11 Children's Books That Pass the Bechdel Test

No, I'd never heard of the Bechdel Test before either. But it's a great concept. Two named female characters in a book have to have a discussion about something other than a man. Not every conversation of course, but some conversation along the way that doesn't mention a man. Originally a description of gender bias in film, this fun list applies it to kids books.


1. Matilda - Roald Dahl

2. The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis (well 2 and a bit of 7)

3. Beezus & Ramona - Beverly Cleary

4. Harriet the Spy - Louise Fitzhugh (see my review)

5. Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery

6. The Witches - Roald Dahl (see my review)

7.  Number the Stars - Lois Lowry

8. Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate Di Camillo

9. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares

10. The Baby-Sitters Club Series - Ann M. Martin

11. Charlotte's Web - E.B. White

7/11

Actually I've just realised that I did hear of Alison Bechdel very recently when The Book Club read her graphic novel/memoir Fun Home (Series 10 episode 3), and now I've seen it pop up in a book vlog this week too.