11 Lessons We've Learned From Young Heroines in Literature

Nancy Drew is a 16-year-old amateur sleuth when the Nancy Drew books began in the '30s, and in later versions she's 18. But right from the get-go of the young detective's first appearance — in The Secret of the Old Clock — we're in awe of her talent for solving mysteries, athletic abilities, and extensive knowledge in everything from psychology and painting to French and cooking.

Quoted: "Romance and detective work won't mix tonight!"