J

Jack Gantos

Bestselling Author • 10 Series • 51 Books

10
Series
51
Books
10
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books
Start with: Rotten Ralph (1975)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Jack Henry Books
Start with: Heads or Tails (1994)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books
Start with: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998)

About Jack Gantos

About Jack Gantos American novelist and children’s writer Jack Gantos is well known for writing fun and engaging fiction for a young audience. Reaching readers from all over the world, he’s a massively admired writer with much to say, really capturing the attention of many young readers from around the world. Using colorful and vivid imagery, he really sets himself apart, as his writing in both funny and entertaining in equal measure. Often working with comic-books too, he’s a hugely versatile writer as well, with him being adept in many different formats. Many of his books are illustrated, as he teaches young readers to read, whilst also nurturing a passion for literature as an art-form. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series, Jack Gantos has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Jack Gantos

Publication Order of Hidden Files of Joey Pigza Books
2 books 2019–2019
1

The Dented Head of Joey Pigza

The Dented Head of Joey Pigza continues the Publication Order of Hidden Files of Joey Pigza Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2019
2

A Pain in the Pigza

A Pain in the Pigza continues the Publication Order of Hidden Files of Joey Pigza Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2019
Publication Order of Jack Henry Books
5 books 1994–2003
1

Heads or Tails

Heads or Tails is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jack Henry Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1994
2

Jack's New Power

Jack's New Power continues the Publication Order of Jack Henry Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1995
3

Jack's Black Book

Jack's Black Book is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jack Henry Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1997
4

Jack on the Tracks

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jack Henry Books with Jack on the Tracks, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1999
5

Jack Adrift

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jack Henry Books with Jack Adrift, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
2003
Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books
5 books 1998–2014
1

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key continues the Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1998
2

Joey Pigza Loses Control

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books with Joey Pigza Loses Control, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
2000
3

What Would Joey Do?

What Would Joey Do? continues the Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2002
4

I Am Not Joey Pigza

I Am Not Joey Pigza continues the Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2007
5

The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza

The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza continues the Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2014
Publication Order of Norvelt Books
2 books 2011–2013
1

Dead End in Norvelt

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead End in Norvelt as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Norvelt Books series showcases Jack Gantos's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2011
2

From Norvelt to Nowhere

From Norvelt to Nowhere continues the Publication Order of Norvelt Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2013
Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books
21 books 1975–2014
1

Rotten Ralph

Rotten Ralph continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
2

Worse Than Rotten, Ralph

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books with Worse Than Rotten, Ralph, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1977
3

Rotten Ralph Helps Out

Rotten Ralph Helps Out continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1980
4

Rotten Ralph's Rotten Christmas

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books with Rotten Ralph's Rotten Christmas, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1984
5

Rotten Ralph's Trick or Treat

Rotten Ralph's Trick or Treat continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1986
6

Rotten Ralph's Show and Tell

Rotten Ralph's Show and Tell continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1989
7

Happy Birthday Rotten Ralph

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books with Happy Birthday Rotten Ralph, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1990
8

Not So Rotten Ralph

Not So Rotten Ralph continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1994
9

Rotten Ralph's Rotten Romance

Rotten Ralph's Rotten Romance explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series by Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1997
10

Rotten Ralph's Halloween Howl

Rotten Ralph's Halloween Howl continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1998
11

Back to School for Rotten Ralph

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books with Back to School for Rotten Ralph, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1998
12

Best in Show for Rotten Ralph

Best in Show for Rotten Ralph continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1998
13

The Christmas Spirit Strikes Rotten Ralph

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books with The Christmas Spirit Strikes Rotten Ralph, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1998
14

Wedding Bells for Rotten Ralph

Wedding Bells for Rotten Ralph is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1999
15

Rotten Ralph's Thanksgiving Wish

Rotten Ralph's Thanksgiving Wish is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1999
16

Practice Makes Perfect for Rotten Ralph

Practice Makes Perfect for Rotten Ralph continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2002
17

Rotten Ralph Feels Rotten

Rotten Ralph Feels Rotten is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2004
18

Best in Show for Rotten Ralph [With Book]

Best in Show for Rotten Ralph [With Book] continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2008
19

The Nine Lives of Rotten Ralph

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books with The Nine Lives of Rotten Ralph, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
2009
20

Three Strikes for Rotten Ralph

Three Strikes for Rotten Ralph continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2011
21

Rotten Ralph's Rotten Family

Rotten Ralph's Rotten Family continues the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2014
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
5 books 1980–2015
1

Willy's Raiders

Willy's Raiders continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1980
2

Zip Six

Zip Six is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1996
3

Desire Lines

Desire Lines explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1997
4

The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs

The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
2006
5

The Trouble in Me

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Trouble in Me, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
2015
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2002–2017
1

Hole in My Life

Hole in My Life continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2002
2

Writing Radar

Writing Radar continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2017
Publication Order of Graphic Novels
1 books 2019–2019
1

A Suicide Bomber Sits in the Library

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Graphic Novels with A Suicide Bomber Sits in the Library, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
2019
Publication Order of Picture Books
7 books 1976–1980
1

Sleepy Ronald

Sleepy Ronald is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1976
2

Fair-Weather Friends

Fair-Weather Friends is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1977
3

Aunt Bernice

Aunt Bernice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1978
4

The Perfect Pal

The Perfect Pal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1979
5

Greedy Greeny

Greedy Greeny continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Jack Gantos's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1979
6

Swampy Alligator

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with Swampy Alligator, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1980
7

The Werewolf Family

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with The Werewolf Family, another outstanding contribution from Jack Gantos.

Buy on Amazon
1980
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2009–2009
1

This Family Is Driving Me Crazy

This Family Is Driving Me Crazy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Gantos have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2009

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jack Gantos?

Jack Gantos is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 51 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Hidden Files of Joey Pigza Books, Publication Order of Jack Henry Books, Publication Order of Joey Pigza Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Jack Gantos series to start with?

For readers new to Jack Gantos's work, the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Rotten Ralph to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Jack Gantos written?

Jack Gantos has written over 51 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Jack Gantos books in order?

Yes, reading Jack Gantos's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Jack Gantos write in?

Jack Gantos writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 51 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Jack Gantos's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Jack Gantos's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Jack Gantos's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Jack Gantos's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Rotten Ralph Books series. The first book, Rotten Ralph, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.