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Penguin books that inspired young readers

Features

The Penguin books that inspired generations of young readers

Jacqueline Wilson's Girls books: Girls In Love, Girls Under Pressure, Girls Out Late, Girls In Tears and the new adult book, Think Again.

Jacqueline Wilson’s Girls books: Girls In Love, Girls Under Pressure, Girls Out Late, Girls In Tears and the new adult book, Think Again.

Everything that happened in the Jacqueline Wilson Girls series

Image showing some of the best books of 2024, including Think Again, PATRIOT, The City and its Uncertain Walls and An African History of Africa

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Must-read books of 2024: A look back at the year’s most exciting releases

An illustration by Nick Sharratt of the characters Tracy Beaker and Katy. Tracy is jumping in the air with joy and Katy is swinging from a rope and laughing. They are both against a light blue, doodled background 

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Children's reading lists

Where to start with Jacqueline Wilson’s books

An illustration by Rachael Dean showing the characters Emily, Daisy, Lily and Natalie from The Best Sleepover in the World sitting on a bed talking together.

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Children's quizzes

Quiz: What type of sleepover should you have?

An illustration by Rachael Dean showing the characters from The Best Sleepover in the World all dancing together

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Crafts & activities

Have the best sleepover in the world with this activity pack

An illustration by Rachael Dean from The Best Sleepover in the World showing Emily, Daisy, Lily and Natalie all enjoying a sleepover at Daisy and Lily's house. All the girls are in bed watching a film together.

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Extracts

The Best Sleepover in the World by Jacqueline Wilson

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The best Penguin Podcast episodes for aspiring writers

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Reading lists

The book to read based on your favourite Taylor Swift song

An image of a selection of childrens books about love on a pink background. There is a light pink splodge filled with light pink crosses

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15 of the best children’s books about love

An illustration by Nick Sharratt from the front cover of Sleepovers. It shows all five girls tucked up in bed

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Sleepovers by Jacqueline Wilson

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Are you a Tracy Beaker or a Jess Beaker?

The official Double Act quiz: Ruby or Garnet?

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Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline Wilson

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Jacqueline Wilson: ‘Tracy Beaker has the most bizarre and quirky imagination of all’

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14 of the best Tracy Beaker quotes

An illustration from the book Wave Me Goodbye by Jacqueline Wilson of the main character Shirley holding her suitcase and waving

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Wave Me Goodbye by Jacqueline Wilson

A photo of the book Rose Rivers by Jacqueline Wilson on a wooden background

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Rose Rivers by Jacqueline Wilson

20 Powerful First Lines To Get You Hooked On A Story

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18 powerful first lines to get you hooked on a story

A photo of the book The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson on a wooden background

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The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson

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9 Jacqueline Wilson characters you must get to know

Esme Pepper

A funny, heartbreaking and hopeful story of one girl's resilience, from the author of the bestselling Tracy Beaker series. 
 
Esme's mum would do anything for her, including trying to steal the expensive dolls house that Esme desperately wants. When Mum gets caught, Esme has to go into foster care. 
 
When a placement proves hard to find, Esme has to stay with an elderly couple who have retired from fostering. She knows she only has to stay until Mum gets back, but she still has to deal with a new school, and a real idiot of a class bully. 
 
Esme might like to cause trouble, but this time she is going to have to find a way to get along. 
 
Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain’s bestselling and most beloved children’s authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold.

Esme Pepper has absolutely joined my Jacqueline Wilson books of fame and it was fantastic.

Esme Pepper is funny, deeply moving and full of warmth, reminding me exactly why her books have remained so special for so many readers over the years.

A funny, heartbreaking and hopeful story of one girl's resilience, from the author of the bestselling Tracy Beaker series. 
 
Esme's mum would do anything for her, including trying to steal the expensive dolls house that Esme desperately wants. When Mum gets caught, Esme has to go into foster care. 
 
When a placement proves hard to find, Esme has to stay with an elderly couple who have retired from fostering. She knows she only has to stay until Mum gets back, but she still has to deal with a new school, and a real idiot of a class bully. 
 
Esme might like to cause trouble, but this time she is going to have to find a way to get along.

The Seaside Sleepover

Join Daisy and Lily for another sleepover! 
 
The summer holidays have finally arrived, and Daisy is bored. She's glad she won’t have to see her worst enemy Chloe for the whole summer, but she's desperate for a proper holiday at the seaside, building sandcastles, eating lots of ice cream and maybe even spotting a mermaid in the sea! 
 
Daisy’s sister, Lily, wants to come too but, she uses a wheelchair which can make trips to the seaside tricky. Especially with all that sand! 
 
Daisy’s summer gets a bit more exciting when she starts looking after her neighbours’ dog, Scruff. Daisy has always wanted a dog of her own to walk and cuddle! She knows Scruff would love a trip to the seaside just as much as her. 
 
Will Daisy, Lily and Scruff get their ice cream-filled dream holiday and maybe even have a Seaside Sleepover? 
 
The third instalment of Jacqueline Wilson's bestselling Sleepovers series.

Another instalment in Jacqueline Wilson's highly popular Sleepover series featuring Daisy and her friends - and Daisy's sister Lily. 
 
The summer holidays have finally arrived, and Daisy is bored. She's glad she won’t have to see her worst enemy Chloe for the whole summer, but she's desperate for a proper holiday at the seaside, building sandcastles, eating lots of ice cream and maybe even spotting a mermaid in the sea! 
 
