Finding wholesome books for girls and early tweens can be challenging. So much of what is being published today is drivel at best to downright concerning or even abhorrent. If you have a sensitive girl, it’s even more challenging. In an effort to help, I’ve compiled a list of books for girls of various ages that would fall into the category of wholesome.
What is a Wholesome Book?
Wholesome can be defined so many different ways by families so let me lay out what my criteria was in creating this list. Wholesome to me included books that featured:
- Positive relationships
- Fun reading
- Generally lighthearted with a positive message
- No serious violence (some mysteries below might imply light violence or crime)
- No profanity
Wholesome in this list does not automatically mean:
- Christian
- Twaddle-free
- Perfect children who never do anything wrong
- Award-winning literature
I also want to point out that some of these books were published decades ago and therefore reflect the times in which they were written. I did not review them for what would be considered politically incorrect attitudes or language today. If you or your child are very sensitive to these issues, then you will need to review them first.
These lists are presented in no particular order. They cover a wide variety of interests and ages. There are many that would be a great addition to your study of history. (My love of history bias definitely shows up in this list!)
Sallie’s Favorite Books
Some of my favorite books are in other sections below. But first off are four books from my childhood that I loved that didn’t fit neatly into any of the other sections. Understood Betsy should be read aloud to every little girl. I just read it again myself this month and it’s so wonderful. The same with The Hundred Dresses. Caddie Woodlawn is a classic. I haven’t read The Janitor’s Girl in forever, but it is one book I loved as a child.
Caddie Woodlawn
Understood BetsyThe Hundred DressesThe Janitor’s Girl
Mouse Scouts
Mouse Scouts is a newer and adorable series. These stories are both fun and educational. They include cute illustrations throughout.
Mouse ScoutsMouse Scouts: Make A DifferenceMouse Scouts: Camp Out
Owl Diaries
Owl Diaries is a newer, colorful series. Caroline has enjoyed these.
Eva’s Treetop Festival: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #1)Eva Sees a Ghost: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #2)A Woodland Wedding: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #3)Eva and the New Owl: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #4)Warm Hearts Day: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #5)Baxter is Missing: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #6)The Wildwood Bakery: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #7)Owl Diaries, Books 1-5: A Branches Box Set
Cobble Street Cousins
I’ve mentioned the Cobble Street Cousins before because Caroline absolutely adores these books. We’ve read this series aloud many, many times. They are sweet stories about three cousins who live with their Aunt Lucy for a year.
In Aunt Lucy’s KitchenSummer PartyA Little ShoppingSpecial GiftsSome Good NewsWedding Flowers
Nancy Clancy Series
If your daughter loved Fancy Nancy books like mine did (see her sixth birthday party!), she might enjoy the next step up – Nancy Clancy. These are cute mystery stories perfect for girls. Caroline enjoyed these books.
Nancy Clancy, Super SleuthFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Soccer ManiaFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Star of Stage and ScreenFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy Seeks a FortuneFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret of the Silver KeyFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy Sees the FutureFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy: My Secret DiaryFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret AdmirerFancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Late-Breaking News!
Trixie Belden Mysteries
I loved, loved, loved Trixie Belden when I was a girl. David read the entire series aloud to Caroline and when they were done she asked to go through the entire series again! (Yes, they are!) Some of the books you can get new on Amazon, but if you want to read the entire series you will have to track down some of them used on Amazon, ebay, the library, etc.
The Secret of the MansionThe Gatehouse MysteryTrixie Belden and The Mysterious VisitorThe Red Trailer MysteryTrixie Belden and The Mysterious CodeTrixie Belden and The Mystery Off Glen RoadThe Mystery in ArizonaThe Mystery of the EmeraldsThe Mystery on Cobbett’s IslandThe Black Jacket MysteryThe Happy Valley Mystery
The Shoes Series
I have not read the Shoes series, but I know they come highly recommended.
