by Louisa May Alcott

Follow the four March sisters as they grow up in Massachussetts while their father is away serving as a Union army chaplain in the Civil War. This is such a classic!

by Jonathan Auxier

An orphaned chimney sweep in Victorian London survives dangerous work and discovers an unexpected friend who changes her life forever. (I personally loved this one, too!)

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

After tragedy changes her life overnight, a kind-hearted boarding school girl named Sara displays generosity and hope through really difficult circumstances.

by Corrie ten Boom, adapted byMario DeMatteo

This graphic adaptation shares the true story of Corrie ten Boom and her family hiding Jewish people during World War II before being sent to a concentration camp. Her story is powerful and redeeming.

by Bethany Hamilton

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton shares her true story of surviving a shark attack at age 13 and returning to the sport she loves through faith and perseverance. Her story is inspiring!

by Susan Hood

Inspired by a true story, two Ukrainian Jewish sisters (both piano prodigies) use music and a new identity to survive the Holocaust.

by Karen Hesse

Told through letters, this story follows a young Jewish girl fleeing Russia and making the difficult journey alone to America.

by Heather Holleman

Through relatable school-day moments, this story helps children to know how to deal with the pain of rejection and learn to trust in God. This book is part of a series that Lanie is looking forward to reading!

by Alastair Humphreys

This adventure story follows a young girl named Lucy who dreams of doing something daring. Despite being doubted and laughed at, she manages to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

by Anna Rose Johnson

On the brink of World War I, an Ojibwe girl navigates family hardship, friendship, and growing up while holding tightly to her faith and heritage.

**I would recommend this for more mature readers, ages 11+, as it deals with themes of divorce, remarriage, and discrimination. It is profoundly hopeful and has Christian themes throughout. Highly recommend!

by Anna Rose Johnson

This historical middle grade novel is about an 11-year-old French-Ojibwe orphan who goes to live with a lighthouse-keeping family on Lake Superior in 1912. She faces her fears in a powerful way.

by Anna Rose Johnson

Set in the 1940s (during World War II), a girl named Rosemary navigates her newly discovered heritage, tackles the joys and challenges of gardening, and learns the importance of family and faith.

by Peg Kehret

Based on the author’s real childhood, this memoir shares her experience battling polio and learning to walk again in the 1950s.

by Karen Kingsbury & Tyler Russell

This heartwarming family story follows the Baxter children as they navigate everyday struggles, faith, friendship, and growing up together. This is part of a series of 5 books that Lanie has loved!

by Lia Levi

Based on the author’s childhood, this memoir tells the story of a Jewish girl hiding and surviving in Italy during World War II.

by Lois Lowry

During World War II, a Danish girl helps her Jewish best friend escape the Nazis.

by Lucy Maud Montgomery

An imaginative orphan girl unexpectedly finds home, friendship, and belonging on Prince Edward Island in this beloved classic. I read this alongside her, which was so fun!

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

This historical fiction novel, told in the voice of 12-year-old Cora Henshaw, takes place during the devastating earthquake in San Francisco in 1906.

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In Russian-occupied Lithuania, a teenage girl risks her life smuggling forbidden books and protecting her people’s language and faith.

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Four children aboard the Titanic fight to survive after disaster strikes in this fast-paced story inspired by true events.

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

During World War II, a girl in Nazi-occupied Europe joins the resistance and risks everything to help rescue Jewish children.

by Mindy Nichols Wendell

Set in a tuberculosis sanatorium in the early 1900s, this story follows a girl learning friendship, courage, and hope while separated from her family.

by Scott O'Dell

Based on a true story, a Native girl survives alone for years on an island off the California coast using courage and resourcefulness.

by Barbara O'Connor

A lonely girl sent to live with relatives discovers friendship, healing, and hope through a stray dog and a fresh start.

by Barbara O'Connor

When a girl’s family moves into a worn-down trailer park, she unexpectedly finds friendship and a sense of home.

by Barbara O'Connor

A small-town girl with dreams of becoming a country songwriter sets out with her friends and a lovable puppy to find hidden treasure so she can buy a guitar and chase the future she’s always hoped for.

by Mary Pope Osborne

Written as a diary, this true story follows a young girl living in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II.