Hello, hello, hello!
So it was International Women's Day this week, and I felt that I just had to show how the characters in our books can inspire us by listing some of the most inspirational characters in our YA books - all female, of course.
So, I've tried to pick strong, determined women who I think young readers should look up to, and (fictional) women who shaped my life. Here goes nothing!
5. Georgia Nicolson, The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, Louise Rennison
Georgia might sometimes not be the best role model for the readers of the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, but I would argue that she is fiercely determined. She knows what she wants, sometimes to the point of stubbornness (but come on, we can forgive her, right?) and will do anything to get it. She represents a strong young woman for teenagers going through similar experiences and she provides a hugely relatable character. She is very self-aware, too, and is extremely confident. In my eyes, not only a relatable character, but also a role model.
4. Cather "Cath" Avery, Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell
Cath is great for teenagers because she gives a voice to a group of teenagers that is all too often made the butt of jokes - fangirls. She is funny, sweet and relatable and overall just a fantastic role model for young women. She is bookish, humble, sensitive and talented and so I think a lot of young teenage girls should look up to Cath - if not necessarily for confidence reasons, I'll admit!
3. Evie, The Spinster Club Series, Holly Bourne
Evie is a character very close to my heart, because 'Am I Normal Yet?' was something that helped me get through anxiety. It was amazing to go on this journey with Evie, and I know that so many others will have related to her and will have found her character someone very helpful for dealing with their own anxieties. Not only this, but Evie is strong and resilient (even if it doesn't seem like it at first) and actually very determined to get through her anxiety. Her character brings the struggles of anxiety to life, something which I found quite a comfort.
2. Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games Trilogy, Suzanne Collins
That's right, Katniss Everdeen is volunteering as tribute for second place. She's smart, she's practical, she's determined and motivated and she is phenomenal with a bow. And, after all, you don't get much more inspirational than inciting a rebellion, now do you? The girl on fire is an inspiration to many of the young people who read the Hunger Games trilogy, who admire her courage, her intelligence and her sassiness.
1. Hermione Granger, the Harry Potter series, J.K Rowling
I'm sorry, but Hermione Granger will always come first for me as the best female character in YA fiction. She's kind, resourceful, practical, talented and of course ridiculously intelligent. She is refreshingly straightforward and blunt, and her logical and analytical mind always help Harry and Ron get out of trouble. She captured my heart from the very beginning with her wit and sass and she is extremely confident. For me, Hermione Granger should be the ultimate role model for any young girl.
Well, that completes my list. You might also notice that every book in this list was written by a female author. Not only am I showcasing these brilliant female characters, but I'm also showcasing their equally brilliant creators. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this short list. See you next week!
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