Hunting has a lot of hurry up and wait. Hurry up and get packed up. Hurry up and get the vehicle loaded. Hurry up and get out there before first light. Then there is the wait. You wait and wait, still and silent. Hopefully, if it's a really good it ends with a surge of adrenaline and excitement and a whole lot of celebration over the harvest you've successfully taken.
The waiting can be, well boring. I'd like to say especially for kids but probably just as boring for adults. And we are so apt to pull out our phone to fill the downtime. Whether we are waiting in drive through line for less than a minute, the slow part of a movie, and certainly when we are sitting in the quiet woods just waiting for that game to step out. I think all ages are just as quick to grab a screen to fill the quiet.
I challenge you to not do this while you are hunting. And I challenge you to challenge your kids hunting with you. It is such a special time, sitting alone and quiet in nature. There is so much to learn and absorb just sitting there, listening and watching.
And what a great time it is to read. Stretch your imagination and brain. Check out our previous blog for five great reads to keep your girl hunting buddy occupied who is about 13 and younger. In this blog we are listing recommended reads for those outdoor girls who are 13 years old or so and older.
This list was compiled by my oldest daughter, the Lea in Lea Avery Gear, our line of outdoor hunting stuff just for girls. Because we raised daughters the books we have been drawn to as a family usually have a strong, independent, female lead.
Rebel Belle - by Rachel Hawkins - This fantasy book is about a southern belle, girly girl turned superhero. Who discovers that she is tasked with protecting a boy she is not a fan of, until she starts to fall for him. A light and funny read with lots of action and a little magic.
The Selection by Kiera Cass - This is the first in a book series as well. This plot takes place in the future and is a bit of a mash up between The Hunger Games, Cinderella and... the reality show the Batchlor. The main character enters into a competition to win the heart of the prince while still torn about what she thinks is her true love. Although, he is in a caste lower than her.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - This has got to be an obvious read while sitting in the woods, holding a bow. You have probably seen the movie starring Jennifer Lawrence (one of our fav female leads). But don't let that stop you from picking up the book. Sitting in a stand or blind you can almost imagine that you are Katniss Everdeen, competing for the honor of your District and rebelling against the Capitol.
Divergent by Veronica Roth - Also a book series (clearly, we like series). Also, a popular movie, this one starring Shailene Woodly (another fav female lead). But also, a great read sitting in the still and quiet of nature. This novel and series are perfect for outdoor girls. The main character Beatrice lives in a society that is divided into factions based on personality traits. Beatrice learns she is very unique in that she holds traits similar to three different factions, which she is instructed to keep a secret. She chooses to join Dauntless (the brave).
Storm Siren by Mary Weber - You guessed it, another trilogy. We are sure to keep you reading all hunting season long! This one is also a fantasy about a female main lead with elemental, paranormal powers. She is faced with two options, execution or become a weapon to defend her kingdom.
The Unbecoming of Myra Dyer - by Michelle Hodkin - This book is the first in a trilogy by this author. Myra loses three friends in an accident that left her physically unharmed but unconscious and with no memory of the accident. Afterwards her family moves to give her a fresh start, where she meets a boy. A teen romance ensues while together they explore the possibility that Myra may have phycological or paranormal abilities.
This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat, especially to read while in the quiet woods.
Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - The entire series takes you into the world of the Shadowhunters, who protect humans from evil. Clary is on a mission to find her mother who has disappeared and to learn more about her family and who she is. Packed with fantasy, werewolves, faeries, vampires, demons and angels you will get lost in this whole other universe.
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - Surprisingly on our list, this one is not a series. But it is a tear-jerker! Careful or your blurry eyes could cause you to miss your shot should that game you've been patiently waiting for finally step out while reading this one. A love story between teenagers with terminal cancer. This author is bestselling and the review for this book are nearly unanimously perfect.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer - This is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles series. The Lunar Chronicles are based on fairy tales such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White but in a world similar to Star Wars. Cinder
We hope that this list and all of the series tangled in them give you or your outdoor girl plenty to keep stay occupied and entertained while sitting and biding time waiting for the moment you are there for.
Introducing your daughter, niece or granddaughter to nature, hunting and other outdoor activities teaches her more skills that we can list. But a few of those being independence, conservation, confidence and strength. As well as obvious marksmanship and survival or outdoor skills.
What we love most is that it teaches them that girls are capable of these things. They are both an excellent hunter, shooter or archer and a beautiful, feminine girl.
Cultivating imagination with strong female lead characters supports all of the benefits of getting them outdoors with you in the first place.
