10+ Best Books for 6-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect books for 6-year-old girls? You're in the right place! Whether you're aiming to spark her imagination, introduce new adventures, or simply find a delightful read, we've curated a variety of choices that are sure to captivate her young mind. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books that are just right for 6-year-old girls, each promising to be a hit!

Fun Books for 6-Year-Old Girls

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story features a box of crayons that goes on strike, each color writing a letter to their owner, Duncan, explaining why they are frustrated.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and creative story that encourages problem-solving and empathy, while also introducing young readers to the concept of perspective.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy colorful illustrations and playful stories.

• Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Nancy loves all things fancy, from her elaborate outfits to her sophisticated vocabulary. Each story explores Nancy's adventures and mishaps in her quest for elegance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s great for vocabulary development and teaches valuable lessons about self-expression and confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who love dressing up and learning new, fancy words.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and a love for science in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and curious minds.

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. This series follows her adventures as she balances her royal duties with her secret identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, humor, and adventure, making reading fun while also breaking traditional gender stereotypes.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about princesses and superheroes alike.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Alone in her room at night, she constructs great inventions from odds and ends. The story centers on the theme of persevering through failure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and resilience, teaching kids that it's okay to fail as long as you keep trying.
  • Perfect for: Budding inventors and creative thinkers.

Educational Books for 6-Year-Old Girls

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Alice Rumphius as she seeks to fulfill her grandfather's advice to travel the world, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, artistic appreciation, personal responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to think about how they can contribute positively to the world, wrapped in beautifully illustrated pages.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who dream of adventures and making a difference.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young Korean girl, feels anxious about being accepted in her new American school, so she decides to choose a new name. Her classmates help her realize the beauty and significance of her real name.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, self-acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of cultural identity and being proud of who you are through a touching story.
  • Perfect for: Girls learning about diversity and the value of their unique identity.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Creativity
  • Synopsis: Vashti believes she cannot draw, but her teacher encourages her to start with a dot on a piece of paper. This simple act leads her to discover her creative potential.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-expression, confidence in one's abilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages girls to explore their artistic side and shows how a small step can lead to a big journey in self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who doubts their own abilities.

• I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Self-Esteem
  • Synopsis: This is a lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, respect, kindness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and affirming book that promotes positive self-image and respect for others.
  • Perfect for: Girls needing a boost in confidence and a reminder of their inherent worth.

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Julian loves mermaids. When he sees women dressed as mermaids on the subway, he dreams of becoming one too, leading to a sweet, supportive encounter with his abuela.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, individuality, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates self-expression and acceptance, beautifully illustrated to captivate young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring their identity and those enchanted by the magic of mermaids.

Challenging Books for 6-Year-Old Girls

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, distant parents. Her discovery of telekinetic powers coincides with meeting her nurturing teacher, Miss Honey, and facing the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and complex character dynamics, presenting themes of justice and personal courage.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's love for reading and learning, along with her fight against unfair authority, provides inspiration and a powerful example of resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are advanced in their literacy skills and enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures from being banished from his mouse community to saving the princess.
  • Why this book is challenging: It interweaves multiple narratives and features sophisticated themes like bravery, forgiveness, and light versus darkness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and empathy through its complex characters and their intertwining plots.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate a deep, morally engaging story.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms upon discovering a neglected garden at her uncle's house. She, along with her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, bring the garden back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses formal language and explores deep themes of loss, healing, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that teaches about the healing power of nature and the joy of nurturing others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about discovery and personal growth.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Lauren Child
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book follows her wild adventures and her interactions with the neighboring children, Tommy and Annika.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's adventures and the imaginative language challenge conventional thinking and encourage creative problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's independence and unconventional outlook on life inspire freedom and confidence in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Girls who love spirited characters and humorous adventures.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world with peculiar creatures and surreal experiences. The narrative follows her whimsical adventures as she tries to navigate this strange world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The play on logic and complex wordplay provide a rich, intellectually stimulating experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands imagination and encourages a playful exploration of language and logic.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and those who delight in puzzling scenarios and whimsical tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 6-year-old girl develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance their skills in a playful way. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a cozy, dedicated space for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a special and inviting place.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with her favorite cushions, toys, or decorations.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Keep the predictions fun and light; it’s okay if they’re not always right!

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through the pictures in a book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and context before the story begins.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to spark curiosity and engagement.

• Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair her up with a friend or family member for reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can improve communication skills.
  • Tips: They can take turns reading or discuss the story as they go.

• Book Choice
  • What it is: Allow her to pick her own books during your next visit to the library or bookstore.
  • How it helps: Increases motivation and interest in reading when she has a say in what to read.
  • Tips: Guide her towards age-appropriate books but let her make the final choice.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the story and characters.
  • Tips: Keep it fun and encourage creativity in how scenes are interpreted.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading milestones and achievements.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress report and motivates continued effort.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a small treat for reaching milestones.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about building a lifelong love for books. By incorporating these fun activities, you'll help her develop not only her reading skills but also her creativity, analytical skills, and love for literature. So, grab a book and let the adventures begin!