9 Banned Books with Strong Female Leads: Stories of Resilience and Power
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A History of Censoring Strong Female Voices
Throughout history, literature featuring strong, independent female protagonists has often been viewed as threatening to societal norms. Women who speak out, demand equality, or assert autonomy are frequently labeled as subversive. As a result, many of these stories have faced censorship, their authors accused of pushing agendas that challenge traditional roles.
From the early 20th century to the present, stories featuring dynamic female characters have consistently made banned book lists. These books showcase women's resilience, complexity, and power, which makes them essential—and sometimes dangerous—reads. Let’s dive into nine banned books that celebrate strong female leads.
1. The Summer of Owen Todd
Author: Tony Abbott
Themes:
Friendship and courage
Resilience in the face of trauma
Navigating childhood adversity
Why you should read it: This gripping story tackles tough topics like abuse and survival, showing the quiet strength of its young female character and how children navigate difficult truths with bravery and determination.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson — both stories tackle the complexities of childhood, including friendship and loss, with profound emotional depth.
2. A Cave in the Clouds: A Young Woman's Escape from ISIS
Author: Badeeah Hassan Ahmed
Themes:
Survival and resilience
The power of hope
Fighting oppression
Why you should read it: This memoir tells the harrowing story of Badeeah, who escapes ISIS captivity. Her journey is a testament to the strength of women in the most dire circumstances.
You’ll like this book if you like:
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank — both memoirs capture the harrowing experiences of young women caught in violent, oppressive regimes and their resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
3. Bad Girls Don't Die
Author: Katie Alender
Themes:
Female friendships
Overcoming supernatural challenges
Family bonds and self-discovery
Why you should read it: Katie Alender’s protagonist is a bold and resourceful teen who faces down supernatural forces while uncovering truths about her family.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs — both stories are eerie, thrilling, and feature young protagonists facing otherworldly challenges.
4. Girls Like Us
Author: Cristina Alger
Themes:
Strength in adversity
Finding justice
Overcoming systemic failures
Why you should read it: This novel features a fierce female investigator determined to solve the mystery of her father’s murder while battling personal demons.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn — both are gripping thrillers featuring complex female protagonists navigating personal and systemic conflicts.
5. Girl Gone Viral
Author: Arvin Ahmadi
Themes:
Empowerment through technology
Fighting societal pressures
The search for personal freedom
Why you should read it: This story’s protagonist uses her skills and intellect to navigate a world that seeks to limit her potential, embodying resilience and innovation.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline — both stories center on tech-savvy protagonists who use their ingenuity to navigate high-stakes challenges.
6. Moxie
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
Themes:
Feminism and activism
High school dynamics
Taking a stand against sexism
Why you should read it: Moxie is a call to action for anyone who has ever felt silenced. The protagonist leads a feminist revolution at her school, inspiring readers to question societal norms.
You’ll like this book if you like:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas — both books focus on young women taking a stand against injustice and inspiring change in their communities.
7. Speak
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Themes:
Overcoming trauma
Finding your voice
Personal empowerment
Why you should read it: This novel follows a teenager as she regains her voice after a traumatic experience. Its powerful message about courage and healing has made it both celebrated and controversial.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher — both novels tackle tough subjects like trauma and mental health with raw honesty.
8. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
Author: Malala Yousafzai
Themes:
Women’s rights
Education and empowerment
Global activism
Why you should read it: Malala’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of one young woman’s courage in the fight for education and equality.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi — both are autobiographical accounts of young women standing up against oppressive systems and fighting for their rights.
9. The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Themes:
Self-expression
Defying expectations
Finding your voice through art
Why you should read it: Xiomara, the protagonist, is a bold and creative young woman who refuses to be silenced. Her journey to self-expression is as inspiring as it is empowering.
You’ll like this book if you like:
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson — both feature lyrical, poetic narratives about young women navigating identity and self-expression.
What You Can Do to Support Intellectual Freedom
Books with strong female leads are often banned because they push boundaries, challenge norms, and inspire action. Let’s make sure these stories are celebrated, not censored.
Learn about 5 Ways to Fight Book Bans from PEN America.
Use this guide on What to Say About Book Bans at School Board and Library Meetings.
Consider donating to organizations like PEN America that fight for literary freedom.
Reading time!
Strong female protagonists teach us about courage, resilience, and the power of speaking out. These nine books remind us of the importance of sharing stories that uplift women’s voices. Which of these books will you read next?
