“Hmmm . . . girl book or boy book? It doesn’t list a gender.”
Last time I discussed books on this blog, I listed some MG/YA fiction recommendations for girls. I’ve had some really interesting discussions with colleagues (and by that I mean “noodled around on Twitter”) about whether there really are such things as MG/YA “girl” and “boy” books. The truth is, there probably aren’t. So if you think boys would enjoy the books below, go ahead and recommend them. But they all have female protagonists . . . just so you know. 
For more detailed summaries of the books, click on the title below the cover pic, which takes you to Amazon.
Matilda Bone, by Karen Cushman. I think, of all Cushman’s MG and YA books I’ve read thus far, this is one of the funniest. Plunging a character into a world she was so utterly unprepared for made for laugh-out-loud moments. Though I did feel that a bit more sympathy for Matilda was warranted. Who wouldn’t feel put out doing dirty work when all you want to do is be with books? Surely, some of us have that problem, no? 
Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter, by Astrid Lindgren. All anyone ever seems to know about this author is that she wrote Pippi Longstocking, but she did so much more. This is one of those things: an MG book about girls doing boy things before it was popular. If you like Pippi Longstocking, you’ll LOVE Ronia. She’s even wilder than Pippi, if that can be believed. A great and early example of a tough, resourceful, and caring heroine in children’s literature.
The Little Gymnast by Shelia Haigh. Although I quit gymnastics when I was six, I held onto this book a lot longer. I love Anda’s no-nonsense approach to achieving her dream. At the time I read it, she seemed very wise for such a young girl. Definitely get this MG book for the talented dreamer in your life–gymnast or otherwise!
The Fairy Rebel by Lynn Reid Banks. I wore this MG book down to utter scruffiness during my “formative” years. In a completely straightforward way, it makes you believe that the magic contained therein could actually happen. I fell in love with the characters as well, from Tiki (the fairy who wanted to wear only blue jeans) to the evil and controlling fairy queen. Well, okay; I didn’t really fall in love with queen. After all, she was evil! But the book is still an all-time fav.
Do you have any MG or YA book recommendations for girls? Or guys? If so, please unleash them in the comments.
(Top image by pedrosimoes7)