Books for Girls: Best Picture Books, Chapter Books & Nonfiction

I’ve been giving lots of attention to my boys’ book list, so it felt like time to create something just as special for girls. I grew up with three sisters and have always loved reading, and now I get the joy of talking with my nieces and friends’ daughters about what they’re reading and sharing some of my own favorites.

There are so many wonderful books that encourage the heart of a girl, point her to God, and remind her of the strength and purpose He’s given her. This collection brings together picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction titles that often resonate with girls, featuring engaging stories, strong female characters, and themes of courage, identity, and faith.

Of course, while these books are curated with girls in mind, many of them are enjoyed by boys, too.

Table of Contents

• Picture Books for Girls

• Non-Religious Picture Books for Girls

• Chapter Books for Girls Ages 5-8

• Middle Grade Books for Girls Ages 8-12

• Non-Fiction Books for Girls

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Looking for books for boys? Check out my boys list as well!

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Picture Books For Girls

These Christian picture books for girls highlight truth, identity, courage, and faith—perfect for moments spent reading together, speaking the truth of God’s Word into their lives.

1. Twirl by Emily Lex - incredible watercolor illustrations; celebrate the unique design and gifts of every girl

2. Jesus Moments: Ruth by Allison Mitchell - helps children see how the story of Ruth points to Jesus in simple, meaningful ways

3. Jesus Moments: Esther by Allison Mitchell - thoughtful retelling that highlights how the story of Esther ultimately points to Jesus

4. Prayers For My Baby Girl by Katie Kenny Phillips - an intentional book to help parents pray regularly over their daughter’s life and future and create a daily habit

5. Your Worth Never Wavers by Laura Wifler - life-giving story teaching girls that their identity is secure and unchanging in Christ

6. How Much Is A Little Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander - powerful, truth-filled book affirming a girl’s value, dignity, and God-given worth

7. Esther and the Very Brave Plan by Tim Thornborough - simple, engaging retelling of Esther that emphasizes courage and trusting God

8. Lucy and the Saturday Surprise by Melissa Kruger - relatable story about jealousy, contentment, and navigating sibling relationships

9. Called and Courageous Girls series (Priscilla, Rahab, Deborah & Miriam) by Rachel Spier Weaver - picture book retellings of biblical women like Priscilla, Rahab, Deborah, and Miriam, highlighting faith and courage

10. Zoe’s Hiding Place by David Powlison - biblical approach to anxiety, helping children bring their fears to God

11. Sadie Finds Her Voice by Aaron Sironi - encourages shy children to find confidence and courage through God’s help

12. Your Brave Song by Ann Voskamp - lyrical, comforting story about facing fears and finding courage in new experiences

13. Do Great Things For God series from The Good Book Company - short, engaging biographies of influential women in church history

Non-Religious Picture Books For Girls

While faith-based books are a priority for us, these non-religious picture books are also favorites for imagination, creativity, and the positive messages that complement Christian values.

13. What Should Darla Do? by Adir Levy - interactive “choose your own adventure” story that teaches decision-making and consequences

14. Flora and the Jazzers by Astrid Sheckles - charming, jazz-filled Cinderella-style story with animals

15. A Little House Picture Book Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder - cozy collection introducing young readers to pioneer life and family stories

16. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans - classic, rhythmic story about a brave and spirited girl living in Paris

17. A Little More Beautiful: The Story of a Garden by Sarah MacKenzie - thoughtful story about how small acts of care and beauty can make a meaningful difference

18.Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney - beloved classic about making the world more beautiful and living a life of purpose

Chapter Books For Girls

This section includes a mix of explicitly Christian and non-religious chapter books, all chosen for being wholesome, well-written, and fitting for Christian families with girls.

Chapter Books for Younger Girls (Ages 5-8)

These early chapter books are a wonderful next step for girls beginning to read longer stories on their own. With engaging characters, meaningful friendships, and plenty of fun, they help build confidence while reinforcing strong values.

