Good books for Teen girls?

[Confusedbutheyho]

I used to be an avid reader when younger but sadly my teen hasn’t got in to it but has said she’d like to and has been going through some books in lockdown.

She struggles with her self esteem lately and doesn’t believe in herself enough.

Can anyone recommend books that empower or failing that, something a sixteen year old could get their teeth into?

Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series about a very clever young woman solving crimes. Her London series is excellent too.

I’m currently reading Fiona Quinn’s Lynx series. The heroine might be a bit good at everything to be believable, but it’s fun to read about a young woman who is really good at ninja skills amongst other stuff.

Julie Mulhern’s Fields Guides about Poppy Fields Hollywood It Girl and international spy.

And Julie Moffat’s Lexi Carmichael series.

More in the literary mode, although still very readable - Jane Gardam’s Bilgewater and the Australian classic Kylie Tennant’s Ride on Stranger.

Also, I keep forgetting to suggest Sarah Dessen, she’s a lovely writer. I particularly enjoyed Lock and Key.

My 16yo DD has been enjoying reading Caitlin Moran.

I’m 16 and like your DD have low self esteem. Here are some of the books I have read and enjoyed and can recommend —

Anna Karenina. Absolutely amazing story. At the beginning I wasn’t that into it for the first few chapters but I persisted and in the end loved it! It is one of my favourite books.

The road to avalon is an amazing book too. I read this after watching Merlin and can highly recommend; beautiful story.

A little life. I read this with a pinch of salt—and not all people may be able to read it. Personally I found it to be an amazing book. Trigger warning for mentions of self harm and sexual abuse.

Other books on my reading list are — Jane Eyre, labyrinth (FWIW, many gcse papers actually had an extract from this which I noticed when I began reading!), the fault in our stars, Dracula, and Gone With The Wind

I’m two thirds of the way through On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves. About a 16-year-old boy and his female tutor who have to survive on a desert island after their plane crashes.
Easy reading but thought provoking.

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly? About one of Cinderella's 'ugly' stepsisters finding her self confidence (more historical novel feel than fantasy genre?)

The Virals series by Kathy & Brendan Reichs

14 year old girl finds herself and grows up on an island with her father and friends.

Women Dont Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

I recommend the Roller Girls books by Megan Sparks. Cheesy writing in places, but fun to read. Lots of strong teenage girls learning how to value themselves and their friendships. www.goodreads.com/series/108770-roller-girls

Thank you all so much for your kind responses, I’m on to those suggestions.

Dd15 is really enjoying Little Fires Everywhere. She also recently liked The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Witchborn