Ballet ShoesSkating ShoesDancing ShoesTheater Shoes
Betsy Tacy Books
This is another older series that follows Betsy, Tacy, and later Tib. It’s a classic set of books that will introduce girls not only to friendships, but also the history of the time. These were a favorite I need to read again!
The Betsy-Tacy Treasury: The First Four Betsy-Tacy BooksHeaven to Betsy/Betsy in Spite of HerselfBetsy Was a Junior/Betsy and JoeBetsy and the Great World/Betsy’s WeddingThe Betsy-Tacy Companion: A Biography of Maud Hart Lovelace
All-of-a-Kind Family
All-of-a-Kind Family was one of my very favorite books as a girl. I read these so many times. Every girl should read this fun series and learn about both the family as well as the historical and cultural setting.
All-of-a-Kind FamilyMore All-Of-A-Kind FamilyAll-Of-A-Kind Family DowntownAll-Of-A-Kind Family UptownElla Of All-Of-A-Kind Family
American Girl Stories
Even if you don’t purchase an American Girl doll, the stories are very well done. The historical sets offer a great way to introduce your daughter to different time periods and how people lived. David and Caroline read many (most?) of the series aloud and loved the Caroline series the most.
Samantha’s Boxed SetFelicity’s Boxed SetKirsten’s Boxed SetKit Boxed Set with GameCaroline’s Boxed Set with GameRebecca Boxed Set with GameMolly’s Boxed SetJosefina’s Boxed SetKaya Box Set
The Boxcar Children
Did you love The Boxcar Children growing up? I did! So many fun mysteries! I’ve included just a few of them below, but there are many more.
The Boxcar Children Bookshelf (The Boxcar Children Mysteries, Books 1-12)The Boxcar ChildrenThe Yellow House MysterySurprise IslandThe Lighthouse MysteryMystery RanchThe Woodshed MysteryThe Boxcar Children Books 1-4The Boxcar Children Mysteries Books 5-8
Grandma’s Attic
I haven’t read this series, but it comes very highly recommended by many. I’ve only included a sampling here. There are many more also on Amazon.
In Grandma’s AtticStill More Stories from Grandma’s AtticTreasures from Grandma’s AtticMore Stories from Grandma’s AtticSixteen and Away from HomeGrandma’s Attic TreasuryStories from the Growing YearsLetters from Grandma’s Attic
Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka
We read these to Caroline and we all enjoyed them. They are sweet stories set in Sweden about triplets. (There is also a series of triplet boys – Snip, Snap and Snur.)
Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake a CakeFlicka, Ricka, Dicka and the StrawberriesFlicka, Ricka, Dicka and the Three KittensFlicka, Ricka, Dicka and the New Dotted DressesFlicka, Ricka, Dicka and the Little DogFlicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New SkatesFlicka, Ricka, Dicka: Set of 7 Hardcover Books
Brambly Hedge
Brambly Hedge is a well-loved series with sweet stories and illustrations.
The Complete Brambly HedgeAdventures in Brambly HedgeSpring StorySummer StoryAutumn StoryWinter StoryA Year in Brambly HedgeThe Secret StaircaseBrambly Hedge: Sea StoryThe High HillsPoppy’s Babies
Lois Lenski Books
I read many Lois Lenski books as a girl. Strawberry Girl and Shoo-Fly Girl were two of my favorites. Each book introduces the reader to different places throughout the United States. A great way to learn history!
Strawberry Girl 60th Anniversary EditionShoo-Fly GirlPrairie SchoolHouseboat GirlJudy’s JourneyFlood FridayTexas TomboyBoom Town BoyCoal Camp GirlLois Lenski’s Christmas StoriesDeer Valley GirlCandlelight StoriesPuritan AdventureWe Live in the City, Roundabout AmericaWe live in the NorthWe Live in the Country
Little House: The Martha Years
There are three series that come before the “Little House” series. The Martha Years are about Laura’s great-grandmother in Scotland. History and geography while reading!
