1. A Little Princess

Available on Amazon: amazon.com

One of the best classic books to read with your daughter is A Little Princess, the story of a loved and doted-upon girl who becomes an orphaned pauper on the death of her wealthy father. When she must become a servant at the school at which she was to be educated, she has just her vivid imagination to keep her going. There are many versions of this book to appeal to different ages: the unabridged for more advanced readers, the Classic Starts edition (ideal for 7-9 year olds) and heavily abridged and illustrated versions for even younger readers.

2. Little Women

Available on Amazon: amazon.com

Louisa May Alcott’s story needs no introduction, being one of the best loved books of all time. There are many different versions available of different lengths and levels of complexity, so you can still enjoy this story with your daughter if she’s a little young for the full version.

3. What Katy Did

Available on Amazon: amazon.com

The depiction of gender roles in Susan Coolidge’s novel are now totally outdated (it was published in 1872), but this could form the foundation of a discussion about how much things have changed over time. The story of Katy’s transformation after a nasty accident still has a real charm and a lesson to teach though, even today.

4. Lizzie Dripping

Available on Amazon: amazon.com

Helen Cresswell’s Lizzie is a dreamer with whom many little girls will be able to identify. In this first book, she befriends a witch, but no one believes her because they think it’s just Lizzie being Lizzie! There are other books in the series to enjoy too, and though many are now out of print you can usually pick them up secondhand.

5. Charlotte’s Web

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Animal lovers will love this tale of a pig rescued by a spider called Charlotte. It really captures the magic of growing up on a farm, and has deservedly become a real classic. If your daughter loves this book as much as I did, try Stuart Little next, which is by the same author.

6. Ballet Shoes

Available on Amazon: amazon.com

This is the first in Noel Streatfield’s series of three ‘shoe’ books and it follows three orphans who are determined to find success as dancers. It’s also a million miles better than the ballet-related books that are churned out in mass quantities today.

7. Anne Frank: the Diary of a Young Girl

Available on Amazon: amazon.com

If you’re thinking of reading something a bit different with your daughter, Anne Frank’s famous diary is an excellent choice. It’s not the diary of a dewy-eyed schoolgirl like it’s often portrayed to be, but the honest scribblings of a teenager with a great deal of personality, and you can see a fascinating but heartbreaking period of history through her eyes.

Whether you choose anything on this list or something that you enjoyed as a child (or an adult!), it’s definitely worth reading some classic books with your daughter. Did your parents read any classic books with you and what classic books will you be reading with your daughter?