16. Katniss Everdeen as a role model — Past generations may have had Nancy Drew, The Babysitters' Club, and Ramona Quimby as role models, but we're inclined to say none of these past YA protagonists have been as brave, thoughtful, capable, flawed, and complicated as Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games. A warrior, a sister, a lover, a citizen, and a celebrity, Katniss shows that even through life-altering situations, she is, above all, an individual.

Photo: Murray Close