The Greatest "Children's books" Books of All Time Written by Women

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This collection epitomizes the pinnacle of literature authored by women, aggregating selections from 300 'best of' book lists into a definitive guide to the most acclaimed works by female writers. This aggregation reflects a comprehensive evaluation of literary achievements, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives and voices. For a deeper understanding of our selection methodology and the rigorous criteria behind these rankings, please visit our rankings page.

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Children's books

Children's books are a category of literature that is specifically written and designed for children. These books are typically aimed at readers between the ages of 0-12 and cover a wide range of topics, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older children. Children's books often feature colorful illustrations, simple language, and engaging stories that are meant to entertain, educate, and inspire young readers. They can cover a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more, and are an essential part of a child's early education and development.

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  1. 1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

    This classic novel follows the lives of the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - as they navigate the challenges and joys of adolescence and adulthood in 19th century New England. As they grow, they grapple with issues of poverty, gender roles, love, and personal identity, each in her own unique way. The story is a testament to the power of family, sisterhood, and female resilience in a time of societal constraints.

  2. 2. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by J. K Rowling

    The story follows a young boy, Harry Potter, who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards. There, he meets several friends who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths, the dark wizard who wants to kill him, and the magical stone that holds immense power.

  3. 3. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

    The novel follows the story of a young girl named Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a cosmic journey to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father. The father, a scientist, has been missing since he discovered a new planet using the concept of Tesseract, which is a wrinkle in time. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings, the children travel across different dimensions, face evil forces, and learn about the power of love and self-sacrifice.

  4. 4. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

    This fantasy novel follows the story of a young boy named Ged who lives in a world of islands called Earthsea. Ged discovers he has a natural talent for magic and is sent to a school for wizards on the island of Roke. As he grows and learns, his arrogance leads him to unleash a shadow creature that he must then spend years trying to defeat. The book explores themes of balance, power, and the danger of hubris, as Ged learns to control his abilities and accept responsibility for his actions.

  5. 5. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

    The book follows the life of a young orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister who originally wanted to adopt a boy to help them with their farm in Prince Edward Island. Despite the initial disappointment, the girl's charm, vivacity, and imagination soon win over her new guardians. The story details her adventures and mishaps in her new home, her struggles and triumphs at school, and her gradual maturing into a smart, independent young woman.

  6. 6. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

    The book tells the story of Pippi Longstocking, a young girl with superhuman strength who lives alone in a colorful house in a small Swedish village. With her pet monkey and horse, Pippi embarks on a series of humorous and often absurd adventures, defying societal norms and adult authority with her unconventional wisdom and moral code. Despite her wild antics, Pippi's kindness, generosity, and courage make her a beloved figure in her community.

  7. 7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    A young, spoiled and unloved girl is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a large, lonely house after the death of her parents. Through the discovery and cultivation of a hidden, neglected garden, she befriends a local boy and her sickly cousin, and the three children find healing and transformation through their friendship and the magic of the garden.

  8. 8. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

    "Black Beauty" is a heartwarming and poignant novel that follows the life of a beautiful black horse named Black Beauty. From his early years as a carefree colt to his later life as a loyal and hardworking carriage horse, Black Beauty encounters various owners and experiences both kindness and cruelty. Through his eyes, readers witness the mistreatment of horses and the importance of compassion and empathy towards animals. This timeless classic serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between humans and animals.

  9. 9. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban by J. K Rowling

    In this third installment of the popular fantasy series, the protagonist enters his third year at a magical school, only to find out that a notorious prisoner has escaped from a supposedly inescapable prison and is believed to be after him. As the school year progresses, he learns more about his parents' history, uncovers secrets about his professor, and discovers a magical map. He also learns to summon a powerful defensive spell, confronts the escaped prisoner, and uncovers the truth about his parents' betrayal and death. The book ends with him saving an innocent life and learning a valuable lesson about the complexity of human nature and the importance of true friendship.

  10. 10. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

    This classic children's book follows a young rabbit's bedtime routine, as it says goodnight to everything around: from the red balloon and a pair of mittens, to the kittens, the picture of the cow jumping over the moon, the old lady whispering "hush", and more. The soothing, repetitive text and warm, detailed illustrations create a peaceful, comforting atmosphere that eases children into sleep.

  11. 11. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

    Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family who are struggling to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. The family owns a piece of land which provides them some protection from the harsh realities of racial discrimination. The story is a poignant exploration of how they navigate through a prejudiced society, face social and economic challenges, and fight to keep their land.

  12. 12. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K Rowling

    In the fifth installment of this iconic series, the young wizard Harry Potter returns for his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, only to discover that much of the wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic, is in denial about the teenager's recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Harry is also beset by disturbing dreams while the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been stationed at Hogwarts to protect the school, and Harry's budding abilities as a wizard are put to the test. Meanwhile, a secret society, the Order of the Phoenix, is working to fight Voldemort and his followers, and Harry's role in the coming conflict is becoming ever more significant.

  13. 13. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

    This children's classic tells the story of a mischievous young rabbit who disobeys his mother's warning and ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden. After indulging in the garden's bountiful offerings, the young rabbit finds himself chased by Mr. McGregor, narrowly escaping capture. He eventually makes his way back home to his mother, who scolds him for his disobedience and sends him to bed without supper.

