Fantasies/Science fiction with young female leads?

[Chaos]

Originally Posted by Childlike Empress

Momo by Michael Ende is a wonderful book.

Seconded emphatically.

From your name, I suppose you´re a big Michael Ende fan?

[Pardalis]

Originally Posted by Childlike Empress

Momo by Michael Ende is a wonderful book.

Wikipedia, Empress?

[Childlike Empress]

Originally Posted by Chaos

From your name, I suppose you´re a big Michael Ende fan?

Yes i am. I think he was a genius.

@specious_reasons: Check Astrid Lindgren. She has written some great books with girls as protagonists (f.e. "Pippi Longstocking" and "Ronia, the robber's daughter").

[Chaos]

Originally Posted by Childlike Empress

Yes i am. I think he was a genius.

@specious_reasons: Check Astrid Lindgren. She has written some great books with girls as protagonists (f.e. "Pippi Longstocking" and "Ronia, the robber's daughter").

I was *this* close to recommending "Ronia the robber´s daughter" as one of Michael Ende´s great works.

Damn it, I am getting old...

But Astrid Lindgren was also great. I admit I didn´t read the Pippi Longstockings books, but I *loved* the movies as a kid. I read lots of her other books, though (boy, I hope I get these right... ), like "Michel of Lönneberga".

Anyway, I´m not too sure Pippi Longstockings could actually count as Fantasy. But that doesn´t matter - it´s just too good to ignore.

[Childlike Empress]

Originally Posted by Chaos

Anyway, I´m not too sure Pippi Longstockings could actually count as Fantasy.

She elevates horses!

[Nova Land]

Eric Shanower did a wonderful series of Oz books -- The Enchanted Apples of Oz, The Secret Island of Oz, The Ice King of Oz, The Forgotten Forest of Oz, and The Blue Witch of Oz -- published between 1986 and 1992. These are beautiful examples of drawn literature (also known as "graphic novels" or "over-priced comic books").

They have been out of print until recently, but a collected edition of all 5 novels was recently published. The cover price is $40, but it is available at a considerable discount at Amazon.com, and likely other places as well.

I bought and enjoyed these when they were first published, and recommend them highly for people of any age.

[Curnir]

Originally Posted by Childlike Empress

She elevates horses!

I'm not sure about the Fantasy lable for Pippi, more like non-reality fiction. (even as a kid I found her annoying)

Ronja Rövardotter, yeah, that's fantasy. And good for a lil girl to read. And the movie is good too.
Mio min Mio, Fantasy.
Bröderna Lejonhjärta, Fantasy... too bad about the grizzly suicide pact at the end though.
All the stories with small people, Fantasy.
Karlsson på taket (that dude with a propeller stuck too his back), silly silly silly, I will not have things getting silly.

As childrens books go, they are great, let the lil ones cut their teeth on these stories, and as they grow older push them into heavier stuff (ie other authors) with plotlines and logic that actually works.

But as fantasy books go, not that good.

[specious_reasons]

Originally Posted by Chaos

But Astrid Lindgren was also great. I admit I didn´t read the Pippi Longstockings books, but I *loved* the movies as a kid. I read lots of her other books, though (boy, I hope I get these right... ), like "Michel of Lönneberga".

Anyway, I´m not too sure Pippi Longstockings could actually count as Fantasy. But that doesn´t matter - it´s just too good to ignore.

Those were guidelines. I'd never refuse the suggestion of a good book.

[Chaos]

Originally Posted by Childlike Empress

She elevates horses!

She HAS to be this strong, just in order to not collapse under the weight of that insanely long full name of hers

Quote:

Ronja Rövardotter, yeah, that's fantasy. And good for a lil girl to read. And the movie is good too.
Mio min Mio, Fantasy.
Bröderna Lejonhjärta, Fantasy... too bad about the grizzly suicide pact at the end though.
All the stories with small people, Fantasy.
Karlsson på taket (that dude with a propeller stuck too his back), silly silly silly, I will not have things getting silly.

For the benefit of our non-Scandinavian readers ( ), these titles translate as (assuming they *have* been translated to English?),

Ronja Robber´s Daughter
Mio my Mio
The Brothers Lionheart
Karlsson on the Roof

[Curnir]

Originally Posted by Chaos

She HAS to be this strong, just in order to not collapse under the weight of that insanely long full name of hers

For the benefit of our non-Scandinavian readers ( ), these titles translate as (assuming they *have* been translated to English?),

Ronja Robber´s Daughter
Mio my Mio
The Brothers Lionheart
Karlsson on the Roof

Seems about right. Except for 'Mio, my son'.

A short story I forgot to mention is 'My beloved sister' I loved that story when I was a kid. Then ending is a bit sad though.

[Chaos]

Originally Posted by Curnir

Seems about right. Except for 'Mio, my son'.