Daisy’s sister, Lily, wants to come too but, she uses a wheelchair which can make trips to the seaside tricky. Especially with all that sand! 
 
Daisy’s summer gets a bit more exciting when she starts looking after her neighbours’ dog, Scruff. Daisy has always wanted a dog of her own to walk and cuddle! She knows Scruff would love a trip to the seaside just as much as her. 
 
Will Daisy, Lily and Scruff get their ice cream-filled dream holiday and maybe even have a Seaside Sleepover? 
 
Sleepovers is one of Jacqueline Wilson's bestselling books and the series is perfect for newly confident readers who are navigating primary school friendship issues. Full of relatable details and gentle confidence-building messages, these books are a great place to start your Jacqueline Wilson journey.

Girls In Tears

Being a teenager is tough, but having your two best friends around you can make it easier. Sometimes. Thirteen year old Ellie narrates this quartet of books as three girls navigate their way through their early teenage years, finding their first loves, testing the boundaries with their parents, falling out, making new friends, working out what they really want and realising how lucky they are to have each other. Jaqueline Wilson deals with the pressures surrounding teenage girls with her usual style, creating a series that is in equal measure heartwrenching and uplifting.

The girls are back – but they're not very happy! 
 
Ellie's glorious romance with Russell is teetering on the rocks. Magda's lost her pet and is desperately upset (though the others didn't even know she had a hamster!). And Nadine is fed up with the other two lecturing her about the dangers of meeting someone from the internet IRL – she thinks the guy she's chatting to online is wonderful . . . 
 
Buckets of tears are wept and hundreds of tissues are sniffled into – can the girls survive these testing times? Perfect for 12+ readers. Front cover may vary. 
 
Follow the rest of Ellie, Nadine and Magda's adventures through the series:1. Girls in Love2. Girls Under Pressure3. Girls Out Late4. Girls in Tears 
Look out for THINK AGAIN, Jacqueline Wilson’s brand-new adult novel that follows Ellie and the girls into adulthood.

Jacqueline Wilson (Author) Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain’s bestselling and most beloved children’s authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold. 
 
As well as winning many awards for her books, including the Children’s Book of the Year, Jacqueline is a former Children’s Laureate, and in 2008 she was appointed a Dame. 
 
Jacqueline is also a great reader, and has amassed over 20,000 books, along with her famous collection of silver rings. 
 
Find out more about Jacqueline and her books at www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk Nick Sharratt (Illustrator) Nick Sharratt has written and illustrated many books for children including Shark in the Park, You Choose and Pants. He has won numerous awards for his picture books, including the Sheffield Children's Book Award and the 2001 Children's Book Award. He has also enjoyed stellar success illustrating Jacqueline Wilson's books. Nick lives in Hove.

The girls are back – but they're not very happy! Ellie's glorious romance with Russell is teetering on the rocks. Magda's lost her pet and is desperately upset (though the others didn't even know she had a hamster!). And Nadine is fed up with the other two lecturing her about the dangers of meeting someone from the internet IRL – she thinks the guy she's chatting to online is wonderful . . . 
 
Buckets of tears are wept and hundreds of tissues are sniffled into – can the girls survive these testing times? 
 
Books in the series: 
1. Girls In Love 
2. Girls Under Pressure 
3. Girls Out Late 
4. Girls In Tears

Girls Under Pressure

‘Up at the top, the lights are still flashing and the queue is even bigger and all around me there are girls much taller than me, much prettier than me, much much much thinner than me.’ 
 
Magda is tall and glamorous, but she’s worried that her appearance is giving guys the wrong idea. 
 
Nadine is willowy and gothic – she wants to be a model, but the industry is unforgiving. 
 
And Ellie…well, Ellie is convinced she’s fat. 
 
The pressure is on for the girls to change the way they look – but can they learn to love themselves the way they are? 
 
This book features an unfiltered depiction of an eating disorder. 
 
The second book in the GIRLS series, join Magda, Nadine and Ellie as they explore self-esteem, identity and peer pressure. Perfect for readers 12+. Front cover may vary. 
 
Ellie, Magda and Nadine’s journeys continue in the series: 
 
1. Girls in Love 
2. Girls Under Pressure 
3. Girls Out Late 
4. Girls in Tears 
Look out for THINK AGAIN, Jacqueline Wilson’s brand-new adult novel that follows Ellie into adulthood.

The narrators speak so amusingly that everyone from seven to fourteen feels included . . . Wilson addresses the issues in a light-hearted but sensible way

As usual Wilson gets right inside her characters and their feelings, portraying them with understanding and sympathy . . . An excellent and timely book

Magda is tall and glamorous, but she’s worried that her appearance is giving guys the wrong idea. 
 
Nadine is willowy and gothic – she wants to be a model, but the industry is unforgiving. 
 
And Ellie…well, Ellie is convinced she’s fat. 
 
The pressure is on for the girls to change the way they look – but can they learn to love themselves the way they are? 
 
This book features an unfiltered depiction of an eating disorder. 
 
The second book in the GIRLS series, join Magda, Nadine and Ellie as they explore self-esteem, identity and peer pressure. Perfect for readers 12+. 
 
