K is for Kick-Ass Kids

I feel that I'v done guys and girls, but this category just wouldn't be complete without this last group. There are a lot of kick-ass kids out there. In fact, I recently realized that four of my favorite book series all feature kids between the ages of twelve-fourteen. It's a poignant age to watch or read because kids that age are generally young enough to be fearless. To me, watching them move towards caution and eventual adulthood makes for one of the most emotional journeys in books or movies.

For this poll, I thought I'd mix it up with books, T.V. shows and movies, in hopes of having someone everyone knows.

We'll start with three kids everyone has at least heard of. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. These three definitely qualify as kick-ass in my book, given their loyalty to each other and their refusal to give up on bringing down the most evil wizard of all time.

Then there's Carl, from Walking Dead. For some reason, Carl seems to be universally hated on the internet, a fact I can't understand. People are saying he's psycho, or too cold, but how is he supposed to be, given that he's growing up in the middle of the zombie apocalypse? Geez, people. Give the kid a break!

Next I have Arya from Game of Thrones. There are too many reasons to list why this little girl is one of my all time favorite characters. Arya has the perfect combination of courage, fearlessness and her own brand of honor.

 And now, two of my favorites from books. Lyra and Will from His Dark Materials. I find them to be two of the most well-written characters I've ever read. They both read like kids, not little adults, yet--by the end of the series--they've grown up so much that you understand they're no longer really kids at all. Their story is heartbreaking and powerful and perfect all at the same time.

Sticking to books, I also love Jake from The Dark Tower series. Because, seriously, what's not to love about a twelve-year old that leaves behind the "real world" to fulfill his destiny as a Gunslinger? Especially when you take into consideration his love for his pet billy-bumbler, Oy.

Last book, then I promise to give you another movie. I can't resist adding Todd and Viola from His Chaos Walking. Watching as they fight their way through a dangerous world, navigating the numerous people who want to tear them apart, you can't help but root for them to make it.

And, lastly, how could I not name Hit-Girl from Kick-Ass? Her character is literally defined in the movie title.

So, to recap the choices, we have:

Harry, Ron and Hermione from the Harry Potter series

Carl from Walking Dead

Arya from Game of Thrones

Lyra and Will from His Dark Materials

Jake from The Dark Tower series

Todd and Viola from the Chaos Walking Trilogy

Hit-Girl from Kick Ass

As always, feel free to share your own choices in the comments!