Getting your kids to develop a love of reading can be an uphill battle, they either love it or they don’t, but girls in particular usually discover a love for the written word around the age of 10-14, a crucial time to get them into books before they become too busy with the demands of being a fully fledged teenager. From the classics to the more recent bestsellers, here are our top picks for Fourteen Books For Girls Under 14.

Looking For Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

Josephine Alibrandi is in her final year at high school and is searching for her identity. This is the year she meets her father, falls in love and finds out the real truth about her family. A terrific coming-of-age, multi-award winning novel that was eventually made into a movie.

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Written by best selling author, Judy Blume, Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret is the story of Margaret, who, after moving, starting a new school and finding new friends, believes she is completely abnormal. Too embarrassed to talk to her parents about her concerns, she speaks to God instead. A classic teen novel.

The Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares

Set in the American summer, friends Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen are preparing to spend their first holidays away from each other. When Carmen buys a pair of second hand jeans, the girls agree to share the pants amongst them (sending them to various destinations) and when the summer is over, they will share their favourite adventures had in them.

Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Made best sellers by the hugely popular movie trilogy, these books follow the journey of Katniss Everdeen and her family and friends in a bid to first win the Hunger Games, then save her family, and then save Panem (formerly known as North America). An amazing storyline, based on strength and loyalty, perfectly suited to send a message to young women.

Harry Potter: The Complete Collection by J.K. Rowling

No book list for kids would be complete without everyone’s favourite wizard. Harry Potter has taken the world by storm and will be loved by many generations to come. Widely recognised as being just as good, if not better, than the movies, these novels bring the magical world of Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts to life for kids and parents alike. A must have for every child.

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

Inspiring the blockbuster hit movie, the Divergent Trilogy (Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant), these books are currently on the bestselling young adult novels list. Beatrice Prior makes a choice that shocks everyone and changes her life forever when she joins the Dauntless faction, despite being Divergent. Following the theme of a young woman fighting for the survival of herself and her friends and family, these books are suitable for the older pre-teen and make a great introduction to adult fiction.

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Now I will admit, even I got into these! The Mortal Instruments series is the story of Clary Fray, a seemingly normal teenage girl who is thrown into the world of Downworlders and Shadowhunters when her mother is kidnapped in the first book. She falls in love with Jace, the dangerous Shadowhunter and their crusade to save the world from Valentine and Sebastian Morgenstern (and various other deviants) is only ever overshadowed by their sweet love story. The series includes City Of Bones, City Of Ashes, City Of Glass, City Of Fallen Angels, City Of Lost Souls and City Of Heavenly Fire.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

An absolute classic, Charlotte’s Web has made a substantial and lasting contribution to the world of literature for children. It is the story of Fern and her little pig Wilbur, who is facing the fate of most little fat pigs. A clever spider named Charlotte devises a plan to keep Wilbur safe by writing in her web. A beautiful story.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I’m yet to find a woman who didn’t read this book as a child. Sullen and bratty Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle after her parents death and is left to her own devices in a huge manor house and accompanying gardens. She befriends her cousin, Colin, who is supposedly unwell and on his deathbed. The discovery of a secret garden hidden behind a wall and in ruins becomes a restoration project for Mary, Colin and the housemaid’s brother Dickon, leading to a new lease on life for everybody.

Little Women by Louise May Alcott

Based in Civil War New England, sisters Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth have become some of literature’s most beloved women. This is the story of their struggles and celebrations as they become women, from love and betrayal to tragedy and travel.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Written by one of the most loved children’s and young adult authors, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary little girl named….Matilda. Despite horrible parents and a neglectful upbringing, Matilda teaches herself to read at a very young age, has an outstandingly high IQ and later, finds her miraculous brain has other abilities as well. All Roald Dahld books are must-reads for kids, but Matilda has a little extra something for the girls.

Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein

So funny and typically Australian, Hating Alison Ashley is the story of Erica Yurken, a bogan from a bogan neighbourhood who believes she is destined for a glittering career on stage and screen. Far better than any of her classmates, even the teachers at her impoverished school, that is, until Alison Ashley turns up one day and ruins everything.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Truly magical and one of the best books ever written, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is about 2 sisters, Susan and Lucy, and 2 brothers, Peter and Edmund, who find a magical world inside an old wardrobe. Discovered first by Lucy, Narnia is a place filled with mystical creatures loyal to Aslan and terrified of the White Witch. The children soon realise it is their destiny to help free the creatures of Narnia.

The Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell

Hunted by men and fellow horses, a silver brumby is special. Thowra is a silver stallion, king of the brumbies and defends his herd from The Brolga, a savage, mighty horse. But The Brolga is not the only danger facing the herd; Thowra must now protect them from man as well.

What were your favourite books as a young child? Do you have any more classics, or new ones, to add to our list?