Kathleen Ernst Reading Order
13 series · 127 books
Kathleen Ernst has authored over 125 books spanning more than three decades, establishing herself as a prolific writer of historical mysteries and fiction for both children and adults. Her extensive work with the American Girl franchise has made her a defining voice in the historical fiction genre, crafting stories that transport readers to different periods of American history through memorable characters and engaging narratives. Ernst's deep commitment to historical accuracy and her ability to weave mystery into educational storytelling have earned her recognition as a leading author in historical children's literature.
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American Girl Mysteries Series
Complete1 book (2013–2013)
American Girl: Felicity Series
Complete17 books (1991–2017)
The American Girl: Felicity series comprises 17 complete books published between 1991 and 2017, following a colonial-era character through historical fiction narratives and short story collections. Reading in publication order provides the best experience, as the stories build on one another chronologically. The series includes adventure tales, mystery novels, and supplementary collections that expand on Felicity's life in eighteenth-century Williamsburg, Virginia.
Start with Felicity Learns a Lesson(By: Dan Andreasen,Valerie Tripp), the first of 17 books in the American Girl: Felicity series.
Start this series with Felicity Learns a Lesson(By: Dan Andreasen,Valerie Tripp)
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American Girl: History Mysteries Series
Complete22 books (1999–2004)
American Girl: History Mysteries is a complete series of 22 historical fiction mysteries published between 1999 and 2004, written by various authors including Kathleen Ernst, Elizabeth McDavid Jones, and others. Each standalone story is set in a different period of American history and features young protagonists solving mysteries connected to real historical events and locations. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Hoofbeats of Danger and concluding with the final entry in the series.
Start with Hoofbeats of Danger(By: Holly Hughes), the first of 22 books in the American Girl: History Mysteries series.
Start this series with Hoofbeats of Danger(By: Holly Hughes)
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American Girl: Josefina Series
Complete17 books (1997–2016)
The American Girl: Josefina series consists of 17 books published between 1997 and 2016, following a character in historical New Mexico. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Josefina Learns a Lesson. The series is complete and includes a mix of narrative fiction, activity books, and short story collections featuring recipes and crafts.
Start with Josefina Learns a Lesson(By: Susan McAliley,Valerie Tripp), the first of 17 books in the American Girl: Josefina series.
Start this series with Josefina Learns a Lesson(By: Susan McAliley,Valerie Tripp)
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American Girl: Kirsten Series
Complete8 books (1994–2012)
The American Girl: Kirsten series comprises eight historical fiction books published between 1994 and 2012, now complete. Authored primarily by Kathleen Ernst with contributions from other writers, the series should be read in publication order beginning with Kirsten's Cookbook. The collection spans narrative adventures, mysteries, and practical guides centered on the character Kirsten within the American Girl historical fiction universe.
Start with Kirsten's Cookbook(By: Jodi Evert), the first of 8 books in the American Girl: Kirsten series.
Start this series with Kirsten's Cookbook(By: Jodi Evert)
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American Girl: Kit Series
Complete14 books (2000–2015)
The American Girl: Kit series follows a young girl navigating life during the Great Depression through 14 books published between 2000 and 2015. Originally written by Valerie Tripp with later additions by other authors, the series is now complete and should be read in publication order beginning with Kit Learns a Lesson. These historical fiction stories blend character-driven narratives with the real events and challenges of 1930s America, offering both entertaining adventures and educational insight into this transformative period.
Start with Kit Learns a Lesson(By: Valerie Tripp), the first of 14 books in the American Girl: Kit series.
Start this series with Kit Learns a Lesson(By: Valerie Tripp)
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American Girl: Molly Series
Complete15 books (1986–2018)
The American Girl: Molly series comprises 15 books published between 1986 and 2018, following a complete story arc centered on a young girl growing up during World War II. Primarily written by Valerie Tripp with contributions from other authors including Dottie Raymer, Alison Hart, and Sarah Masters Buckey, the series blends historical fiction with non-fiction elements. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with Meet Molly and concluding with Chances and Changes, to experience Molly's full journey through the 1940s era.
