Children love reading books about characters that look just like them, and representation is important.

The following is a list of 10 books for children that feature a redheaded child as the main character. If you have a young redhead in your life, these should help them feel included and seen. Of course, learning about the life experiences of people from diverse backgrounds can also be incredibly beneficial to children, so these books are also great for teaching kids empathy.

1. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Ages 9-14, but much loves by adults, too! This timeless classic has been a children’s favourite for generations and tells the story of Anne Shirley, a red-haired orphan with a fierce temper. Bounced between foster homes, she’s eventually sent to a a family by mistake, instead of the boy they were expecting. A must for every red-headed girl (and anyone else)  interested in what is now historical fiction.

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2. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Ages 6-9. The crazy adventures of Pippi Longstocking are a true classic. The mysterious Pippi who lives parent-free with her pet monkey and the horse on her porch is always up to some mischief and her adventures with her neighbours are hilarious and timeless. Of course, she is just as famous for her red pigtails!

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3. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Ages 2-5. The first of a series of books about red-headed Madeline, a courageous, endearing heroine living in a boarding school in Paris. This children’s classic is still hugely popular, over 75 years after it was written!

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4. Mop Top by Don Freeman

Ages 2-5. The story of Moppy, a redheaded boy who refuses to get a haircut…until he’s mistaken for an actual mop at the store and realises he has no choice but to face the barber.

5. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Ages 7-10. The hero of this highly successful series of books that has been turned into a series of popular movies is Hiccup, a redheaded Viking Boy. This is the first book in the series (you can also get the collected series here). Essential reading for boys and girls who enjoy fantasy and adventure and is especially inspiring for redheaded children.

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6. Little Redhead, Did You Know?  By William Sheerin

Ages 2-5. A cute rhyming book with endearing, funny illustrations, in a similar style to Dr. Seuss. It gives fun little facts about redheads and encourages redheaded children to embrace their uniqueness. Written by a parent to redheaded children.

7. The Girl With The Flaming Red Hair By Joyce Murphy

Ages 0-7. A fun picture book in verse, celebrating children with red hair. An inspiring book that teaches children to embrace diversity and love themselves and what makes them stand apart.

8. Cutie Sue and the Darkness by Kate Melton

Ages 3-6. The first in a series of fun, educational books with positive messages. This one deals with fear of the dark, while others deal with things like doctor visits, self-discipline and a healthy lifestyle, and taking responsibility for pets.

9. The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Ages 4-6. A fun story about a girl with wild, red hair, who struggles to tame it when she starts going to school. With vivid illustrations and a positive message of acceptance, this is a great book for redheaded girls just starting first grade.

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10. Claire Blair’s Unruly Hair by Tara Cavosie

Ages 4-6. This book actually comes in four different versions, each with different coloured hair to match the hair of the little girl you’re buying it for! While the theme is more about wild, curly hair, the message of self-love and acceptance is perfect for teaching children to embrace their uniqueness.
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Know of any more books that will appeal to red-haired children? Let us know in the comments below!

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