Ellie, Magda and Nadine’s journeys continue in the series: 
 
1. Girls in Love 
2. Girls Under Pressure 
3. Girls Out Late 
4. Girls in Tears

The Story of Tracy Beaker

Celebrating 85 years of Sparking Imaginations 
 
A beautiful clothbound edition of the much-loved modern classic The Story of Tracy Beaker. Bound in real cloth with two coloured foils and sprayed coloured edges, this deluxe edition is a perfect gift or collector’s item. Part of an eight book set published to mark the 85th anniversary of Puffin Books. With a brand-new foreword from Beth Lincoln. 
 
'I'm Tracy Beaker. This is a book all about me. I'd read it if I were you. It's the most incredible dynamic heart-rending story. Honest.' 
 
Tracy is ten years old. She lives in a Children's Home but would like a real home one day, with a real family. Meet Tracy, follow her story and share her hopes for the future in this beautifully observed, touching and often very funny tale, all told in Tracy's own words. 
 
 
Collect all eight titles in the Puffin Clothbound 85th Anniversary Collection 
<ul><li>THE STORY OF TRACY BEAKER by Jacqueline Wilson with a foreword by Beth Lincoln</li><li>DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney with a foreword by Dapo Adeola</li><li>CHARLOTTE’S WEB by E.B. White with a foreword by Jordan Lees</li><li>MATILDA by Roald Dahl with a foreword by Robin Stevens</li><li>THE EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING LIFE OF LOTTIE BROOKS by Katie Kirby with a foreword by Nadia Shireen</li><li>PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan with a foreword by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak</li><li>PIG-HEART BOY by Malorie Blackman with a foreword by Adam Kay</li><li>WONDER by R.J. Palacio with a foreword by Tom Fletcher</li></ul>

Told in the zany, entirely convincing voice of Tracy Beaker herself . . . The strains of communal life with other children, rivalries and friendships and jokes, all spring to life, and Tracy's prose is decorated throughout with cheeky line drawings

An appealing mix of events and reactions that are both entertaining and moving. A book that lingers in the mind long after it is put down

Celebrating 85 years of Sparking Imaginations 
 
A beautiful clothbound edition of the much-loved modern classic The Story of Tracy Beaker. Bound in real cloth with two coloured foils and sprayed coloured edges, this deluxe edition is a perfect gift or collector’s item. Part of an eight book set published to mark the 85th anniversary of Puffin Books. With a brand-new foreword from Beth Lincoln. 
 
'I'm Tracy Beaker. This is a book all about me. I'd read it if I were you. It's the most incredible dynamic heart-rending story. Honest.' 
 
Tracy is ten years old. She lives in a Children's Home but would like a real home one day, with a real family. Meet Tracy, follow her story and share her hopes for the future in this beautifully observed, touching and often very funny tale, all told in Tracy's own words. 
 
Collect all eight titles in the Puffin Clothbound 85th Anniversary Collection 
 
THE STORY OF TRACY BEAKER by Jacqueline Wilson with a foreword by Beth Lincoln 
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney with a foreword by Dapo Adeola 
CHARLOTTE’S WEB by E.B. White with a foreword by Jordan Lees 
MATILDA by Roald Dahl with a foreword by Robin Stevens 
THE EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING LIFE OF LOTTIE BROOKS by Katie Kirby with a foreword by Nadia Shireen 
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan with a foreword by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak 
PIG-HEART BOY by Malorie Blackman with a foreword by Adam Kay 
WONDER by R.J. Palacio with a foreword by Tom Fletcher

The Illustrated Mum

"She's good at spending heaps of money that we haven't got. She's good at getting drunk. She's good at getting completely nutty ideas into her head." 
 
Dolphin adores her mum - she's beautiful and vibrant. She's covered in colourful tattoos and with her bright hair and amazing clothes, Marigold stands out wherever she goes. 
 
But her sister, Star, feels differently. 
 
Marigold may look great, but living with her unpredictable, fiery moods can be hard. After Marigold has a breakdown, Dolphin starts to wonder...is she the right person to be looking after her? 
 
From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, The Illustrated Mum is an optimistic tale about family, mental health and sisterly love. This is a must have book for every young reader. 
 
Look out for PICTURE IMPERFECT, Jacqueline Wilson’s brand-new adult novel that continues Dolphin, Marigold and Star's story.

"She's good at spending heaps of money that we haven't got. She's good at getting drunk. She's good at getting completely nutty ideas into her head." 
 
Dolphin adores her mum - she's beautiful and vibrant. She's covered in colourful tattoos and with her bright hair and amazing clothes, Marigold stands out wherever she goes. 
 
But her sister, Star, feels differently. 
 
Marigold may look great, but living with her unpredictable, fiery moods can be hard. After Marigold has a breakdown, Dolphin starts to wonder...is she the right person to be looking after her? 
 
From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, The Illustrated Mum is an optimistic tale about family, mental health and sisterly love. This is a must have book for every young reader. 
 
A powerfully portrayed, sometimes shocking but ultimately uplifting story, this is a book not to be missed - The Bookseller

Star of the Show

A captivating Victorian adventure about family troubles and big dreams from the bestselling Jacqueline Wilson. 
 
‘I’m going to a place called Grand Theatre and I’m going to be a dancer in a pantomime!’ 
 
