Mercer County Library Blog: YA Books With Strong Female Leads

Press release from the Mercer County Library Blog:

March 12, 2021

A designated week celebrating women’s achievements started in 1981 and
was then proclaimed a month-long celebration in 1987. It has been celebrated
every year since. The month of March is meant to celebrate the contributions
and accomplishments women have made throughout United Stated history, many of
which were unsung or credit was mistakenly given to men for decades. To find out more about Women’s History Month,
visit its website, hosted by the
Library of Congress.

Be sure to check out our library displays and our online
event calendar for programs throughout the month of March celebrating women
and their successes!

In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to celebrate strong ladies
in the young adult (YA) fiction genre. This genre often celebrates strong young
women and their talents and leadership. Common themes in YA fiction include
friendship, first love, family relationships, and finding your identity in this
world. And, according to a 2017
article in The Atlantic, while YA
fiction is meant for ages 12-18, half of its readers are adults!

It seems like everyone has read TheHunger Games and Divergent, Legend and Throne of Glass, (all great series that you should check out if you
haven’t already!) but what are some new titles and series with young women that
are strong and brave and confident? Check out the list below and contact me
with anything I missed!

Children of Blood and Bone by
Tomi Adeyemi (first in a series)

This West-Africa inspired
fantasy novel is set in the fictional land of Orïsha. This is an action-packed
adventure told from the alternating perspectives of Zélie, who remembers the king’s
ordered genocide all too well; Princess Amari, who Zélie rescues from the king’s
men; and Amari’s brother Inan, who has been tasked with chasing the young women
down before they can bring magic back into the world. This book explores themes
of race, skin color, and prejudice.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
(first in a series)

After Bree’s mother dies, she decides to start college early to get
away from her family memories and childhood home. She doesn’t expect to witness
a flying demon on her first night there. When Bree finds out there might be
more to her mother’s death, she decides to infiltrate the Legendborn and seek
answers.

We Set the Dark on Fire by
Tehlor Kay Mejia (first in a series)

Female graduates at the Medio School for Girls are taught one of two
things: how to run their husband’s household or raise their children.
Top-of-her-class, soon-to-be graduate Dani is looking forward to her marriage
to the son of a prominent politician. But when she’s asked to become a spy for
the resistance, will Dani continue to play along or give up everything to be
free?

Dress Coded by Carrie
Firestone

After Molly’s friend is berated by a teacher for wearing a tank top and
another friend fails a quiz because she was forced to miss class due to getting
pulled into the principal’s office for her outfit, she decides to start a
podcast where girls can share their experiences being “dress coded.” A
thoughtful book about misogyny, bullying, and body image.

Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti

Sydney already has bad feelings about going to visit her mother Lila.
When she discovers Lila is seeing sketchy art dealer Jake, her bad feelings
increase. A thriller of a book about self-discovery, sexism, and family.

10 Things I Hate About Pinky by
Sandhya Menon

Pinky loves making her conservative parents squirm. But she’s tired of
listening to their complaints about her poor decisions. So she convinces
perfect mama’s boy Samir to pose as her boyfriend. But what happens when their
bickering turns into flirting?

Girls with Sharp Sticks by
Suzanne Young (first in a series)

Innovations Academy offers its female students a wide variety of
subjects to study. Gardening, art, interior design... Absent are math,
sciences, or current events. Obedience is the name of the game. Then the girls
discover all may not be what it seems.

Sky without Stars by Jessica
Brody & Joanne Rendell (first in a series)

Les Misérables set in space! Chatine is a thief trying to escape
the brutal Regime. Marcellus is an officer and the son of a traitor. Alouette
is in charge of guarding the last library on the planet. Each will play a part
in the upcoming revolution that will shape their planet.

Slayer by Kiersten White
(first in a series)

Taking place in the world of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer, White introduces us to Nina and her twin sister Artemis
studying at Watchers Academy. When Buffy does something dramatic (of course)
that empties the world of its magic, Nina becomes the last slayer, like, ever. A
great excuse to binge-watch Buffy the Vampire
Slayer… again.

Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From
by Jennifer De Leon

Fifteen-year-old Liliana Cruz is having a tough time. Her father is
missing, her mother is depressed, and she’s recently been accepted into a high
school “desegregation program.” Now she wakes up at 5:00 a.m. to catch the bus
to a predominantly white and wealthy suburban high school. This debut novel handles
issues such as immigration, deportation, assimilation, and racial tensions in a
humorous yet resonant way.

- by Elena M., West Windsor Branch

This press release was produced by the Mercer County Library Blog. The views expressed are the author's own.