Set in the 1960s Dominican Republic, this is the story of one girl’s feelings of loneliness and terror as most of her family moves to the United States to escape the power of an evil dictator. Anita suspects her father of wanting to assassinate the dictator, and when her aunt disappears without a trace, Anita fears for her father’s and uncle’s lives. Diary entries written after Anita and her mother are forced into hiding are reminiscent of Anne Frank.
The Crow-Girl, by Bodil Bredsdorff
For ages 8-12
This story of a young orphan girl surviving on her own will appeal to young women who are testing the waters of independence.
After the death of her grandmother, the young girl leaves her home and follows a pair of crows as they fly along the coast of Denmark. Her search for a new home leads her to a new family and a new life. Bredsdorff’s understated style makes this fairy-tale of a story believable.
Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke
For ages 10 and up
This is a story in which the characters come alive—literally! Twelve-year-old Meggie lives with her father, a bookbinder, whose magical talent is bringing characters to life. Unfortunately, he can’t control who comes to life, and Meggie’s mother is kidnapped by an evil villain and disappears into a story. After Meggie and her father are kidnapped by the villain’s henchmen, they rush to find the author of the story in the hope that he will re-write the ending of the story.
The larger-than-life characters, intricate plot, suspense, and drama are sure to keep any reader engrossed.
Kira-Kira, by Cynthia Kadohata
For ages 10-14
This 2005 Newbery Medal winning story about a Japanese-American family living in rural Georgia explores the heavy themes of racial prejudice, poverty, family relationships, and death with humor and sensitivity. Some adult readers may find the story predictable, but young women will love the drama, and the prejudice faced by Japanese-Americans after World War II may come as a surprise to this generation.