Books hold a lot more than just words on paper. As J.K. Rowling, world-renowned author of the Harry Potter series (and Girl Guide of Scotland alumna) says, “I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” By connecting a thoughtful series of events with carefully selected words (and sometimes pictures), authors create stories—stories that inspire readers to imagine novel worlds, discover new role models, and dream big dreams. That’s why every year, on March 2, the National Education Association (NEA) celebrates Read Across America Day to encourage young readers to pick up a book, or two, or however many they can carry.

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From fantastical fiction to brilliant biographies, picture books to reference books, there are so many wonderful pieces of literature out there… so where is your Girl Scout supposed to start?! Thanks to our trusty Facebook followers, we’ve put together a list of books that our members think every Girl Scout should read. Whether you have younger girls or older girls, or you’re looking for a book that every Girl Scout will love, we received a ton of awesome recommendations from our Facebook friends—here’s what they had to say:

For Younger Girls

Girl Scout MysteriesGirl Scout Mysteries by Carole Marsh
Recommended by Sue P.

“We have read two of the three Girl Scout Mystery books. They are fun and have a lot of GS knowledge built into them! They are good for Daisies and Brownies.”
I am Amelia EarhartI Am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer
Recommended by Heather H.

Heather’s daughter says, “In the book, Amelia never gives up on her dream of flying. She is brave and persistent even when people tell her she can’t.”
Care and Keeping of YouThe Care & Keeping of You Collection from American Girl
Recommended by Ash R.

'The Care & Keeping of You' books from American Girl are great resources for growing girls to learn about and navigate all the changes they are experiencing with their feelings and body. They're friendly and colorful too. Their Smart Girl's Guide series is also very helpful and cover practical skills and emotional/mental wellness.”
Staphanie's Ponytail and Paper Bag PrincessStephanie’s Ponytail and The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Recommended by Lisa K.

“Stephanie’s Ponytail and The Paper Bag Princess were favorites when my girls were little. The Munsch books are about being yourself. In Stephanie’s Ponytail, she is always changing up her hairstyle; and instead of being teased, everyone copies her (and she doesn’t like that either). She comes up with an out of the box solution that can be left as is for laughs or can lead to some more discussion about leadership and responsibility."

"In Paper Bag Princess, I love the message that a girl can do anything, in a paper bag if she must, and that happy endings don’t have to include wedding vows. I think of Paper Bag Princess whenever my girls say they don’t know what to do and I tell them, "We’re Girl Scouts… we figure it out".”

For Older Girls

The Evolution of Calpurnia TateThe Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Recommended by Jesse M.

“It’s a wonderful story about a young girl learning about science and nature through a special relationship with her grandfather!”

Kristin B. also added: “The novel takes place in the late 1800s in Texas. Eleven year-old Callie has questions about why the crickets are yellow this summer, not green. She's heard about this book by a man called Darwin and thinks it might offer some answers... but the librarian won't let her borrow it, saying it's not appropriate for a young girl. Nevertheless, she persists in pursuing her questions about nature and finds an unexpected ally in her aloof grandfather. The book won a 2010 Newbery Honor award. I recommend it to anyone interested in stories about young women in science!”
The Golden CompassThe Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Recommended by Susy N.

“For older girls, The Golden Compass is my favorite so far that we have read or listened to together and that includes Harry Potter books.”

The Golden Compass was a popular choice. Jane E. also added: “My older daughter who is an avid reader also says the Golden Compass series.”
It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get GoingIt’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going by Chelsea Clinton
Recommended by Angela B.

“It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going! was a great read for me and my Cadette daughter. It was filled with ideas on how to give back both locally and abroad. Chelsea was a Girl Scout and giving back was instilled in her from a very young age. She’s very passionate about the work she does.”
The Tiffany Aching Series The Tiffany Aching Series by Terry Pratchett
Recommended by Lisa K.

“I like the Tiffany Aching books for tweens and teens. She's true to herself, a creative problem solver, and thinks outside the box. I also love the quote about how it doesn't stop being magic once you learn how things are done. A message that I think is perfect for girls in between childhood and adulthood.”

For Every Girl Scout

Lady from SavannahThe Lady from Savannah: The Life of Juliette Low by Gladys Denny Shultz and Daisy Gordon Lawrence
Recommended by Michelle S.

“Because isn’t the history of our organization and the woman behind it all just a wee bit important? A must for any Girl Scout’s home library.”

Pro Tip: Pick up your copy from the Girl Scout online store or your local council shops!
You Throw Like a GirlYou Throw Like a Girl by Rachele Alpine
Recommended by Angela B.

“[Rachele Alpine] offers a patch to girls who read it and write a letter to her. She wrote back to both my daughters and they were floored! It was incredible. The book is filled with girl power and the main character is just incredible.”
Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed ScienceFinding Wonders: Three Girls who Changed Science by Jeannine Atkins
Recommended by Kristin B.

“It’s a series of three biographies about young female scientists written in free verse poetry. Each story celebrates the power of questions, the value of persistence, and the paramount importance of family. Finding Wonders is an inspirational collection, recommended especially for fans of Hidden Figures.”
A Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting A Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Recommended by GSNorCal

Available online and in-stores, the Girl’s Guides to Girl Scouting provides girls with age-specific activity ideas, relevant fun facts, inspirational quotes, and cute graphics to help them earn badges and learn everything they need to know about Girl Scouts. Whether she’s a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, or leader, every Girl Scout needs this series! 😉

Other fan favorites include:

  • Alanna Series by Tamara Pierce
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
  • Caddie Woodlaw by Carol Ryrie Brink
  • Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark
  • Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
  • Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Mouse Scouts by Sarah Dillard
  • Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
  • Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
  • The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

What to do next:

  • Interested in learning more about what you can do for Read Across America Day? Check out the National Education Association’s website.
  • Organize your own book drive through the African Library Project and start changing lives for rural African communities with the help of books. Don’t forget to stop by our GSNorCal retail shops for the patch, too!
  • Is your favorite book missing from our list? Share your recommendation in the comments section!

Leah TakahashiLeah Takahashi—Leah is the Digital Marketing Specialist for Girl Scouts of Northern California, where she creates content, plans blog posts, and promotes all things Girl Scouts in all formats digital. Leah joined Girl Scouts at the age of 5 and has been a part of the organization ever since (shout out to Troop 31213 – woot woot). During her younger Girl Scout days, Leah did everything from selling thousands of Girl Scout Cookies to serving as a National Delegate at the 2011 Convention and even earning her Gold Award in 2012. She may be young, but she’s got plenty of Girl Scout experience under her belt and is excited to share it

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