  14. 14. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

    The book follows the adventures of an inquisitive and fiercely independent eleven-year-old girl who loves to write and aspires to be a spy. Armed with her trusty notebook, she observes her friends, family, and neighbors, jotting down candid and sometimes unkind notes about them. Her world turns upside down when her secret notebook is discovered and read by her classmates, leading to a backlash that tests her friendships and her understanding of honesty and privacy. Through her trials, she learns valuable lessons about empathy, trust, and the consequences of her actions.

  15. 15. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K Rowling

    In the sixth installment of the series, the protagonist returns for his sixth year at a magical school, where he excels in potions class with the help of an old textbook once belonging to the mysterious "Half-Blood Prince". As he delves deeper into his enemy's past through private lessons with the headmaster, he learns more about the Dark wizard's history and his own destiny. Amidst this, the school is no longer the safe haven it once was, and danger lurks within the castle walls. The year ends with a devastating loss, setting the stage for the final showdown.

  16. 16. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

    The book chronicles the adventures of a young pioneer family as they travel westward from Wisconsin to Kansas in the late 19th century. The family, consisting of a mother, father, and their three daughters, face numerous hardships and challenges along the way, including scarce resources, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with Native Americans. Despite these challenges, they manage to build a new life for themselves on the prairie, showcasing the resilience and determination of early American settlers.

  17. 17. Heidi by Johanna Spyri

    "Heidi" is a heartwarming tale about a young orphan girl named Heidi who is sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Despite the initial challenges she faces, Heidi's pure and joyful spirit brings warmth and happiness to the people around her. Through her adventures and friendships, Heidi learns important lessons about love, resilience, and the beauty of nature.

  18. 18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K Rowling

    In the final installment of this popular series, the protagonist and his friends decide to leave their school to complete the mission left to them by their late headmaster - to destroy the remaining pieces of the antagonist's soul, hidden in various objects. As they journey through the wizarding world, they uncover the truth about the antagonist's past and the legend of the Deathly Hallows. Amidst the escalating war, they are captured and narrowly escape, leading to the ultimate battle at their school where many lives are lost. The protagonist learns he must sacrifice himself to truly defeat the antagonist, but is given a second chance at life and finally triumphs, ending the war. The story concludes with a glimpse into the peaceful future they have all earned.

  19. 19. From The Mixed Up Files Of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by EL Konigsburg

    In this captivating book, two siblings, Claudia and Jamie, decide to run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As they explore the museum during the day and hide in the exhibits at night, they stumble upon a mysterious statue that may have been created by the famous sculptor Michelangelo. Determined to solve the statue's origin, Claudia and Jamie embark on an exciting adventure, uncovering secrets and learning valuable lessons about family, art, and self-discovery along the way.

  20. 20. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

    "Noughts and Crosses" is a thought-provoking novel set in a dystopian society where racial segregation is reversed. It follows the lives of two main characters: a girl from the ruling class (Crosses) and a boy from the underclass (Noughts). Despite their different backgrounds, they form a deep bond that eventually turns into a romantic relationship, challenging the societal norms and prejudices. The novel explores themes of love, racism, and power, offering a poignant commentary on the repercussions of societal divisions.

  21. 21. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

    This novel explores the concept of immortality through the story of a young girl who stumbles upon a family that has inadvertently gained eternal life after drinking from a magical spring. The family, having lived for centuries, shares their experiences and the burdens of their unending existence with the girl, who must then decide whether to keep their secret and live a mortal life or join them in everlasting life. The narrative delves into themes of life, death, and the natural order of things, as the girl grapples with the profound implications of a life without end.

  22. 22. Mary Poppins by PL Travers

    In this beloved classic, a magical and enigmatic nanny named Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks' household to care for their mischievous children. With her peculiar and extraordinary abilities, Mary Poppins takes the children on whimsical adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way. As the family learns to appreciate the wonder and joy in everyday life, Mary Poppins proves that even the most ordinary moments can be extraordinary.

  23. 23. Little House In The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

    "Little House In The Big Woods" is a heartwarming story set in the late 1800s, following the life of a young girl named Laura and her family as they navigate the challenges and joys of living in the Wisconsin wilderness. Through vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes, the book offers a glimpse into the daily routines, traditions, and adventures of pioneer life, highlighting the importance of family, resilience, and the simple pleasures found in nature.

  24. 24. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

    In a magical land where witches and wizards exist, a young hat maker named Sophie is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old woman. Determined to break the curse, Sophie seeks refuge in the mysterious moving castle of the feared wizard Howl. As Sophie navigates the castle's enchanting rooms and encounters its eccentric inhabitants, she discovers the power of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. Together with Howl and his apprentice Michael, Sophie embarks on a captivating journey filled with adventure, magic, and unexpected twists that will change their lives forever.

  25. 25. Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

    "Ballet Shoes" is a charming tale of three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, living in 1930s London. Raised by their guardian Sylvia and her nurse Nana, the girls attend a performing arts academy where each discovers her unique talent. Pauline shows a knack for acting, Petrova has a passion for cars and machinery, while Posy is a natural ballet dancer. The story follows their struggles and triumphs as they strive to make their dreams come true, all while navigating the challenges of growing up.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download