The Little House in the HighlandsThe Far Side of the LochDown to the Bonny GlenBeyond the Heather Hills
Little House: The Charlotte Years
The Charlotte Years are about Laura’s grandmother in Boston.
Little House by Boston BayOn Tide Mill LaneThe Road from RoxburyAcross the Puddingstone Dam
Little House: The Caroline Years
The Caroline Years are about Laura’s mother (and, eventually, her father). I enjoyed reading all three of the prequel series.
Little House in BrookfieldOn Top of Concord HillLittle Clearing in the WoodsLittle Town at the CrossroadsAcross the Rolling RiverLittle House of Their Own
Miscellaneous Classic Books and Series
Here are some more long-loved classic books and series. I have not read all of them, but they are generally all very well regarded.
Five Little Peppers – The Complete CollectionA Girl Of The LimberlostThe Complete Adventures of the BorrowersThe Complete Anne of Green Gables CollectionThe Penderwicks Boxed SetDaddy Long LegsCherry Ames Boxed Set (Books 1-4)Cherry Ames Boxed Set (Books 5-8)The Ruth Fielding Series: 18 Girls’ Adventure StoriesThe Campfire Girls Collection: 26 Stories
The Happy Hollisters Series
The Happy Hollisters was a highly popular mystery series. I haven’t read these, but they sound like they would fit into the category of wholesome. I’ve included some of them here. There are many more on Amazon.
The Happy HollistersThe Happy Hollisters at Snowflake CampThe Happy Hollisters and the Secret FortThe Happy Hollisters and the Old Clipper ShipThe Happy Hollisters on a River TripThe Happy Hollisters at Pony Hill FarmThe Happy Hollisters and the Mystery of the Little MermaidThe Happy Hollisters and the Ice Carnival MysteryThe Happy Hollisters and the Scarecrow MysteryThe Happy Hollisters at Mystery MountainThe Happy Hollisters and the Trading Post MysteryThe Happy Hollisters and the Haunted House Mystery
Happy Reading!
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Great to have all of these wonderful books to browse in one place!
Yay! Awesome list and I am so glad that wholesome didn’t mean perfect kids 🙂
I need to look at those Lois Lenski books. That looks like a good series for my 9 year old.
Anne of Green Gables is a great classic
We are reading The Boxcar Children series and love it.
Thank you for this list! I am always on the lookout for these types of books and the Mouse Scouts and Owl Diaries series were completely new to me! Do you know where I could find a similar list for BOYS? Same age range?
I think she will enjoy the Lois Lenski books – I loved them as a little girl myself. She might also enjoy the prequels to Little House on the Prairie. Looking forward to trying a few on the list for the holidays. Thank you for putting this together!
Mini has already read the first book in the Boxcar Children series and loved it!
I enjoy seeing the positive and uplifting information that you offer! Happy Thanksgiving!!
I think my daughter would enjoy the Flicka, Ricka and Dicka series. I remember that from when I was younger, and would like her to try that out for a good wholesome series.
OMG! I almost passed out when I saw Janitors Girl on your list! That was one of my favorite books from childhood! Seems to me the main characters name was Becky (like me). I have to order it just for old times sake. THANK YOU for such a robust list!
Becky,
You are so welcome! I have my old copy of “The Janitor’s Girl.” I will have to pull it out and take a picture. I haven’t read it in decades. I should do that again.
🙂
Thank you for the list. I would also add “The secret garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Me and my daughter loved it!
That wold be a great addition! I haven’t read it, but I know it is a well-loved book! Thank you for the suggestion!
Very impressive collection of recommendations! Thank you, this is much needed these days. I can’t believe how pathetic the collection at my library is for the next level of reading for my 8 year old. Vampires, boy-crazy girls, etc. are supposed to be enjoyable and good for her. This list will help me have some idea what to request through the county-wide system or look for as purchases.