Tess loves to dance, even when everything seems grim. After mum dies and pa leaves, she and her brothers and sisters are all alone, with hardly any food or money. With empty stomachs and scrambling for pennies, they’ve got to fend for themselves.When Tess’s big brother and sister go out to look for work, she has to stay in class at The Ragged School and take care of their baby sister Ada. But Tess is determined that even though she is poor, she will still get to go to the ball…or at least to dance in the Cinderella pantomime at the Grand Theatre…

Think Again

Don't miss out on the bestselling phenomenon from literary sensation Jacqueline Wilson - a warm, uplifting, life-affirming story about friendship, family, and finding fulfilment in unexpected places. 
 
'Oh-so-relatable... Think Again taps into the joys and pains of women everywhere' - Dawn O'Porter 
 
'I cannot stress enough how much I loved Think Again. Readers are going to be beyond delighted' - Holly Bourne 
 
'Enchanting, moving, meaningful, fun - thank God for Jacqueline Wilson!' - Alice Winn 
 
No job. No love life. Perhaps it's time to THINK AGAIN. 
 
Ellie Allard isn’t quite where she thought she'd be by her late thirties. Though she’s got her beautiful daughter, her beloved cat and the best friends anyone could wish for, her love life is non-existent and she feels like she’s been living on auto-pilot, just grateful to be able to afford the rent on her poky little flat. 
 
But on her fortieth birthday, it seems it’s time for all that to change – whether Ellie wants it to or not. As she navigates new, exciting and often choppy waters, she’s about to discover that life will never stop surprising you – if only you let it. 
 
*** Readers are obsessed with Think Again! *** 
 
'A read-in-a-day comfort book' Independent 
 
'[Jacqueline Wilson is] the patron saint of bookish Millennial women everywhere' - iNews 
 
'Jacqueline Wilson taught me how to cope with being a teenage girl – I'm so happy she's back' - Independent 
 
‘Be ready for a trip down nostalgia lane' Glamour 
 
'One of the UK's most iconic writers' - Stylist 
 
'Beautifully told' - Guardian 
 
'Jacqueline Wilson fans are in for a treat' - Radio Times 
 
‘Nostalgic, warm and full of heart … being back with Ellie and the gang is pure magic’ - Laura Kay 
 
'Realistic, sharp eyed, Think Again perfectly captures a woman at a turning point. I loved it and didn’t want it to end' - Katie Fforde 
 
'There's such a warmth to Wilson's writing that the reading experience was a total joy' - Laura Pearson 
 
'A dream come true... I get to spend time in my Jacqueline Wilson bubble again! The queen of girlhood and now young womanhood fiction.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
 
'It is every inch the Jacqueline Wilson book - intensely readable and full of joy... I stayed up until 2:30 am because I just HAD to finish it.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
 
'Such a delight! For those who loved Jacqueline Wilson, this return to the Girls series in Ellie's voice was so heartwarming and nostalgic.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
 
'Such an engaging and lovely story, relatable content as always. Jacqueline Wilson, you are such a master of your craft.'&#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
 
'This book is a reminder that among all of life’s challenges our favourite author is there to reassure and guide us.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
 
Sunday Times bestseller w/c 15/09

Nuanced and refreshing... beautifully told. There is real comfort in feeling seen again in these adult lives that are just as confusing, wonderful, unfair, unpredictable and full of potential at 40 as they were for our teenage selves. But everybody is doing OK. You’re doing OK. And that reassurance, really, is what we’ve always gone to Wilson for.

Jacqueline Wilson taught me how to cope with being a teenage girl – I'm so happy she's back.

This story offers grown-ups what Wilson has long offered teenagers: comfort, sanity and delight in the ordinary.

Be ready for a trip down nostalgia lane… Think Again will resonate with (Jacqueline Wilson's) audience, offering both comfort and insight into the struggles of growing up.

Think Again is pure nostalgia in a bottle, and oh-so-relatable. Jacqueline Wilson taps into the joys and pains of women everywhere.

I cannot stress enough how much I loved Think Again. It made me realise just how much millennial women NEED Jacqueline Wilson to help us make sense of our lives. The voice translation from a teen Ellie to a 40-year-old Ellie was completely seamless, and I loved how Jacky never shies away from telling the truth about our lives. Her readership is going to be beyond delighted by this update on Ellie, Magda and Nadine. I'm desperate for her to keep going now!

We can all finally stop obsessing over exactly what happened to the Girls gang.

This book is the cute dose of nostalgia that every millennial woman needs – but in true Wilson style, it is an emotional read.

We have been counting down the days until Think Again is released.

Wilson knocks it out of the park once again with this enchanting Life Begins At Forty novel about queer awakening. With her clean, deceptively simple prose, she tells a moving story that is as fun to read as it is meaningful. Thank God for Jacqueline Wilson!

There's such a warmth to Wilson's writing that the reading experience was a total joy. I adored going on Ellie's journey of discovery with her, and the ending was perfectly satisfying.

An enjoyable read, written with warmth and humour.

Jacqueline Wilson fans are in for a treat.

Wilson has not just shown us the breadth of human experience, but taught us to have more sensitivity and understanding to each other&rsquo;s struggles... I&rsquo;m thrilled to find out how she tackles the trials and tribulations of being grown up in Think Again.

She is a national treasure... Think Again can't come soon enough. The news that she has returned with adult fiction is pure joy.

Childhood fans of (Jacqueline Wilson's) Girls books are in for a treat.

A comforting, engaging, nostalgic and heartwarming read… this is a must read for any Jacqueline Wilson fan - you won’t be disappointed.

