7 Canadian books to read on the International Day of the Girl
Oct. 11, 2017 is the International Day of the Girl, a day organized by the UN to promote the fulfilment of girls' basic human rights. So celebrate by reading one — or all seven — of these great books about strong young women.
Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali
What it's about: Janna Yusuf is a sophomore in high school. She sees herself as a misfit who doesn't fit in at home or at school. She also has a crush on a boy who isn't Muslim, which is creating difficulties with her family. When a member of her Muslim community assaults her, she begins to realize that not everyone is who you believe them to be.
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
What it's about: The Breadwinner is a young adult novel by Deborah Ellis about an 11-year-old girl named Parvana who lives in Kabul. Unable to earn money as a girl, Parvana disguises herself as a boy to support her family when her father is taken away by the Taliban.
The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks
What it's about: Rat is a young girl who lives in the Nameless City, a place that is constantly being invaded by other nations and having its name, government and identity change. When Rat meets Kaidu, she immediately dislikes him. But that needs to change because the future of the Nameless City is in their hands.
#NotYourPrincess edited by Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale
What it's about: #NotYourPrincess highlights the voices of Indigenous women across North America, using poetry, essay writing, interviews and art to explore their experiences.
Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard
What it's about: Girl Mans Up follows Penelope "Pen" Oliveira, a heroine and outsider, who loves girls, video games and — to her parents' dismay — wearing her brother's clothes.
Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes
What it's about: Margaret Pokiak is eight years old and willing to do whatever it takes to learn to read — even if it means leaving behind her friends and family in her Arctic village. Margaret believes she is ready for whatever she may face at her residential school, but the challenges are more than she ever imagined.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
What it's about: Could we have a list about strong young women and not include Canadian icon Anne Shirley? We think not.