Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Willow is smart -- very smart. She's does well in school. Willow is good with computers, can hack into almost anything, and deciphers ancient texts in her spare time. She enjoys reading, programming, and friends. Despite being super smart, she respects other people's limitations.

While she's a bit clumsy and shy, Willow is pleasant and gets along with almost anyone. She is super cute, feminine, and has a gentle nature. By embracing her differences, Willow evolves from a shy introvert to a strong female character. She never limits herself and shows unparalleled bravery to protect the people she loves. She is able to keep healthy and lasting friendships and relationships.

Temperance "Bones" Brennan from Bones

Bones has become one of my favorite shows simply because of the Dr. Brennan character. She's a forensic anthropologist. She keeps her clothes on. She's intellectual, well-spoken, and multi-dimensional.

Dr. Brennan had a difficult childhood in and out of the foster care system. Her family life, at best, is a jumbled mess. Despite this, she has at least 2 doctorate degrees. She rationalizes almost every action and is highly analytical. Her intellectual abilities make her a leader in her field.

In her spare time, Dr. Brennan writes bestselling crime novels. She is trained in martial arts and has a legally registered gun. Dr. Brennan knows at least seven languages. While Dr. Brennan is occasionally involved with males, they don't define her character and often disappear after a few shows. She is devoted and dedicated to her work -- something which she excels at beautifully.

Dr. Brennan's weakness is sometimes being overly analytical and cold. A psychologist on Bones suggested that she used her analytical nature as a defense mechanism.

(Kathy Reich, the creator of this character, is even more interesting and amazing... but not fictional, so I'll leave that for another blog.)

Princess Cimorene from Dealing With Dragons

Princess Cimorene is one of my all time favorite literary characters. She's feisty, smart, and motivated. When I have a daughter, this is one of the first books she's getting. What more could you ask for?

Princess Cimorene grows up frustrated with her sheltered life. She is very against any proper princess-ly duties and decides instead to go and get abducted by a dragon. The princess packs her bags, spends many days hiking to the dragons layer, and then demands the dragons abduct her.

Many princes come to challenge her dragon and save her. She turns them away, muttering rudely at them or directing them to princesses that want to be saved. She gets so frustrated by being bothered constantly that she puts up signs that the roads are washed out. She also tells off a few nasty dragons and wizards.

In her spare time, she becomes adept at magic. She works hard and enjoys it. Oh yeah, and she uncovers a devious plot to overthrow the dragon kingdom and saves the day. She's all around a strong, interesting, and neat character. Every little girl should grow up with this book.

Velma Dinkley from Scooby Doo

Who could forget Velma's bright orange sweater, red skirt, and clunky glasses? She dresses modestly and relies on her brains. What could be more awesome?

Without Velma, it's likely Mystery Inc. would cease to exist. Unlike Daphne,--who is always clinging to Fred for protection and getting abducted/seduced-- Velma usually manages to take care of herself. She is the brains of the operation and 90% of the time she solves the mystery! On top of that, Velma and Fred work together to devise criminal catching devices/traps. She doesn't shy away from unmasking criminals once they're caught, either!

In addition to her usual crime solving skills, Velma has a multitude of awesome talents. She has been known to decipher Chinese writing, operate communications equipment and computers, read scientific data/formulas, and is a history buff.

Velma still has her weaknesses. She often loses her glasses -- without them she's blinder than a sound deaf bat.