Nostalgic, warm and full of heart … being back with Ellie and the gang is pure magic

Realistic, sharp eyed, this book perfectly captures a woman at a turning point.  I loved it and didn’t want it to end.

Get ready, millennials: the stars of Wilson's Girls series... are back.

A comforting, nostalgic, and heartwarming read… brilliant and honest writing.

Wilson's new book is a love letter of sorts to her now grown-up readers.

Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain’s bestselling and most beloved children’s authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold. 
 
As well as winning many awards for her books, including the Children’s Book of the Year, Jacqueline is a former Children’s Laureate, and in 2008 she was appointed a Dame. 
 
Jacqueline is also a great reader, and has amassed over 20,000 books, along with her famous collection of silver rings. 
 
Find out more about Jacqueline and her books at www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk

No job. No love life. Perhaps it’s time to THINK AGAIN 
 
Ellie Allard isn’t quite where she thought she'd be by her late thirties. Though she’s got her beautiful daughter, her beloved cat and the best friends anyone could wish for, her love life is non-existent and she feels like she’s been living on auto-pilot, just grateful to be able to afford the rent on her poky little flat. 
 
But on her fortieth birthday, it seems it’s time for all that to change – whether Ellie wants it to or not. As she navigates new, exciting and often choppy waters, she’s about to discover that life will never stop surprising you – if only you let it. 
 
The bestselling first adult novel from literary sensation Jacqueline Wilson, Think Again is a warm, uplifting, life-affirming story about friendship, family, and finding fulfilment in unexpected places.

Girls Out Late

Ellie has a boyfriend! And he's really, truly interested in her - not in her best friends, Magda and Nadine! She and oh-so-gorgeous Russell have so much in common - Ellie knows they're made for each other. If only Dad thought so too . . . 
 
While Ellie tries her best to cope with Dad's totally unreasonable curfew, Magda's dealing with her crush on a teacher - and Nadine's falling for slimy Liam again. What they need is a girls' night out - but they might get a little more than they bargained for . . . 
 
Perfect for 12+ readers. Front cover may vary. 
Follow the rest of Ellie, Nadine and Magda's adventures through the series:1. Girls in Love2. Girls Under Pressure3. Girls Out Late4. Girls in Tears 
Look out for THINK AGAIN, Jacqueline Wilson’s brand-new adult novel that follows Ellie and the girls into adulthood.

The portrayal of the girls' relationships and of their love lives is agonisingly accurate. No wonder girls cannot get enough of Jacqueline Wilson

Bursting with a thirteen-year-old's delight in hanging out with her friends and taking on the world

Far more believable and emotionally valid than other fiction of its ilk

Ellie has a boyfriend! And he's really, truly interested in her - not in her best friends, Magda and Nadine! She and oh-so-gorgeous Russell have so much in common - Ellie knows they're made for each other. If only Dad thought so too . . . 
 
While Ellie tries her best to cope with Dad's totally unreasonable curfew, Magda's dealing with her crush on a teacher - and Nadine's falling for slimy Liam again. What they need is a girls' night out - but they might get a little more than they bargained for . . . 
 
Books in the series: 
1. Girls in Love 
2. Girls Under Pressure 
3. Girls Out Late 
4. Girls in Tears

The Girl Who Wasn't There

A spine-tingling, mystery tale for 9-12 year old readers from the bestselling Jacqueline Wilson. 
 
'And we're going to live here, happily ever after, just like a fairy tale.' 
 
When Dad tells Luna and her little sister Aurora that they're moving to live in a real tower, it's almost like they've stepped inside a fairytale. 
 
But everything is not as magical as it first seems. The tower needs patching up, Dad still doesn't have a job and they're not even allowed in the room up at the very top. 
 
When it's time to start at their new school, Luna quickly finds a friend, but six-year-old Aurora absolutely hates the children in her class. She prefers to spend her time with her imaginary friend Tansy. Aurora's make-belief life causes problems for them all - and it seems like Aurora really believes Tansy exists... 
 
Is there really a curse on the tower - and will Luna be able to break it?

'And we're going to live here, happily ever after, just like a fairy tale.' 
 
When Dad tells Luna and her little sister Aurora that they're moving to live in a real tower, it's almost like they've stepped inside a fairytale. 
 
But everything is not as magical as it first seems. The tower needs patching up, Dad still doesn't have a job and they're not even allowed in the room up at the very top. 
 
When it's time to start at their new school, Luna quickly finds a friend, but six-year-old Aurora absolutely hates the children in her class. She prefers to spend her time with her imaginary friend Tansy. Aurora's make-belief life causes problems for them all - and it seems like Aurora really believes Tansy exists... 
 
Is there really a curse on the tower - and will Luna be able to break it? 
 
A spine-tingling tale from the bestselling Jacqueline Wilson.

Girls In Love

'Nadine has a boyfriend. I can't believe it! How come Nadine's got a boyfriend before me?' 
 Meet Ellie, Nadine and Magda. Three best friends who couldn't be more different But, when they enter Year Nine, things start to change. Especially when Nadine and Magda both get boyfriends. 
Ellie, feeling left out, decides that she needs to keep up with her friends. Before she can help herself, she starts spinning a web of lies she finds hard to stop... 
From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, Girls in Love is a funny, frank take on friendship, problems and heartaches. Perfect for 12+ readers, discover the Girls series. Cover may vary. 
Follow the rest of Ellie, Nadine and Magda's adventures through the series:1. Girls in Love2. Girls Under Pressure3. Girls Out Late4. Girls in Tears 
Look out for THINK AGAIN, Jacqueline Wilson’s brand-new adult novel that follows Ellie into adulthood.

Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain’s bestselling and most beloved children’s authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold. 
 
As well as winning many awards for her books, including the Children’s Book of the Year, Jacqueline is a former Children’s Laureate, and in 2008 she was appointed a Dame. 
 
Jacqueline is also a great reader, and has amassed over 20,000 books, along with her famous collection of silver rings. 
 
Find out more about Jacqueline and her books at www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk

'Nadine has a boyfriend. I can't believe it! How come Nadine's got a boyfriend before me?'Meet Ellie, Nadine and Magda. Three best friends who couldn't be more different But, when they enter Year Nine, things start to change. Especially when Nadine and Magda both get boyfriends. 
Ellie, feeling left out, decides that she needs to keep up with her friends. Before she can help herself, she starts spinning a web of lies she finds hard to stop... 
From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, Girls in Love is a funny, frank take on friendship, problems and heartaches. Perfect for 12+ readers, discover the Girls series. 
Follow the rest of Ellie, Nadine and Magda's adventures through the series:1. Girls in Love2. Girls Under Pressure3. Girls Out Late4. Girls in Tears 
Look out for THINK AGAIN, Jacqueline Wilson’s brand-new adult novel that follows Ellie into adulthood.

The Best Sleepover in the World

A long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular book Sleepovers! 
 
Daisy's worst ever enemy Chloe is desperate to win back her friends so she announces she's going to have THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD. There's going to be a swim in a luxury pool, a special makeover for every guest, and a real live meeting with a social media superstar. 
 
All Chloe's old friends are invited, even Daisy's best friend Emily. But Daisy is left out. 
 
Daisy's sister Lily is non-verbal but she's learned Makaton at her new special school. She signs to Daisy that she wants a sleepover. Will family and friends somehow make Lily's party THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD? 
 
A moving look at friendship, sleepovers and siblings from the much loved, bestselling Jacqueline Wilson. 
 
 
Jacqueline Wilson, top 5 bestselling children's author in the UK of all time, Nielsen Book Scan, June 2024

This book is an absolute delight to read and will enthral any child.

With her gift for understanding and acknowledging the fears that so often beset children, and the subtle messages of help and guidance that flow from the pages, this is Wilson on her very best &ndash; and most entertaining &ndash; storytelling form.

A long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular book Sleepovers! 
 
Daisy's worst ever enemy Chloe is desperate to win back her friends so she announces she's going to have THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD. There's going to be a swim in a luxury pool, a special makeover for every guest, and a real live meeting with a social media superstar. 
 
All Chloe's old friends are invited, even Daisy's best friend Emily. But Daisy is left out. 
 
Daisy's sister Lily is non-verbal but she's learned Makaton at her new special school. She signs to Daisy that she wants a sleepover. Will family and friends somehow make Lily's party THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD? 
 
A moving look at friendship, sleepovers and siblings from the much loved, bestselling Jacqueline Wilson.

The Other Edie Trimmer

A heart-warming time slip adventure about family and friendship from the much-loved, bestselling Jacqueline Wilson. 
 
'I seemed to be seeing double. I saw two Edies instead of one - but they weren't the same.' 
 
Edie is fascinated by Victorian times, and she's just desperate to be cast in the lead role of her drama club production of Oliver. When she's given a real Victorian notebook she's determined to write the best story ever, all about a girl in a workhouse. But when she starts writing, something strange happens. 
 
Edie finds herself in Victorian London. She feels the same, but everything around her is completely different to what she knows. Soon, she realises she's living the life of another Edie Trimmer - and is in danger of being sent to a real workhouse! 
 
Will she forget everything she knows about her other life - and will she ever be able to make it back to her family?

'I seemed to be seeing double. I saw two Edies instead of one - but they weren't the same.' 
 
Edie is fascinated by Victorian times, and she's just desperate to be cast in the lead role of her drama club production of Oliver. When she's given a real Victorian notebook she's determined to write the best story ever, all about a girl in a workhouse. But when she starts writing, something strange happens. 
 
Edie finds herself in Victorian London. She feels the same, but everything around her is completely different to what she knows. Soon, she realises she's living the life of another Edie Trimmer - and is in danger of being sent to a real workhouse! 
 
Will she forget everything she knows about her other life - and will she ever be able to make it back to her family? 
 
A heart-warming time slip adventure about family and friendship from the much-loved, bestselling Jacqueline Wilson.

Discover a brand new magical adventure from Jacqueline Wilson

Project Fairy

A magical, captivating story about fairies, families and friendship from the brilliant, award-winning Jacqueline Wilson. 
 
Flutter into another MAGICAL new story from Jacqueline Wilson. 
Mab's mum is obsessed with fairies - she even named Mab after the Fairy Queen!Their flat is packed with fairy ornaments, tiny fairy furniture and they've even got fairy lights in the toilet. Mab doesn't quite get it, but she knows that fairies make her mum happy, especially after Dad left.When Mab's teacher gives her a book all about Victorian fairies, she's surprised to see the drawings inside are nothing like the sweet fairies she imagined.But the biggest surprise of all is a tiny thing that tumbles out of the pages of the book...

