I remember in elementary school when I first picked up the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce not knowing that Alanna would become one of the women heroes of my childhood. This book starts with 8 year old Alanna unhappy with the prospect of marriage and babies. She cuts her hair short, changes her name to Alan, takes her brother’s place in the capital, and trains for knighthood in disguise. Alanna – along with Xena, Captain Janeway, Sailor Moon, and Buffy – quickly became a cornerstone in my life as a beloved heroine. Back then, there was only one copy of Alanna at the library. You had to special order it at the bookstore because fantasy had not yet made it to mainstream (pre Harry Potter and Hunger Games days). Recently the Quartet has been rereleased with updated covers. I talked to a bunch of boys and girls about the series at YallWest last year. I’m so happy that Alanna continues to inspire kids today. It’s truly a timeless story.