A short story I forgot to mention is 'My beloved sister' I loved that story when I was a kid. Then ending is a bit sad though.

Well, it is "Mio mein Mio" in German, which translates as "Mio my Mio".

[Curnir]

Originally Posted by Chaos

Well, it is "Mio mein Mio" in German, which translates as "Mio my Mio".

Aye, but the engländer seems to have changed it somewhat (at least according to amazon)

[Worm]

Originally Posted by zakur

Anne McCaffrey's Harper Hall series (Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, Dragondrums).

Absolutely.

By a bizarre twist of 'not-reading-the-inside-cover'-ness , 'Dragonsinger' was the first of the Pern novles thsat I read, and I was pretty confused by some of the detail for a while, but the whole series is one of my favourites, but the Song-Singer-Drums sequence (along with The White Dragon in my opinion) is one of the best sequences in the whole series.

Anne McCaffrey wrote many books with strong female lead characters - the 'Crystal Singer' books for instance.

Robert Heinlein did some strong females, but that might be going a bit far

Pterry's 'Equal Rites' is a good one - young female lead.

Possibly also Raymond Feist's 'Empire' series - Daughter of The Empire, Servant of The Empire, Mistress of the Empire - I love them, and they are completely female led.

[gumboot]

Okay I have some suggestions that are probably better for once the young lass grows up a bit...

But since we're on the topic they may be books others are interested in...absolutely stunning fantasy/celtic mythology hybrid with great lead female character and just generally great setting:

The Bitterbynd by Cecilia Dart-Thornton (Australian writer):
The Ill-made Mute
The Lady Of Sorrows
The Battle of Evernight

And some excellent historical fantasy by Juliet Marillier (a New Zealander ), also with strong female characters:

The Seven Waters Trilogy:
-Daughter of the Forest
-Son of the Shadows
-Child of the Prophecy

Saga Of The Light Isles:
-Wolfskin
-Foxmask

Bridei Chronicles:
-The Dark Mirror
-Blade Of Fortriu

*I haven't read all her books, so not my fault if some are lame...

In addition, Robin Hobb's books have excellent female characters, especially the Liveship Traders Trilogy:
-Ship of Magic
-The Mad Ship
-Ship of Destiny

Got to chip in as well, George RR Martin's books quickly rocketted to the top of my favourites list - his setting/style is fairly similar to mine. Growing impatient waiting for his latest to come out in MassMarket Paperback here...

-Andrew

[Achán hiNidráne]

I too was going to suggest the Honor Harrington novels by David Weber, until you mentioned that your daughter was only 7. Those are best left when she's old enough to understand hard science, politics, history, and other "adult" themes.

However, the protagonist is a very strong female (literally as well as figuratively since she was born on a planet with 1.3 times Earth's gravity) who rises from obscurity to become a starship captain, then, in later books, an admiral. Great stuff, if you don't mind being occasionally bogged down with occasional military sci-fi technobabble or the byzantine politics of the settings universe.

[aries]

HI

As a Dane I would suggest the Danish author, Lene Kaaberbøl's books.

Especially, the entire series which dealsii.e. is about the Shamers, who is people who has the ability to look at people, and then tell if they're lying. (there is nothing supernatural in the explanation as to why she is able to do this, the young female main person in the series: It is, in fact, described that sje just needs to look people in the eye, and observe people's bodily language to figure this out). The first book is called: the shamer's daughter.

Then there is the books about Katriona (sorry, I have forgotten what they're called) who want to be a horse(wo)man for the empire...and it doesn't turn out that great...

Being a (now retired) English teacher herself, she, Lene Kaaberbøl, has a great understanding of what tingles and attracts young girls' minds i.e. what is needed to get them reading books.

Another great Danish fantasy author is Josefine Ottesen. I don't know if any of her books are translated into English as off yet, but you could try asking
in your local bookstore or at local library.

And then of course, there is always the Great Dame of all sci fi novels and such:
Ursula K. Le Guin...

[aries]

Seeing how somebody suggested Astrid Lindgreen's books, I will say
*yes!*

These books (all of them) are very good.

If she likes to read about the old days, maybe she would enjoy *alla vi barn från bulderbyn* (all of us children from buldervillage). This story is about a
group of children growing up on a little island in the 1920's.

Maria Gripe's (another swedish author) children's books should also be a hit.
*the white stone* is the only one I can think of for the moment.

Of course, if she wants to see strong heroines, try the Mulan (Disney) movies.

The Moomins are good as well . There just nice creatures living peacefully in their valley...

Also, although I haven't read them --- the barthomolew saga (bartolomæus sagaen på dansk) seems very interesting and exciting.

[Curnir]

Originally Posted by aries

Seeing how somebody suggested Astrid Lindgreen's books, I will say
*yes!*

These books (all of them) are very good.