I do see one item on your list I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting her read alone. As a Christian school teacher, I used to recommend Daddy Long Legs to my middle school students as extra reading. However, I finally read it myself, and was surprised to find it had a very subtle anti-Christian bias. As the main character grows up, she becomes “enlightened” and her belief in God (or in the church’s doctrine) wanes.
I know you said this wasn’t a Christian list of books, just thought I’d add to the discussion by sharing my experience with it. To me, this one would cross the line from a secular book with no anti-Christian agenda to one that I would caution parents to read with (or at least, before) their children. It is a sweet, rated-G romance, however.
As I said, I’ve been kind of stuck on what to have her read next. This list looks very comprehensive and amazing! Thanks for compiling!
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for your comment. I agree with current tween and teen literature. Most of it I see at the bookstore, etc. looks like total junk.
I haven’t read Daddy Long Legs in ages so I should pull that one out again. (That link goes to a free Kindle copy for anyone reading this comment.) It’s interesting how we pick up different things at different times in our lives when we re-read books we loved in the past. Thank you for the heads-up about that book!
Sallie
Two other books by Gene Stratton-Porter, author of Girl of the Limberlost:
Freckles, and Keeper of the Bees.
Hi Theresa,
Thank you for the other recommendations!
Sallie
This list is wonderful and we come back to it often over the years! Know of a similar list for boys books??
Hi Carrie,
I’m so glad you have found this list helpful. I’m not aware of a similar list for boys. I would be happy to put one together, but I would need recommendations from moms of boys since that isn’t my area of strength. I will keep that in mind. Maybe I can get a bunch of moms to give me some ideas.
Sallie
I read The Sign of the Beaver to my boys. It is wonderful. I could not recall its name just now, and as I was searching for it , I came across a website that could be very helpful for your “Boy List.” It is called 12 Classic Wilderness Survival Chapter Books Worth Revisiting. I just glanced at the list but the titles seemed familiar and positive.
Hi Melinda,
Thank you for the suggestions regarding boy books! I hope they help some moms who come across this post.
Sallie
I loved the Happy Hollisters when I was little! There are photos of me on the couch with tangled hair, a blanket, and a bright-red Happy Hollisters book.
And then when I was a little older, I moved onto Trixie Belden!
Hi Meredith!
I haven’t read any of the Happy Hollisters yet. I have a couple downloaded on my Kindle, but other books keep bumping up ahead of them. I don’t even remember my library having them or I’m sure I would have read them when I was a girl.
But I loved Trixie Belden! LOL!
Thanks for sharing your memories!
Sallie
I just subscribed, and while I was perusing your website, I saw a mention of paperdolls, with a free download of the Ginghams paperdolls. I haven’t been able to find it again. Could you tell me where that link is on your website, please? Thank you!
Hi Judy,
Is this the post you are thinking of?
https://sallieborrink.com/the-ginghams-paper-dolls-free/
There is also this one:
https://sallieborrink.com/the-ginghams-visit-grandma-paper-dolls-free/
Sallie- I just came across this post on Pinterest, and I HAD to leave you a note. Not even kidding I have spent at least 15 years wondering and wishing I could remember the delightful seasonal books about mice in a hedgerow. And today you have come through. Brambly Hedge!!! Off to the library, thank you thank you for bringing back a piece of my childhood so I can pass it on to my kids.
Hi Jenn,
I’m so glad you found the long lost books via my post! And thank you for taking the time to let me know. It’s always fun and encouraging to hear when a post meets a specific need.
I hope you and your children enjoy the Brambly Hedge books!
Sallie
I found out about the Brambly Hedge series last year and kept meaning to look into it…then life got busy and I forgot. Thank you for the reminder!
We have loved many of these as well, so I will definitely check out the other book series (once the libraries open back up lol). My girls listen to the All of a Kind Family audiobooks on repeat!
Thank you for this wonderful list. I am bookmarking it to save for gift ideas for my nieces!