Jacqueline Wilson Book Recommendations
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Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most prolific children’s authors. With more than 100 books to her name, Jackie is a former children’s laureate and a childhood favourite for several generations of kids. She’s truly a national treasure and, while her books are brilliant for children, I’ve really enjoyed revisiting them as an adult. Here are 15 of the best Jacqueline Wilson books that you should read, regardless of your age.
Opal Plumstead
Opening this list is my all time favourite Jacqueline Wilson book, Opal Plumstead. This has to be one of the saddest books that Jackie has written with a brilliant, twisty plotline. Set back in the early 1900s, Opal is an intelligent young teen who has high hopes for her future. But after her family faces financial ruin, she’s is forced to leave school and work in a local factory, abandoning her dreams. It’s at the factory that Opal is introduced to the Suffragettes, and soon after, the impact of the First World War.
Hetty Feather
Meet Hetty Feather, Jacqueline Wilson’s mischievous heroine from the 19th century. Hetty was abandoned as a baby, left at the Foundling Hospital by a mother who couldn’t afford to keep her. With a feisty temper and flame red hair, Hetty defies the Hospital matrons and longs to escape a lifetime of service. Instead, she wants to become a writer. Inspired by London’s real life Foundling Hospital, the Hetty Feather series is interesting, insightful, and a whole lot of fun. She’s Tracy Beaker for a new generation!
The Story of Tracy Beaker
A classic JW story that grew into a beloved franchise, Tracy Beaker is is a character that you have to meet. Inspired by an ad for a foster child that Jackie saw in a local newspaper, Tracy lives in a children’s home and longs to be fostered by a loving family.
She’s feisty and adventurous, but sensitive too, and it’s so much fun following Tracy over the course of the series.
My Mum Tracy Beaker
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Tracy after she grew up, then you need to pick up My Mum Tracy Beaker! Featuring lots of your favourite characters from the original Tracy Beaker books, this story follows Tracy and her young daughter Jess as they muddle through their lives together.
Tracy is a brilliant mum, but when she falls in love with a friend from her past, Jess finds that she isn’t too keen.
Cookie
Here’s another poignant read that will break your heart. Cookie follows a teenage girl called Beauty, who’s living in an abusive home with her mother. When tensions peak, the two decide to run away to the seaside where they can make their dreams come true.
Candyfloss
Jacqueline Wilson’s books usually have great mums, but I love this one because it features one really brilliant dad! Floss’s parents are divorced and, when her mum, step-dad and little brother move to Australia, she decides to stay at home with her dad.
It isn’t long before Floss’s dad’s greasy spoon cafe falls into financial difficulty, and the pair seek help at their local funfair.
The Suitcase Kid
Get ready for another classic Jacqueline Wilson read! The Suitcase Kid explores how a child can struggle to cope in the midst of a difficult divorce.
The main character, Andy, lives out of a suitcase, constantly shuttling between two houses and not feeling like she fits in anywhere. All she wants is to move back into her old home, Mulberry Cottage.
Queenie
This book is so unbelievably sweet, and is set back in 1953, the year that Princess Elizabeth was crowned the Queen of England. Our main character Elsie lives with her nan, and, like much of the country, has plans to travel to London to celebrate coronation day. However, things start looking bleak after both Elsie and her Nan are diagnosed with TB and admitted to hospital, where they’re forced to endure months of bed rest. Fortunately for Elsie, she discovers a knack for entertaining the rest of the children on her ward, and it’s there that she makes a special regal friend.
The Longest Whale Song
Ella’s mum is in hospital, left in a coma after giving birth to her new baby, Samson.
Life is hard living with her hapless step-dad and tiny sibling, so Ella comes up with a plan to wake her mother up, inspired by a school project. Whales.
My Sister Jodie
I always love a good boarding school story! Sisters Jodie and Pearl are forced to move into a fancy old school after their parents take on new jobs there.
While Pearl, the protagonist, thrives during this new phase in her life, her older sister Jodie starts getting into increasing amounts of trouble. After a tragic event occurs, Pearl is reminded of how much she really needs Jodie in her life.
Best Friends
One of my favourite childhood reads, Best Friends explores the bond between childhood friends, and how it feels to be parted from someone you care about.
For the protagonists, Alice and Gemma, it’s their first true experience of loss, and they each deal with it in their own ways.
Double Act
Here’s the book that made every child want to have an identical twin! Ruby and Garnet, the gemstone named twins of this story, do everything together - but now they’re about to attend different schools.
Like with Best Friends, this is a story about growing up and growing apart, carving out your own identity and finding a place in the world.
The Illustrated Mum
Here’s a book about mental illness and how it can impact a family unit. Dolphin and Star live with their mum Marigold, who has a love for tattoos, a problem with alcohol, and suffers from Bipolar Disorder.
Her rollercoaster moods are hard for the girls to deal with, and soon she’s not well enough to stay at home any more.
Rose Rivers
My penultimate recommendation is for anyone who enjoys reading about fancy, old fashioned houses. Set back in the time of Hetty Feather, Rose Rivers is the daughter of an artist, and lives in a beautiful house with her large family.
After a young girl her age starts work in her home, Rose begins to learn more about the wider world and how it isn’t fair for everyone.
Jackie Daydream
I couldn’t end this list without mentioning Jacqueline Wilson’s very own autobiography, that details her childhood right up she was eleven years old. It’s a great way to find out how Jackie’s own life has inspired her books, making it a must read for any fan!
I hope this list has inspired you to pick up a Jacqueline Wilson book as your next read. You won’t regret it!
Further reading
20 of the Best Jacqueline Wilson Characters