Some are, and some aren't
Pippi should be strangled.
Karlsson on the roof should meet with a nice SAM
And the suicide pact at the end of 'the Lionheart Brother' was a bit disturbing.(good book though, even though there were a lot of things that didn't make sense)

'My beloved sister' good story.
'Mio min Mio' good story

Quote:

If she likes to read about the old days, maybe she would enjoy *alla vi barn från bulderbyn* (all of us children from buldervillage). This story is about a
group of children growing up on a little island in the 1920's.
.

Alla vi barn i Bullerbyn. Was that on an island? Like 'Vi på saltkråkan'?

anyway: good book, but not Sci-fi fantasy.

[fuelair]

Akiko (10 year old& space adventures of weirdness) books by Mark Criley. The first of the series is: http://www.amazon.com/Akiko-Planet-S...e=UTF8&s=books

Both comics and chapter books.

[NobbyNobbs]

I was going to mention Anne McCaffrey, but I see someone beat me to it.

I don't know if it's out in book or graphic novel form, but recently I've been hooked on the "Avatar" series on Nickelodeon. Good female lead there.


Also, within the last couple years James Patterson wrote a couple pre-teen/teen books about kids who are winged mutants. I'm blanking out on the name, but I think "Midnight" but in the title. One of them is subtitled "School's Out". Can anyone help? *Very* strong female lead there. And a fun ride.

[fuelair]

Originally Posted by NobbyNobbs

I was going to mention Anne McCaffrey, but I see someone beat me to it.

I don't know if it's out in book or graphic novel form, but recently I've been hooked on the "Avatar" series on Nickelodeon. Good female lead there.


Also, within the last couple years James Patterson wrote a couple pre-teen/teen books about kids who are winged mutants. I'm blanking out on the name, but I think "Midnight" but in the title. One of them is subtitled "School's Out". Can anyone help? *Very* strong female lead there. And a fun ride.

http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Ride-S...e=UTF8&s=books
for the Pattersons. Maximum Ride:School's Out Forever and Angel Experiment.

[huw-l]

Nicholas Fisk wrote a lot of great Sci-Fi for kids. Quite a lot of his stories have strong female characters.

I was always partial to his short-story collections.

[Elizabeth I]

It may be hard to find, because I think it's out of print, but it's worth prowling the used-book stores for The Witches of Karres by James Schmitz. The world's BEST example of a space opera, in my opinion.

He has some other books with a young teen female protagonist, the "Telzey" series, but they're not as good. Too "Hardy Boys."

But, speaking of the Hardy boys, don't forget Nancy Drew.

And you might want to check out The Deed of Paksenarrion before you read it with your daughter. It had a torture scene that bothered me, and I'm way past a kid. And unless you are REALLY into long descriptions of battles, it really drags in places.

[Bele]

I will strongly second (and third):
The City of Ember and The People of Sparks-- both fun, interesting, and a strong female lead.

I also LOVE the Pullman trilogy, but I'd think it's best for children 9 and above- it's pretty heavy at times.

Gathering Blue and The Messenger are both good. Nowhere near The Giver, as mentioned, but still good.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is another one of those that is a wonderful read at any age.

I posted though, to strongly recommend The Series of Unfortunate Events. Amazing female character- brilliant and thoughtful who outwits evil adults throughout. They are dark and not pleasant, but incredibly fun to read and wonderfully written.

Another suggestion is the Chasing Vermeer- it's more mystery then sci-fi, but a lot of fun. Not only does it have a strong female lead, but she's not pretty nor popular, but incredibly capable and happy.

On that line- Matilda and Harriet the Spy are also a lot of fun and great for slightly younger readers, especially those starting to deal with bullying and social interactions.

Of course the best for that are the Judy Blume books- Blubber, Otherwise known as Sheila the Great, etc.

[Orangutan]

Originally Posted by Scott Haley

_Equal Rites_, _The Wee Free Men_ and its sequel _A Hat Full of Sky_ by Terry Pratchett.

Yep, also Wyrd Sisters and others by Pratchett. (Also even in the books where the main protagonist is male his female characters are often strong willed and sound headed. Im thinking of the woman in the AnchMorpork guard, I can't think of her name right now. Agustia or something.)

[Curnir]

Originally Posted by Orangutan

Yep, also Wyrd Sisters and others by Pratchett. (Also even in the books where the main protagonist is male his female characters are often strong willed and sound headed. Im thinking of the woman in the AnchMorpork guard, I can't think of her name right now. Agustia or something.)

Angua.

a favourite bit from Jingo:

She sighed again. She was familiar with the syndrome. They said they wanted a soulmate and helpmeet but sooner or later the list would include a skin like silk and a chest fit for a herd of cows.
--

And one must not forget Susan, now there is a strong no nonsense grrrl.

The Truth.
Going Postal.
Monstrous Regiment.

also contain strong females.

[fuelair]

Not exactly SF/F but..... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...o.x=13&Go.y=10