squash" is one of my favs. The lines that get me every time..."I call her Bernice," Sophie said. " "I'll call for pizza," said her mother.

alan elliott link

3/16/2016 05:02:42 pm

Great reading ideas. Thanks.

Keila Dawson link

3/16/2016 05:30:43 pm

Love the recommendations. Thanks for suggesting Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin. Here's to quiet girl power!

Charlene Steadman

3/16/2016 05:38:15 pm

I love the problem solving and perseverance throughout these stories! Such an important topic for boys and girls!

Melanie Ellsworth

3/16/2016 06:25:06 pm

Thank you for this wonderful list, Carrie. I'm glad to be introduced to Hana Hashimoto. I remember a determined girl in another Kids Can Press book too - THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING by Ashley Spires.

Melissa Stoller link

3/16/2016 06:35:48 pm

Thanks, Carrie! As the mom of three girls who attend/attended a k-12 all-girls school (and I am a woman's college graduate!) I love this post about girl power and girls solving problems in very creative ways. Thanks for the excellent mentor texts!!!

Trine

3/16/2016 07:21:17 pm

Thanks Carrie. Just read Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin for the first time. I love her! Not only did I find her determined and thoughtful, but humorous too as she stood up before her silly brothers.

Pamela Courtney

3/16/2016 07:30:05 pm

How much am I loving the title, Sparky and that whimsical illustration? ALOT! Glad for this post because now I know about your amazing blog (just took a tour . . . me likey). Thank you

Lotus Ivak

3/16/2016 08:16:21 pm

Hi Carrie, Sophie's character in Sophie's Squash really stood out to me. Thank you for all the book recommendations!

Nancy Ramsey

3/16/2016 08:20:00 pm

Definitely books worth celebrating! Thanks for this post Carrie!

Elizabeth Duncan link

3/16/2016 09:03:40 pm

Very fun choices today. As a teacher and a parent, it is important that our girls feel that they are the center of stories.

Kimberly Marcus link

3/16/2016 09:31:26 pm

Excellent post. Thank you!!

Judy Cooper link

3/16/2016 09:35:38 pm

I sat down this evening with a cup of tea and today's books. What a delightful was to spend a bit of time. Marilyn's Monster is so endearing. Sparky is funny, cute and clever. And I loved Sophie's Squash, especially after reading the author's note that it was based on a true experience with her own daughter.

Carol Cole link

3/16/2016 09:35:41 pm

These were great mentor texts - I actually found all of them in the libraries near me. I loved how they each solved their own problems even with the skepticism from some of their family members in "Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin" and "Marilyn's Monster". Carrie, thanks for these books.

Celeste Gerard

3/16/2016 09:51:17 pm

Thank you for the suggestions! I enjoy strong female characters!

Anita Jones link

3/16/2016 10:08:45 pm

I love books that empower girls...I look forward to reading the books you have suggested! I may just feel empowered to write my own book with characters that are girls!!! Thank, Carrie

Angie Quantrell

3/16/2016 10:18:28 pm

I know I already love one of these books, and can't wait to read the rest (the library is not on my schedule). Thanks so much for sharing with us, Carrie!

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/16/2016 10:28:32 pm

Great suggestions! I have read and love 4 out of 5 listed, so now it's time I read the 5th.

Melissa Rutigliano

3/16/2016 10:31:59 pm

I can certainly appreciate a young girl with a strong mind and a will to be different. These texts were cute, fun, and inspiring to young (female) readers-including myself!

Lydia Lukidis link

3/16/2016 10:33:03 pm

Love this! I always prefer to write about girls...

Kelly Rice Schmitt

3/16/2016 11:43:51 pm

You go girl! Thank you for sharing with us more strong girl stories! We can always use more. I love how each is unique, just like we all are.

Lynn Alpert link

3/17/2016 12:19:42 am

Love these girl power books! I can't wait to read them all!

Colleen Paeff

3/17/2016 12:43:37 am

I love Marilyn's Monster! Such a great book. :)

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/17/2016 12:47:31 am

Thank you, Carrie! I LOVE these examples! YEA FOR GIRL POWER!!! TRULY INSPIRING! Thank you for inspiring us to inspire girls through our writing! GIRL POWER!!!!!

Dee Leone link

3/17/2016 12:54:51 am

Thanks, Carrie. I haven't read some of the picture books you posted but can't wait to check them out.

Carol Nelson

3/17/2016 12:59:07 am

I love the girl power!