1. Sophie Mouse series by Poppy Green - sweet, illustrated early chapter books following a kind-hearted mouse and her woodland adventures

2. Anne Chapter Book Collection by Kallie George - beautifully illustrated adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, perfect for younger readers

3. Heartwood Hotel series by Kallie George - charming, seasonal chapter books about friendship and belonging (perfect for animal lovers)

4. Honor Looks Within: A Virtue Chicks Story by Allison Dennnis - short, faith-based story that teaches the value of inner character and integrity

5. Hope Has Peace: A Virtue Chicks Story by Allison Dennis - gentle, virtue-centered story focused on finding peace and trusting God

6. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes - powerful, classic story about kindness, empathy, and the lasting impact of our words and actions

7. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan - quiet, historical story about family, love, and new beginnings on the prairie

8. The Cobble Street Cousins series by Cynthia Rylant - cozy, character-driven stories about three cousins navigating everyday life, friendship, and growing up

9. The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh - a simple historical tale about bravery, trust, and facing new experiences in early America

10. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren - funny, imaginative classic about a fiercely independent girl who lives life on her own terms

Chapter Books For Middle Grade Girls (Ages 8-12)

For older readers ready for deeper stories, these middle-grade books offer rich storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful themes. Some are explicitly faith-based, while others are simply excellent stories that encourage courage, resilience, and thoughtful character development.

1. Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell - moving historical story about tuberculosis, resilience, and strong family bonds

2. The Outsider by Katy Morgan - fictional retelling of the story of Ruth, centered on faith, identity, and belonging

3. A Place To Hang The Moon by Kate Albus - three orphaned siblings are evacuated during WWII and search for a place to call home

4. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder - classic, cozy historical series about pioneer life, family, and growing up on the frontier

5. Elita Brown series by Heather Holleman - middle-grade series about modern-day friendship, faith, and navigating everyday challenges (I say ages 10+ due to conversations about phones, popularity, bullying etc.)

6. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - witty, heartwarming classic that will make you fall in love with Anne as she searches for a place to belong

7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - a timeless story of four sisters and the bonds that shape them

8. The Restorationists by Carolyn Leiloglou - a fast-paced adventure series blending art, mystery, and traveling through painting quests

9. Sweep: The Story of A Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier - emotional story set in Victorian London about courage, survival, and unexpected friendship (heart-wrenching… in a good way, but may want to preview for sensitive readers)

Nonfiction Books For Girls

These nonfiction picks introduce girls to real people, true stories, and big ideas. From biographies to faith-based resources, they highlight how courage, conviction, and faith can shape lives in powerful ways.

1. Lightkeepers Girls Box Set by Irene Howat (ages 8-12) - Inspiring Christian biographies of faithful women, written to encourage courage, perseverance, and faithfulness

2. Lies Girls Believe by Erin Davis (ages 8-12) - helps girls recognize and reject common lies about identity, replacing them with biblical truth

3. Adventures in the Friendly Forest by Amanda K Jass (ages 3-6) - a sweet, darling devotional storybook featuring forest friends and simple faith-based lessons for young children

4. Ruth: Becoming A Girl of Loyalty by Dannah Gresh (ages 8-12) - verse-by-verse Bible study workbook guiding girls through the story of Ruth with a focus on loyalty and character

5. Courageous World Changers by Shirley Raye Redmond (ages 6-12) - Short, engaging biographies of influential Christian women throughout church history.

6. Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Guide for Girls by Kristen A. Jenson (ages 8-12) - a practical, age-appropriate resource to help girls understand pornography and build tools for online safety

7. Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of A Lifetime by Janet & Geoff Benge (ages 8-12) - true story of a determined missionary to China who overcomes obstacles to follow God’s calling

8. Elisabeth Elliot: Joyful Surrender by Janet & Geoff Benge (ages 8-12) - owerful biography exploring Elisabeth Elliot’s life, faith, suffering, and steady trust in God

9. The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom (ages 8+) - moving graphic novel adaptation of Corrie ten Boom’s story of faith and courage during WWII (best for mature readers)

10. Brave Princess Aina: The Courageous Heart of Sarah Forbes Bonetta by Leah Boden - inspiring true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, highlighting courage, identity, and God’s providence

I hope this list serves as a helpful starting point: a collection of stories that encourage imagination, character, and faith as the girls in your life grow.

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