7 Literary Heroines I Can’t Wait to Introduce to my Daughters

I absolutely love to read. Gianna has already discovered that books are a door to a whole other world. She is a voracious Audible and Hoopla consumer, and I am so looking forward to when her reading ability takes off and we can move past the Bob Books together. One thing I particularly love about reading is that it gives me an opportunity to introduce my kids to strong characters who display virtues I want them to someday emulate. To that end a virtuous literary heroine is a must for us these days.

To that end, here are 7 of the literary heroines that I am looking forward to introducing the girls to in no particular order. Some of these are read alouds we’ve already used or are using, and some are ones that will wait til the girls are older.

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Literary Heroine #1: Valancy Stirling

Book: The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery

What I love about her: A lesser known heroine of Montgomery, my favorite quality of Valancy is her courage and willingness to stay true to herself despite public opinion.

Literary Heroine #2: Anne Shirley

Book: Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery

What I love about her: Gosh, what is there to not love about Anne? G is already a huge fan, and I’m sure Charlotte will be too. Anne speaks her mind, is not shy to ask questions, is inquisitive, imaginative, and kind. I’m hoping Anne will be a part of our family for a long time.

(Side note: I’ve just discovered these Anne of Green Gables Easy Readers, and am super excited for G’s reading ability to reach the point where she can enjoy them.)

Literary Heroines #3 and 4: Rose Campbell and Phebe Moore

Book: Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

What I love about them: Okay, this one is a two-fer because a key pillar of both books is the friendship that grows between Rose, a wealthy child who lives amongst her extended family, and Phebe, the maid of the house. Close in age, but different in temperament and life experience, the two girls form a close bond. Rose learns the value of hard work and sacrifice from her friend. I love that Rose is a character who sees the value and goodness in people, no matter their station, and how hard she tries to grow in virtue and to do what is right. I love that Phebe is a character who is grateful and joyful, even through trials and struggles.

Literary Heroine #5: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Book: The Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

What I love about her: We’ve already listened through the entire series several times with G. It’s been such a great influence on her manners, work ethic, and vocabulary. The Ingalls children are respectful, grateful for their blessings, kind, and obedient. Goodness know we can use more of that in our house.

Literary Heroine #6: Edith Adelon

Book: The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

What I love about her: This book might be my absolute favorite by Alcott, and one of the reasons is because of Edith, who chooses to love and serve and do what is right and honorable, to treat even those who don’t reciprocate with respect.

Literary Heroine #7: St. Catherine of Siena

Book: St. Catherine of Siena by Sigrid Undstet

What I love about her: Okay, St. Catherine might not be a literary heroine in the strictest sense of the word, but this biography of her by Sigrid Undstet makes her come alive to the reader. One of the four female Doctors of the Church, this amazing lady is responsible for ending the Avignon Papacy. I love her strength of will, something that I see often in G, and especially the fact that she uses it to do God’s will in her life.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, check out these posts from our archives:

I’m linking up with Kelly this week, so be sure to head her way for the other quick takes. And say a prayer for her, Teddy, and her whole family as they approach the weekend with Teddy still in the hospital.