Top 8 Best Catholic Books for Girls
Catholic literature offers young girls a unique opportunity to deepen their faith while navigating the challenges of growing up. These books combine spiritual guidance with practical advice, helping girls understand their worth as daughters of God. Reading Catholic books can strengthen a girl’s relationship with her faith during formative years, providing role models through saints’ stories and offering wisdom that secular books might not address. Let’s explore eight exceptional Catholic books that can nurture a girl’s spiritual journey.
1. The Catholic Notetaking Bible: Blessed Is She Edition (NABRE)
This beautiful Bible combines the full text of the New American Bible, Revised Edition with ample space for personal reflection. Girls can engage with Scripture in a hands-on way through notetaking, journaling, or creative expression in the margins. The single-column format and hand-lettered quotes make this an inviting Bible specifically designed for Catholic women.
Key Features:
- Wide margins on high-quality paper for notetaking and journaling
- Hand-lettered quotes throughout for inspiration
- Hardcover design for durability
- Uses the NABRE translation (the same version used at Mass in the United States)
- Single-column format for easier reading
Reader Feedback: Reviewers consistently praise this Bible’s quality and functionality. Many highlight how the wide margins allow for personal reflections and notes during Bible studies. Some users mention the pages are somewhat thin and delicate, with one reviewer noting that removing misplaced Bible tabs can tear the paper. Overall, readers love the combination of beautiful design and practicality, with several mentioning they’ve added tabs to make navigation easier.
2. Princesses of Heaven: The Flowers
Written and illustrated by Disney artist Fabiola Garza, this picture book presents female saints as “princesses of heaven.” The book features St. Joan of Arc, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Narcisa de Jesus, St. Lucy Yi Zhenmei, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, introducing young girls to these spiritual role models through stunning illustrations and age-appropriate stories.
Key Features:
- Beautiful Disney-inspired illustrations
- Age-appropriate saint stories for children 3-8
- Hardcover picture book format
- Features diverse female saints from different cultures and time periods
- Presents saints as spiritual princesses with crowns
Reader Feedback: Parents and grandparents rave about how this book appeals to young girls, especially those with “princess fever.” Many reviewers mention that their daughters or granddaughters request these stories repeatedly. The illustrations receive particular praise for their Disney-like quality, making the saints accessible to young children. Some reviewers note that while the stories are simple, the concept of showcasing female saints as heroines makes this book valuable despite the brief narratives.
3. Bloom: Unfolding the Beauty of Femininity in Light of the Son
This interactive guide helps mothers and daughters (ages 8-15) navigate puberty and femininity from a Catholic perspective. Stacy Halbach offers insights on topics ranging from physical changes to friendships, boundaries, and prayer, all grounded in Catholic teachings and featuring guidance from female saints.
Key Features:
- Interactive format for mothers and daughters to work through together
- Covers puberty, healthy habits, boundaries, bullies, friendships, and prayer
- Incorporates teachings from the Catechism and guidance from 12 female saints
- Includes activities for mothers and daughters to do together
- Appropriate for girls ages 8-15
Reader Feedback: Mothers consistently praise this book as an excellent resource for bonding with their daughters while discussing important topics. Many appreciate the Catholic perspective on puberty and femininity, noting that it creates natural opportunities for meaningful conversations. Reviewers particularly value the activities that strengthen the mother-daughter relationship. Most comments highlight how the book presents age-appropriate information in a faith-filled context, making difficult conversations more natural.
4. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God
This award-winning book features 50 women of faith from diverse backgrounds who used their God-given talents to make a difference in the world. From well-known figures like Corrie ten Boom and Florence Nightingale to lesser-known heroines, these brief biographies inspire girls to discover their own gifts and use them for God’s glory.
