ABSTRACT
Historical fiction and non-fiction for young adults offer a special opportunity for readers to explore, understand, and connect with different times, places, and cultures. Being immersed in history and culture through literature promotes opportunities for vicarious experiences while deepening human understanding. This chapter offers a brief overview of historically based, culturally rich novels that feature strong female protagonists. It is not that the girls in these stories were born strong; instead, they demonstrate their strength and resilience by learning to face complex and challenging situations, make difficult decisions, and persevere. It is important young people realize that, no matter how difficult their circumstances, purposefulness and determination can help them press forward and, in many cases, may enable them to overcome great hardship in ways beneficial to themselves and others. Oftentimes, such efforts impact the world in which we all live in a positive manner. Girls reading these books will be inspired by the possibilities presented and the concept of what it means to lead a self-determined life. All readers will see how the intelligence, innovation, resourcefulness, and will power of girls can be the pivot point for moving from despair to hope.
