The Paper Bag Princess
Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko
The shortest, sharpest version of the idea, with the best last line.
Children's books about brave girls who go their own way
None of these heroines waits to be rescued, and none of them is a lesson in disguise. Boys love them too.
The Girl, The Lights & The Prince
Kisszu
A curious girl leaves the forest she grew up in, and finds out who she is.
Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren
Nobody has ever told Pippi what to do. Nobody will.
Matilda
Roald Dahl & Quentin Blake
For older kids: brains against the worst adults in fiction.