Mab's mum is obsessed with fairies - she even named Mab after the Fairy Queen! Their flat is full of fairy ornaments, tiny fairy furniture and they've even got fairy lights in the toilet. Mab doesn't quite get it, but she knows that fairies make her mum happy, especially after Dad left. 
 
When Mab comes into school with a new fairy dress on her birthday, her teacher gives her a book all about Victorian fairies. She reads it with her mum and her little brother Robin, and she's surprised to see the drawings inside are nothing like the sweet fairies she imagined. 
 
But the biggest surprise of all is a tiny thing that tumbles out of the pages of the book... 
 
A magical, captivating story about fairies, families and friendship from the brilliant, award-winning Jacqueline Wilson.

Baby Love

"Jacqueline Wilson understands the complex interpersonal relationships of teenagers so well and writes with an unparalleled realness and rawness. I loved this book. It was heartbreaking but warm, unflinching yet somehow cosy. Nobody writes like Jacqueline Wilson. Long may she reign! I couldn't get the characters out of my head." - Holly Bourne 
 
A heartbreaking, compelling and timely story for older readers about teen pregnancy and its consequences, family trouble and unlikely friendships, set in 1960. 
 
When Laura meets a French exchange student, Leon, she is flattered by his interest in her. She's never had any sort of boyfriend before. 
 
One night, Leon walks Laura home - and her life will never be the same again. 
 
Things start to change for Laura - first her moods, and then her body. Laura isn't prepared for what she learns next - and doesn't even know how it could have happened. 
 
When her family learns her secret, they are horrified. Sent away to save them from shame, Laura meets girls just like herself, whose families have given up on them - and they become a family for each other at the most difficult time in all their lives. 
 
An emotional and moving tale for fans of Dear Nobody and Juno. 
Not suitable for younger readers.

Abridged Edition

Penguin Readers Level 3: Love Frankie (ELT Graded Reader)

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. 
 
Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. 
 
The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. 
 
Love Frankie, a Level 3 Reader, is A2 in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing first conditional, past continuous and present perfect simple for general experience. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. 
 
Fourteen-year-old Frankie has a difficult life. Her mother is ill, some children at her school are horrible to her, and she worries that she might be gay. Then, Frankie becomes friends with Sally. Frankie hates love stories, but she starts to love Sally. Does Sally feel the same way? 
 
Visit the Penguin Readers website 
Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. 
 
Love Frankie, a Level 3 Reader, is A2 in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing first conditional, past continuous and present perfect simple for general experience. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. 
 
Fourteen-year-old Frankie has a difficult life. Her mother is ill, some children at her school are horrible to her, and she worries that she might be gay. Then, Frankie becomes friends with Sally. Frankie hates love stories, but she starts to love Sally. Does Sally feel the same way?

Penguin Readers Level 2: The Story of Tracy Beaker (ELT Graded Reader)

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. 
 
Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. 
 
The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. 
 
The Story of Tracy Beaker, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. 
 
Ten-year-old Tracy Beaker lives in a children's home. No one wants Tracy because she is very naughty. But one day, a writer, Cam, comes to the children's home and changes Tracy's life. 
 
Visit the Penguin Readers website 
Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. 
 
The Story of Tracy Beaker, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. 
 
Ten-year-old Tracy Beaker lives in a children's home. No one wants Tracy because she is very naughty. But one day, a writer, Cam, comes to the children's home and changes Tracy's life.

The Primrose Railway Children

From multi-million bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson and inspired by E. Nesbit's timeless classic, The Primrose Railway Children is a gorgeous, heartwarming story of family secrets and new adventures. 
 
Sit back and enjoy the journey! 
 
Phoebe Robinson loves making up stories - just like her wonderful, imaginative Dad. 
 
When he mysteriously disappears, Phoebe, Perry, Becks and their mum must leave everything behind and move to a small cottage in the middle of nowhere. 
 
Struggling to feel at home and missing her Dad terribly, Phoebe's only distraction is her guinea pig Daisy. Until the family discover the thrilling steam trains at the railway station and suddenly, every day is filled with adventure. 
 
But Phoebe still can't help wondering, what is Mum hiding and more worryingly is Dad okay? 
 
'It's a brave author who reimagines E. Nesbit's classic The Railway Children, but this thoroughly modern update by Jacqueline Wilson is a delight.' - Daily Mail 
 
Catch The Primrose Railway Children on your screens with CBBC's adaptation starring Kevin McKidd!

In a book inspired by E Nesbit's classic The Railway Children, Jacqueline Wilson is at her storytelling best.

It's a brave author who reimagines E. Nesbit's classic The Railway Children, but this thoroughly modern update by Jacqueline Wilson is a delight.

The Primrose Railway Children tackles some difficult topics such as financial issues, family secrets and an absent father in an extremely relatable way that children will be able to understand.

Sit back and enjoy the journey! 
 
Phoebe Robinson loves making up stories - just like her wonderful, imaginative Dad. 
 
When he mysteriously disappears, Phoebe, Perry, Becks and their mum must leave everything behind and move to a small cottage in the middle of nowhere. 
 
Struggling to feel at home and missing her Dad terribly, Phoebe's only distraction is her guinea pig Daisy. Until the family discover the thrilling steam trains at the railway station and suddenly, every day is filled with adventure. 
 
But Phoebe still can't help wondering, what is Mum hiding and more worryingly is Dad okay? 
 
A captivating reimagining of The Railway Children from the award-winning, bestselling, beloved Jacqueline Wilson.

