Earlier this summer, I got an email from an educator who asked me to recommend strong female characters that her students could love and learn from.

I gave her my list and then I turned the assignment over to you and you came through with so many excellent suggestions that I had to share them with the class.  

Mary wrote to say that “Properties of Thirst” by Marianne Wiggins was a must-read, both for its story and for what the author endured to get the book finished and published.

Lori wrote in to say that Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal Dreams” was a terrific fit for rising readers.  

The main character, Codi, returns to her hometown to teach, help her father and renew a relationship with a lot of teen baggage.  

Donn emailed to suggest Abi Daré's “The Girl with the Louding Voice,” writing that “young adult readers will delight in reading about this strong protagonist.” 

Rosemary suggested “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley.  

“It’s such a compelling novel,” Rosemary wrote, “about finding where one belongs given dual cultural identities. Perfect for teens.”  

Maureen is a fan of Geraldine Brooks’ “Year of Wonders,” a novel based on a true story where young housemaid Anna Frith challenges the superstition and isolation that takes hold when a plague infects a small village.  

And Krista wrote to rave about Dodie Smith’s “I Capture the Castle.” 

“I love that book,” she said, “Sisters, hidden stories about their father … And there’s a recent movie that’s pretty faithful to the book.”

Pat suggests the novel “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman.

I had many suggestions for “Lessons in Chemistry,” a best-seller that takes on some weighty themes about feminism and power.

And Neil is a fan of Elizabeth Strout and suggestted “Olive Kitteridge” and “My Name is Lucy Barton.”

— Kerri Miller | MPR News