Heidi Yates

3/17/2016 01:09:25 am

Loved these books featuring independent thinkers! Thank you Carrie. :)

Anita Banks

3/17/2016 09:56:43 am

Thank you for the suggestions.

Leah Heilman Schanke

3/17/2016 09:58:06 am

Thank you. I really enjoyed these. Marilyn's Monster is so rich. I love how she goes against the 'this is not how things work" refrain. Very empowering story.

Anne Appert link

3/17/2016 11:06:24 am

I reserved these books but they weren't in my pile last time I went to the library to pick up a pile. Can't wait to read them! Thank you for your post.

Holly Samson Hall

3/17/2016 11:18:20 am

Thank you for this. As the mother of two daughters, I am always looking for (and writing) strong female characters, and I want my baby boy to grow up reading just as many stories about girls as he reads about boys.

Mary Jo Wagner

3/17/2016 11:46:36 am

A fellow Vancouverite, and with such great recommendations! Thank you for illuminating more girl power!

Ann Magee

3/17/2016 01:13:57 pm

Thanks, Carrie. Some new titles here for me--I'll have to check them out. I write mostly nonfiction these days and am always drawn to the strong female real-life characters with extraordinary stories.

Emily J

3/17/2016 01:20:28 pm

Yea girl power! Great post! Thank you Carrie

Susie Sawyer link

3/17/2016 01:47:00 pm

I love to see independent thinking and creative solutions in male and female main characters. These are wonderful examples of girl power. This post made me go back and think a bit about my mcs, and why I chose them to be male/female. I realized that I seem to have a pretty fully-formed character in my head right from the start, and have never changed a mc from one gender to the other. I found that interesting. :) Thank you Carrie. Like so many others, I love your thought: "Sometimes quiet planning and original thinking are as important as big and bold moves."

Christine Rodenbour

3/17/2016 04:47:17 pm

Wonderful story suggestions, thanks!

Cindy Cornwall

3/17/2016 08:43:02 pm

Interesting how there's brother characters in two books who try to discourage the main character (Hana Hashimoto... and Marilyn's Monster). I loved the determination in all the ones I read. I didn't get to Julia's House for Lost Creatures, but I will soon. Thanks!

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/17/2016 09:49:22 pm

Wonderful post! Thank you for these strong girl character stories!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/17/2016 10:02:35 pm

Thanks for great recommendations! I'm working on a "girl book" right now and these mentor texts should help a lot. :)

Amanda Sincavage

3/18/2016 12:48:50 am

Thoughtful, introspective female characters absolutely resonated with me! Another great selection and love reading additional titles suggested in the comments. Thanks Carrie!

Angela De Groot

3/18/2016 12:08:07 pm

Thanks, Carrie. I'm so excited reading these mentor texts because they have given me so much insight into my current pb revisions.

Darlene

3/18/2016 04:14:24 pm

Great recommendations, Carrie! I was just over at your blog, and I love reading it! Thank you!

Martin Segal

3/18/2016 06:16:36 pm

Thank you for sharing these, Carrie! I can't wait to read the ones I have on hold!

Virginia Law Manning link

3/19/2016 07:21:02 am

Thank you for this great list of strong female characters! Oh, how I love Sophie!

Lenne' Musarra

3/19/2016 02:09:46 pm

Thanks for your list of mentor texts. I am looking forward to reading them. I appreciated your words that not all girls have to be snappy, funny, quirky and bold because many PB consistently reveal those characteristics. I enjoyed your blog. I homeschooled off and on and we had a great home library but we still went to the library at least once a month to find that book that could shed light or resolve an issue.I know "there's a book for that! " Always overjoyed to find it!

Carrie Gelson

3/22/2016 02:29:33 pm

There always is "a book for that" :-) Thank you for the comments.

Suzy Leopold

3/19/2016 09:55:52 pm

Just as your blog shares many excellent book recommendations, once again, you have shared stelar titles about girl power. Thank you, Carrie.

Carrie Gelson

3/22/2016 02:28:38 pm

Thanks so much Suzy. It was a pleasure to share these books here!

Caroline Webster link

3/20/2016 02:05:50 pm

"Sometimes quiet planning and original thinking are as important as big and bold moves." This is so very helpful to keep in mind while writing! I love Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin--so grateful to meet this book here, and can't wait to share with my sons, who both play violin. Grateful to find your blog as well :-).

Carrie Gelson

3/22/2016 02:27:43 pm

I really love this book as well. It is a great one to share!

Wendy Greenley

3/20/2016 05:49:51 pm

Great list of books. Know and love them all! Girl power is right!