The Runaway Girls

A brand new novel from the beloved, bestselling children’s author, Jacqueline Wilson!

Victorian London, 1851. Queen Victoria is on the throne and the Great Exhibition is about to open! 
 
 Lucy Locket lives with her father, the New Mother and the New Baby. They sent away her beloved Nurse and replaced her with a horrid governess. Lucy desperately wants someone to be kind to her, and to have some fun - there's very little of that in her house. 
 
 Kitty Fisher is a street performer who earns tin for her supper by tumbling. She has always lived on the street and on her wits, with only the kind Gaffer to help her. But now Gaffer is gone, and Kitty is all alone. 
 
 When Lucy runs away from home, Kitty shows Lucy how to survive - where to find the best picnic leftovers in the park, and which trees makes the best beds. Lucy learns quickly and shows Kitty her own skills - befriending families to get free meals and singing beautiful melodies for the crowds. 
 
 But the streets of Victorian London are dangerous and soon the girls find themselves under threat from thieves - and even worse, the Workhouse! 
 
An incredible Victorian adventure from bestselling, much-loved children's author, Jacqueline Wilson.

The story shows how two completely different people can come together and make an unstoppable team - and how brave children can be. Some scenes - such as the one in the workhouse - will make your heart beat really hard. If you like Jacqueline Wilson's stories or want to find out what life was like for children in the 1800s, you will love this book. 8/10

The must-have new Victorian novel from bestselling, much-loved children's author, Jacqueline Wilson. 
 
Victorian London, 1851. Queen Victoria is on the throne and the Great Exhibition is about to open! 
 
Lucy Locket lives with her father, the New Mother and the New Baby. They sent away her beloved Nurse and replaced her with a horrid governess. Lucy desperately wants someone to be kind to her, and to have some fun - there's very little of that in her house. 
 
Kitty Fisher is a street performer who earns tin for her supper by tumbling. She has always lived on the street and on her wits, with only the kind Gaffer to help her. But now Gaffer is gone, and Kitty is all alone. 
 
When Lucy runs away from home, Kitty shows Lucy how to survive - where to find the best picnic leftovers in the park, and which trees makes the best beds. Lucy learns quickly and shows Kitty her own skills - befriending families to get free meals and singing beautiful melodies for the crowds. 
 
But the streets of Victorian London are dangerous and soon the girls find themselves under threat from thieves - and even worse, the Workhouse!

Love Frankie

A sparkling story of first love, finding yourself and coming out

GROWING UP. FALLING IN LOVE. COMING OUT. 
 
Frankie is nearly fourteen and teenage life certainly comes with its ups and downs. Her mum is seriously ill with MS and Frankie can feel herself growing up quickly, no thanks to Sally and her gang of bullies at school. 
 
When Sally turns out to be not-so-mean after all, they strike up a friendship and are suddenly spending all of their time together. But soon Frankie starts to wonder about the feelings she has for Sally. She doesn't want Sally to just be her friend. She wants her to be her girlfriend. But does Sally feel the same? 
 
The must-have novel about falling in love for the first time from bestselling, much-loved children's author, Jacqueline Wilson.

First love, eh? It never runs smooth. But who else would we turn to in order to reassure ourselves that it'll turn out alright in the end? Nobody but Jacqueline Wilson, of course!

A powerful and important love story, this book explores coming of age and coming out. I hope it will give girls everywhere the courage and freedom to follow their hearts

There's a reason why Jacqueline Wilson has sold more than 40m books. Yet again she delivers a touching, bittersweet drama about ordinary, credible lives. The characterization is spot on, showing real insight into how today's youngsters think, talk and behave, and Frankie's story beautifully conveys the thrill of first love and the additional complications that being gay can bring to it

I would have loved it as a younger teen. I'm so pleased for all the girls who will get to read this at the same age as Frankie and see themselves reflected in the pages

Whether you'll grab your hair in agony or cry silent tears for Frankie's broken heart, this one will stick with you for a while

The perfect story to perhaps help you navigate the tricky parts of those teenage years

Jacqueline Wilson

Nuanced and refreshing...beautifully told.

Jacqueline Wilson taps into the joys and pains of women everywhere.

Wilson knocks it out of the park once again...a moving story that is as fun to read as it is meaningful.

Realistic, sharp eyed...I loved it and didn’t want it to end.

‘Jacqueline Wilson is a national treasure! Picture Imperfect is at once beautiful, sad and uplifting.’

She’s spent her life holding everything — and everyone — together. But she's done being perfect. 
 
Now it's time to be herself. 
 
Dol Westward has always been the dependable one — the steady hand, the peacekeeper, the fixer. Especially when it comes to her unpredictable mother, Marigold. But after years of putting everyone else first, she’s starting to wonder what’s left for her. 
 
When life begins to fray around the edges, Dol realises she’s been chasing an idea of perfection that was never really hers. Old habits, old expectations — they’re hard to break. But maybe imperfection is the only place she can finally feel free... 
 
A story about family, identity, and the messy truth of finding yourself — from the beloved author who always writes real life, honestly told.

Jacqueline Wilson

Books by Jacqueline Wilson

Series by Jacqueline Wilson

Biscuit Barrel3 Books

Girls4 Books

Hetty Feather5 Books

The Werepuppy3 Books

Tracy Beaker8 Books

World of Hetty Feather3 Books

Articles featuring Jacqueline Wilson