5 Underrated YA Books with Powerful Female Leads

When discussing powerful female protagonists in YA fiction, names like Katniss Everdeen or Hermione Granger dominate the conversation. Beyond the spotlight are incredible young women written with nuance, strength, and soul—characters you might not have heard of but need on your radar. Here are five underrated YA books with strong female leads who’ll stick with you long after the final chapter.

💫 5 Underrated YA Books with Strong Female Leads You Need on Your Shelf

1. The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf

Lead: Melati Ahmad

Set during the 1969 race riots in Kuala Lumpur, this gripping novel follows Melati, a Beatles-loving teen with OCD, as she navigates a city in chaos. Her strength doesn’t come from superpowers—it comes from survival, resilience, and confronting mental illness in a world that doesn’t understand it. Melati’s voice is raw, courageous, and unforgettable, making her a character you can't help but relate to.

2. A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

Lead: Zarin Wadia

Zarin has a reputation. In her conservative Saudi community, she’s labeled "trouble" before anyone bothers to know her. This haunting, layered novel explores identity, judgment, and strength in the face of relentless societal pressure. Zarin’s story isn’t an easy one—but it’s undeniably powerful.

3. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Lead: Jane McKeene

A genre-bending mash-up of historical fiction and zombie horror, this book follows Jane, a sharp-witted, biracial girl trained to fight the undead in an alternate post–Civil War America. Jane isn’t just tough—she’s brilliant, rebellious, and politically aware. Think Buffy meets Underground Railroad, and you’re halfway there.

4. Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz

Lead: Etta

Etta is a Black, bisexual ex-ballerina who doesn’t quite fit anywhere—not in her small town, not in her former friend group, and not even in the LGBTQ+ support group where she’s seen as "not queer enough." But her journey through rejection, ambition, and fierce self-acceptance makes her a force of nature. This book is a beautifully messy celebration of in-between identities.

5. Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

Lead: Mercy Wong

In 1906 San Francisco, Mercy Wong—determined, Chinese-American, and absolutely unstoppable—talks her way into a prestigious girls' school. Mercy becomes a true leader among her peers when a devastating earthquake strikes. It’s a historical novel with a heart-pounding pace and an empowering core.

✨ Final Thoughts from Shelf Care Daily

 Not all heroes wear capes—and not all strong girls shout. Sometimes power looks like surviving, speaking up, being yourself in a world that says not to, or helping others when everything falls apart. These heroines, each unique in their own way, deserve your time, your love, and a space on your shelf.

Which underrated YA heroine do you love? We'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Let’s talk in the comments or on IG @shelfcaredaily!