Start with Meet Molly(By: Valerie Tripp), the first of 15 books in the American Girl: Molly series.
Start this series with Meet Molly(By: Valerie Tripp)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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American Girls: Caroline Series
Complete9 books (2012–2015)
The American Girls: Caroline series by Kathleen Ernst consists of nine historical fiction books published between 2012 and 2015, now complete. This series follows publication order, beginning with A Surprise for Caroline and continuing through The Smuggler's Secrets. The complete sequence includes A Surprise for Caroline, Caroline Takes a Chance, Caroline's Battle, Caroline's Secret Message, Changes for Caroline, Meet Caroline, Traitor in the Shipyard, Catch the Wind, and The Smuggler's Secrets.
Start with A Surprise for Caroline, the first of 9 books in the American Girls: Caroline series.
Start this series with A Surprise for Caroline
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Chloe Ellefson Series
Likely Complete11 books (2010–2021)
The Chloe Ellefson series consists of eleven historical fiction mysteries published between 2010 and 2021, following the books in publication order from Old World Murder through The Weaver's Revenge. The series appears to be complete as of 2021. Each novel combines Kathleen Ernst's interest in historical detail with mystery plotting, drawing on the author's background in both fiction and nonfiction writing.
Start with Old World Murder, the first of 11 books in the Chloe Ellefson series.
Start this series with Old World Murder
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Hanneke Bauer Series
Ongoing3 books (2021–2024)
The Hanneke Bauer series consists of three historical fiction novels following a German immigrant character, published between 2021 and 2024. The series is still ongoing, with new installments expected. All books should be read in publication order, beginning with Lies of Omission, followed by The Solace of Stars and A Most Perilous Journey.
Start with Lies of Omission and read in order.
Start this series with Lies of Omission
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleNon-Fiction Series
Complete2 books (1999–2015)
Kathleen Ernst's two-book non-fiction series spans from 1999 to 2015 and is now complete. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Too Afraid to Cry followed by A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through the Seasons. Ernst blends her expertise in historical fiction and non-fiction to explore aspects of pioneer and early American life.
Start with Too Afraid to Cry and read in order.
Start this series with Too Afraid to Cry
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Ongoing4 books (2006–2026)
Kathleen Ernst has written three standalone historical fiction novels published between 2006 and 2025, with the series remaining ongoing. Each book can be read independently, though readers should begin with Hearts of Stone and progress through Highland Fling and Between These Rivers in publication order to experience Ernst's work as intended. The author's background in both historical fiction and non-fiction informs these narratives, which explore different time periods and settings.
Start with Hearts of Stone and read in order.
Start this series with Hearts of Stone
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
White Mane Kids Series
Complete4 books (1996–2003)
The White Mane Kids series consists of four historical fiction books published between 1996 and 2003, now complete. Each standalone story follows young protagonists through pivotal American Civil War events and locations, including Harpers Ferry, Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg. Read in publication order beginning with The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry for the intended experience.
Start with The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry, the first of 4 books in the White Mane Kids series.
Start this series with The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Kathleen Ernst written?
- Kathleen Ernst has written 127 books across 13 series. Their published works span from 1986 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Kathleen Ernst series?
- Here are the first books in Kathleen Ernst's series: American Girl: Felicity: Felicity Learns a Lesson(By: Dan Andreasen,Valerie Tripp); American Girl: History Mysteries: Hoofbeats of Danger(By: Holly Hughes); American Girl: Josefina: Josefina Learns a Lesson(By: Susan McAliley,Valerie Tripp); American Girl: Kirsten: Kirsten's Cookbook(By: Jodi Evert); American Girl: Kit: Kit Learns a Lesson(By: Valerie Tripp).
- What order should I read Kathleen Ernst's books?
- We recommend reading Kathleen Ernst's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Kathleen Ernst still writing new books?
- Yes, Kathleen Ernst has 2 ongoing series: Hanneke Bauer, Standalone Novels.