Key Features:
- 50 one-page biographies of influential Christian women
- Beautiful illustrations accompanying each story
- Hardcover format for durability
- Diverse representation of women from different eras and backgrounds
- Winner of Christianity Today’s 2021 Book Award for Children & Youth
Reader Feedback: Readers appreciate how this book introduces girls to inspiring female role models of faith. Many parents mention that the short, engaging stories keep children’s attention while still conveying powerful messages. Reviewers note that the book appeals to a wide age range and serves as a springboard for discussions about important topics like racism, education, and standing up for one’s beliefs. Several mention buying additional copies as gifts after seeing their own daughters’ positive responses.
5. Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
This interactive journal helps girls explore their identity and purpose through a Catholic lens. Combining beautiful artwork, journaling prompts, quizzes, and inspirational quotes from female saints, the journal encourages girls to embrace their authentic selves as God created them to be.
Key Features:
- Colorful artwork and creative journaling prompts
- Inspirational quotes from seven female saints
- Includes passages from Scripture and the Catechism
- Space for creative expression and personal reflection
- Suitable for girls ages 9 and up
Reader Feedback: Parents and grandparents praise this journal for its thought-provoking content and beautiful design. Many mention that it serves as a great conversation starter with their daughters. Reviewers appreciate the Catholic themes and values throughout, with several noting that the journal allows girls to explore their emotions while staying grounded in faith. A few reviewers mentioned the price seemed high for the number of pages, but most felt the quality and content justified the cost.
6. The Catholic Girl’s Guide
Written by Father Francis Xavier Lasance in the early 20th century, this classic devotional provides timeless guidance for Catholic girls. Despite its age, the book offers enduring wisdom on faith, virtue, and navigating life with Christ at the center.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive guide to Catholic devotions and practices
- Three “books” in one compact volume
- Classic Catholic instruction and spiritual direction
- Small enough to carry in a purse
- Written by a priest who received a special blessing from Pope Pius XI
Reader Feedback: Modern readers find surprising relevance in this century-old guide. Many praise its comprehensive spiritual direction and practical advice. Reviewers appreciate the specific guidelines it provides for various situations, explaining not just what to do but why. Some mention keeping it with them always, using it for prayers after Mass or morning devotions. The compact size receives particular praise, making it easy to carry everywhere.
7. The Catholic Girl’s Survival Guide for the Single Years
Emily Stimpson tackles the challenges of single life for Catholic women with humor, wisdom, and faith. Grounded in Church teachings on femininity, marriage, and theology of the body, this book addresses vocation, dating, sex, finances, work, depression, and other pressing questions single women face.
Key Features:
- Practical advice on navigating the single years
- Based on Catholic teachings about femininity and vocation
- Addresses dating, work, finances, and other real-life concerns
- Combines wit and wisdom with solid theology
- Honest and hopeful approach to single life
Reader Feedback: Single Catholic women praise this book for its practical approach and refreshing honesty. Many readers mention feeling like they’re having a conversation with a good friend rather than reading a book. Reviewers appreciate that it covers all aspects of single life—not just dating—including friendships, education, work, and finances. Some mention that it’s suitable for a wide age range, from high school juniors to women in their 30s or beyond. International readers occasionally note that some content seems specific to American culture.
8. Girl Saints for Little Ones Volume 2
This beautifully illustrated book introduces young girls to inspiring female saints through vibrant artwork and simple biographies. Each saint’s story includes a quote and explanation of a special symbol in the illustration, helping children connect with Catholic art and tradition.
Key Features:
- Vibrant illustrations of female saints
- Short, child-friendly biographies
- Includes quotes from each saint
- Explains symbolic elements in Catholic art
- Suitable for ages 4-12
Reader Feedback: Parents and grandparents praise this book for introducing children to less well-known female saints. Many mention keeping copies in the car to keep children engaged during church services. Reviewers appreciate the combination of beautiful illustrations, simple text, and educational content about Catholic symbolism. Some note that the cover is thin and could bend easily, but the overall quality of the content receives high marks. A few potential buyers wished the book description listed which saints were included.
These eight books offer Catholic girls resources for every stage of development, from picture books for the youngest readers to journals and guides for teens and young adults. By combining faith formation with engaging content, these books help girls grow in their understanding of Catholic womanhood while navigating the challenges of modern life.