🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Katherine Paterson
In the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia, Jess and Leslie let their imagination run wild. The friendship between them blossoms as they continue spending time together while hiding their world from everyone else. These two lonely kids enjoy each other’s company in school and at home as neighbors and classmates. Jess is the only boy in his family, which means that he is also expected to run errands and take care of his younger sisters. Leslie has always been an outcast and a victim of bullying at school. While everything is not perfect for Jess and Leslie, their lives are much better because they can count on each other. It’s also nice having young siblings who adore them and an understanding teacher. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Katherine Paterson 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 Katherine Paterson
The Smallest Cow in the World
The Smallest Cow in the World continues the Publication Order of Marvin Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Marvin Books with Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Marvin One Too Many
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Marvin Books with Marvin One Too Many, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The Sign of the Chrysanthemum
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Sign of the Chrysanthemum, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Of Nightingales That Weep
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Of Nightingales That Weep, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The Master Puppeteer
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Master Puppeteer, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Bridge to Terabithia
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Bridge to Terabithia, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Great Gilly Hopkins is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Jacob Have I Loved
Jacob Have I Loved explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Katherine Paterson.
Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom
Epic adventure awaits in Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Katherine Paterson has built.
Come Sing, Jimmy Jo
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Come Sing, Jimmy Jo, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Park's Quest
Epic adventure awaits in Park's Quest, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Katherine Paterson has built.
Lyddie
Lyddie continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Flip-Flop Girl
Flip-Flop Girl is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Jip: His Story
Jip: His Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Parzival: The Quest of the Grail Knight
Epic adventure awaits in Parzival: The Quest of the Grail Knight, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Katherine Paterson has built.
Preacher's Boy
Preacher's Boy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Same Stuff as Stars
The Same Stuff as Stars is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Bread and Roses, Too
Bread and Roses, Too continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Day of the Pelican
The Day of the Pelican continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
My Brigadista Year
My Brigadista Year continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Birdie's Bargain
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Birdie's Bargain, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The King's Equal
The King's Equal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapter Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
The Field of the Dogs
The Field of the Dogs continues the Publication Order of Chapter Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Tongue-Cut Sparrow
The Tongue-Cut Sparrow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks
The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Angel and the Donkey
The Angel and the Donkey continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Celia and the Sweet, Sweet Water
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with Celia and the Sweet, Sweet Water, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The Wide-Awake Princess
The Wide-Awake Princess continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Blueberries for the Queen
Blueberries for the Queen continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children
The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with Brother Sun, Sister Moon, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Under The Spell Of The Moon
Magic takes center stage in Under The Spell Of The Moon, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Picture Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Katherine Paterson.
The Night of His Birth
The Night of His Birth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Angels and Other Strangers: Family Christmas Stories
Angels and Other Strangers: Family Christmas Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Star of Night
Star of Night continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Four Favorites from Katherine Paterson
Four Favorites from Katherine Paterson is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Katherine Paterson Treasury
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Katherine Paterson Treasury, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
A Midnight Clear: Family Christmas Stories
A Midnight Clear: Family Christmas Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
A Stubborn Sweetness and Other Stories for the Christmas Season
A Stubborn Sweetness and Other Stories for the Christmas Season is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Gates of Excellence: On Reading and Writing Books for Children
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Gates of Excellence: On Reading and Writing Books for Children, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Consider the Lilies: Plants of the Bible
Consider the Lilies: Plants of the Bible continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Spying Heart: More Thoughts on Reading and Writing Books for Children
The Spying Heart: More Thoughts on Reading and Writing Books for Children explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Katherine Paterson.
Who Am I?: Exploring What It Means to Be a Child of God
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Who Am I?: Exploring What It Means to Be a Child of God, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
A Sense of Wonder: On Reading and Writing Books for Children
A Sense of Wonder: On Reading and Writing Books for Children continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Images of God
Images of God is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
The Invisible Child
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Invisible Child, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Stories of My Life
Stories of My Life continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read For Your Life #1
Read For Your Life #1 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #2
Read for Your Life #2 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #3
Read for Your Life #3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Read for Your Life #4
Read for Your Life #4 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #5
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books with Read for Your Life #5, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Read for Your Life #8
Read for Your Life #8 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Read for Your Life #9
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books with Read for Your Life #9, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Read for Your Life #10
Read for Your Life #10 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #11
Read for Your Life #11 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Read for Your Life #12
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books with Read for Your Life #12, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Read for Your Life #13
Read for Your Life #13 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Read for Your Life #14
Read for Your Life #14 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #15
Read for Your Life #15 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #16
Read for Your Life #16 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #17
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books with Read for Your Life #17, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Read for Your Life #18
Read for Your Life #18 continues the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Read for Your Life #19
Read for Your Life #19 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Read for Your Life #20
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books with Read for Your Life #20, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Read for Your Life #21
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Read For Your Life Books with Read for Your Life #21, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The Sign of the Chrysanthemum
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Harper Trophy Books Books with The Sign of the Chrysanthemum, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
Travellers in Time: Past, Present, and to Come
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Travellers in Time: Past, Present, and to Come, another outstanding contribution from Katherine Paterson.
The World In 1492
The World In 1492 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
When I Was Your Age: Original Stories about Growing Up
When I Was Your Age: Original Stories about Growing Up is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Places I Never Meant To Be
Places I Never Meant To Be is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Tomorrowland: 10 Stories About The Future
Tomorrowland: 10 Stories About The Future is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
The Young Oxford Book of Christmas Stories
The Young Oxford Book of Christmas Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Swiftly Tilting Worlds of Madeleine L'Engle: Essays In Her Honor
The Swiftly Tilting Worlds of Madeleine L'Engle: Essays In Her Honor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Katherine Paterson have come to expect.
Open Your Eyes
Open Your Eyes continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Acting Out
Acting Out continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Katherine Paterson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Katherine Paterson?
Katherine Paterson is a bestselling author known for 9 book series containing over 78 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Marvin Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Chapter Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Katherine Paterson series to start with?
For readers new to Katherine Paterson's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 19 books. Begin with The Sign of the Chrysanthemum to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Katherine Paterson written?
Katherine Paterson has written over 78 books across 9 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Katherine Paterson books in order?
Yes, reading Katherine Paterson'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 Katherine Paterson write in?
Katherine Paterson writes primarily in fiction. With 9 series across 78 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Katherine Paterson's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Katherine Paterson'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 Katherine Paterson's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Katherine Paterson's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, The Sign of the Chrysanthemum, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.