The best girl-power middle grade books with magic

Giulietta Maria Spudich Author Of Element Girls: The Lost Goddess
By Giulietta Maria Spudich

Who am I?

I was an avid reader from the age of six. Books inspired me and, as a shy girl, stories helped me find the confidence to be myself. I felt amazed and inspired by reading – finding out about parts of the world I had never been to. Especially as an adult, I’ve been blessed with wonderful, female friends. These are the themes I explore now in my books. I hope to inspire young readers to be themselves and celebrate friendship. I love travelling and nature. I've lived in various parts of the US and England. Through my writing, I hope to share the wonder of different cultures and natural settings.

I wrote...

Element Girls: The Lost Goddess

By Giulietta Maria Spudich

Book cover of Element Girls: The Lost Goddess

What is my book about?

In this magical adventure set in Hawaii, four loyal friends discover they have the powers of the elements. 

Susie, Elizabeth, Tess, and Amelia have been together for as long as they can remember. When Amelia suddenly vanishes, they find themselves drawn into a world of magic they never knew existed. The amulets they wear as a symbol of their friendship give them elemental powers. Will these new powers be enough to save Amelia from dangers they didn’t even know existed outside of books?

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

The Books I Picked & Why

His Dark Materials

By Philip Pullman

Book cover of His Dark Materials

Why this book?

Lyra is an inspiring character. “Just” an orphan living in Oxford, she uses her cleverness to find out what her uncle and other adults are hiding (Dust). In addition, she is brave and never loses sight of what’s right. Her love for missing children and compassion for the armored bear bring her allies in her rescue mission. Also, I loved her relationship with Pan. Sweet, tender, and heart-warming, just as animal friends can be. Lyra’s story reminds me that keeping one’s eyes open to the truth, with a brave and loving heart, can lead to positive changes.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

The Girl Who Speaks Bear

By Sophie Anderson

Book cover of The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Why this book?

Yanka is a strong character with a deep love of the forest. I could relate to how she felt a bit different and out of place in her village. It was inspiring to me how she faced all sorts of perils in the forest on her quest. She is brave and unique. When she returns from the forest, she finds her place in the village...as herself. This book reminds me we have unique gifts and characteristics we should be proud of and embrace, not hide away.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

The Whale Rider

By Witi Ihimaera

Book cover of The Whale Rider

Why this book?

I love the ocean, and love stories about strong, ground-breaking young women. This tale is beautifully set in a coastal town in New Zealand. Kahu, a young girl from a lineage of Maori leaders, can communicate with whales. Her grandfather does not expect this and rejects her because of her gender. Kahu proves without a doubt that she is a competent and natural leader. I love how Kahu prevails. She is strong in herself, and she never shies away from the truth – that she is the natural leader and a whale rider like her ancestor.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Sky Song

By Abi Elphinstone

Book cover of Sky Song

Why this book?

Eska is a girl with a lot of inner fire. She escapes from a magical spell and instead of finding her way home and keeping a low profile, she goes after the evil Ice Queen. Eska is courageous and wants to do what’s right. She has a lovely friendship with a boy named Flint, and together they achieve what they could not do alone. I also love the snowy, icy landscape inspired by the Scottish wilderness.  

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Asha and the Spirit Bird

By Jasbinder Bilan

Book cover of Asha and the Spirit Bird

Why this book?

Asha is a wonderfully brave character who sets out on a dangerous adventure to find her father. She connects with a lamagaia bird, which she believes is the spirit of her grandmother. This bird leads her from her village at the foothills of the Himalayas through India. I loved the exotic setting and the realistic challenges Asha faces. She rises to each challenge with bravery and continues on with loyalty for her friends and family. A beautiful, inspiring book.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Closely Related Book Lists

The best books to understand human behaviors that drive conversion rate optimization

Chris Goward Author Of You Should Test That: Conversion Optimization for More Leads, Sales and Profit or the Art and Science of Optimized Marketing Chris Goward

The best Russian literature books that I consider masterpieces

Susana Aikin Author Of We Shall See the Sky Sparkling Susana Aikin

The best gothic books that show the dark side of the human psyche

A.M. Dunnewin Author Of The Illusory A.M. Dunnewin

The best British YA fantasy with characters I fell in love with

Lori Powell Author Of The Hunter's Companion Lori Powell

Distantly Related Book Lists

The best books to take you completely out of your world and immerse you into theirs

Alisha Sehgal Author Of The Game Plan Alisha Sehgal

The best books on human evolution and the human story

Michael Ruse Author Of A Philosopher Looks at Human Beings Michael Ruse

The best conflicted protagonists in fantasy books

Derek Prior Author Of The Codex of Her Scars (Sorcerers' Isle) Derek Prior

The best fantasy novels no one ever calls fantasy novels

Robert V.S. Redick Author Of Master Assassins, 1: The Fire Sacraments, Book One Robert V.S. Redick