10 Books for Your Big Girl to Read to Your Little Girl

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
A no-brainer, sure, but a classic nonetheless. Louisa May Alcott’s tale of the March sisters is one that defied previous gender restrictions. It’s a novel that breaks down the stereotypes, proving that women can be who they want to be, no matter whether that means a homemaker or “a great many things”. Not to mention, the bond between the March sisters is evident in every passage, making it a great book for your big girl to share with her own little sister. After all, you might just have a Jo and an Amy on your hands!

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume
Maybe you’ve wondered how your big girl can help your little girl transition into puberty and womanhood one day. If so, Judy Blume’s classic is an excellent guide. Not only does it also cover Margaret finding her way through religion, it’s also a great story about speaking up when you feel like you’re all alone in your opinion.

Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh
The star of one of the most empowering books for young children, Harriet M. Welsch is someone both of your girls can learn from. When Harriet’s hurtful words are read by her closest friends, she learns the true consequences of her actions and just how far others will go to “punish” her for it. It is a perfect lesson in apologies, friendships and forgiveness (All things sisters should definitely learn from each other!).

Matilda, by Roald Dahl
The magical story of a young girl who perseveres despite awful circumstances, Matilda is a character who has inspired millions of readers. Your big girl will teach your little girl a valuable lesson while reading this one: never, ever give up.

Beezus & Ramona, by Beverly Cleary
In the ultimate sister tale, Beverly Cleary has created two characters who are both exasperating and lovable in nearly every instance. The relationship she weaves between these two sisters is so strong and real that your own girls will feel the dynamic with the very first chapter. It is a story about love and honesty, as sweet Beezus feels guilty about her feelings for her frustrating younger sister. It’s also a true tale of how you can love your sister without always enjoying her wild antics; a lesson your big girl will love sharing with your little girl.

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A story about how a family can regenerate after overcoming terrible tragedies, your big girl will love exploring the literal secret garden with her little sister. Courage, friendship and unconditional love are all huge themes of this timeless story, as Mary gets over her sour attitude to befriend those around her and to help bring her cousin and uncle together again. Symbolism and life lessons aside, the book is absolutely magical and worth sharing for the garden descriptions alone!

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Your big girl has to share this one with your little girl for this quote alone: “If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside. It would be easy to be a princess if I were dressed in cloth of gold, but it is a great deal more of a triumph to be one all the time when no one knows it.” A classic piece of literature about being who you are because that’s how you feel and not what someone else has forced upon you, A Little Princess is absolutely marvelous. Talk about empowering your daughters!

Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
In the unforgettable story of Charlotte, Wilbur and Fern, a tiny spider, the runt of a litter, and a small girl are able to make the world a better place simply by standing up for what they believe in and never giving up. This could be the perfect inspiration your little girl needs from her big sister; no matter your size, you are important!

The Little House series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Adventure, history, and three sisters make this series a compelling choice. These stories are just as charming for your children as they were for you. Give your oldest the chance to share the stories sisters embarking on new adventures with her younger sibling. Soon they’ll both agree: there’s no one better to take an adventure with than your own sister.

Winnie-the-Pooh, by A. A. Milne
You might wonder if this collection of stories is too juvenile for your big girl, but everyone can find something to relate to and adore about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. When your daughters read, “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever”, I promise, they’ll remember it for years to come.
What books would you like your older girl to read to her little sister?