These gritty grrrls defy the damsel in distress trope!
Young people's literature is filled with characters of emotional depth and range, internal conflict, conviction, and courage that impressionable young girls can relate to and/or draw inspiration from. As this is the season for doling out awards to film, TV, and books, I am sharing my favorite historical fiction books teeming with gritty grrrls and intrepid womenfolk who defy the "damsel in distress" trope despite their complicated circumstances.