These gals were the realest.

Kristy Thomas, The Baby-Sitters Club series

Kristy Thomas led the Baby-Sitters Club with an iron fist. She coached a Little League team, wouldn't be seen in anything but a turtleneck and jeans, and was *obviously* in love with Mary Anne. A baby butch if there ever was one.

Columbia Pictures

Jo March, Little Women

Jo would rather read and hang out with her sisters than go seeking romance and marriage.

Columbia Pictures

Jesminder Bhamra, Bend It Like Beckham

Jesminder refuses to let family pressure stand in the way of her dreams, rejecting ideas of what a girl her age should be doing and becoming a kickass soccer player. Also, just saying.

Red Bus

Arya Stark, Game of Thrones series

Arya Stark defines badass. She can wield a sword better than any boy her age and refuses to be a "lady". Arya holds her own against the terrifying Hound and just generally manages to stay alive in a world that is very unkind to young women.

HBO

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