Laurie Bouck

3/20/2016 06:48:15 pm

Wonderful examples, thank you so much! :)

Helen Dening link

3/20/2016 09:36:44 pm

Independent thinking,problem solving girls- definitely girl power. Thanks for the terrific list.

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/20/2016 10:02:02 pm

SOPHIE'S SQUASH is one of my favorites--can't wait to read the others. Thanks so much for a great list of girl power reads! Love it!

Lisa Williams

3/20/2016 11:39:17 pm

"Sometimes quiet planning and original thinking are as important as big and bold moves." Love this! Thank you!

Juli Caveny link

3/21/2016 12:35:53 am

This looks like a splendid list of books! (I've read two!) Can't wait to find the others! Thanks for sharing your suggestions!

Carrie Pearson link

3/21/2016 07:58:29 am

I love books that model that strength (in both genders) doesn't have to be a super power and shows itself in many forms. Great mentor texts for this concept, Carrie.

Jill Jeffries

3/21/2016 10:21:13 am

Thank you, I look forward to reading these examples.

Rosie Pova

3/21/2016 03:20:18 pm

I love stories with girl power, there's always room for more! Thanks.

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/21/2016 04:22:26 pm

Hana Hashimoto's solution was ingenious and surprising--love it!

Lisa Morgan

3/22/2016 06:19:45 am

Thank you for sharing these great books with us. I've subscribed to your blog! As an educator in grades pk-2, I read many books and am always looking for spectacular stories to read to the children. When I write my stories, I do tend to use a girl as the main character, I like that these samples provide a wide variety of instances when a girl finds her strength.

Carrie Gelson

3/22/2016 02:26:52 pm

So pleased that you enjoyed these titles Lisa! Happy reading and writing!

Anne Young

3/22/2016 08:41:43 am

Sophie's Squash - brilliant. I've been meaning to read it.
Thanks also for your excellent blog, Carrie. I discovered it a little while ago.

Carrie Gelson

3/22/2016 02:26:03 pm

I am so happy you like it. Thanks Anne!

Linda Kujawski link

3/22/2016 10:12:08 am

Thank you, Carrie. Liked your idea: "sometimes quiet planning and original thinking are as important as big and bold moves." Great selection of mentor texts! Loved reading some of your blog posts too. 😊

Carrie Gelson

3/22/2016 02:25:14 pm

Thanks so much Linda for visiting my blog and I am pleased that you enjoyed these titles.

Sadee Schilling

3/22/2016 12:49:46 pm

I'm working on writing a few spunky girl characters, so this reading list is very timely! Thank you.

Karen Bell

3/22/2016 02:26:50 pm

Thank you for the variety of mentor texts that show "girl power" in unique ways.

Lauri Meyers link

3/23/2016 07:33:40 am

Good list! I want to add Rosie Revere, Engineer to the stack of awesome girl power books.

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/23/2016 01:30:11 pm

What fun mentor texts! I'm enjoying sharing these great stories with my two independent thinking daughters. Thank you, Carrie.

Kristen Browning

3/24/2016 12:55:44 am

Thanks for your books with resourceful girl main characters. I enjoyed the humor in SPARKY and the beautiful language in HANA--I hadn't read either of these before. SOPHIE'S SQUASH is so fun to read again and again. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are just perfect. Anne Wilsdorf's quirky illustrations give Sophie even more personality.

Lynne Marie link

3/24/2016 06:14:11 pm

What great suggestions! Thank you so very much, Carrie! I've ordered them from my Library and am anxious to check them out!

Joana Pastro

3/25/2016 04:24:48 pm

Hi Carrie, I really enjoyed reading these mentor texts. As I was reading Sophie's Squash I kept wondering how would it end without causing heartbreak to Sophie (and us readers). The ending was genius! I loved it!

Cindy Jolley

3/25/2016 10:55:28 pm

I love your description of characters to look for, those who are creative, introspective and determined. Thank you for your book suggestions.

Myrna Foster

3/27/2016 02:53:54 am

Thank you for sharing these! I love books about girls who solve problems.

Dina Ticas

3/27/2016 11:57:54 pm

Yet again, a great selection of books. I especially liked "Hana Hashimoto" as I felt that there was cultural representation also. The grandfather is clearly a mentor who is highly regarded--not just a silly character as grandparents are sometimes portrayed.

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/28/2016 07:24:16 pm

Great insights!
Thanks!

Valarie Giogas

3/30/2016 08:37:52 pm

Girl power! Love the chosen examples.

ReFoReMo Day 16: Carrie Gelson Celebrates Girl Power

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