Megan McDonald Reading Order
20 series · 238 books · Born 1959-02-28
Megan McDonald is a prolific children's author known for creating memorable characters that resonate with elementary and middle-grade readers. She is best known for her Judy Moody series, which follows the adventures and misadventures of a spirited third-grader and has become a staple of early chapter books. McDonald has also made significant contributions to American Girl's catalog, including historical fiction featuring characters like Julie Albright, along with numerous picture books and mystery series that span over three decades of publishing.
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American Girl Historical Characters Series
Ongoing19 books (2000–2024)
The American Girl Historical Characters series consists of 13 books published between 2000 and 2024, with the collection still ongoing. Written by various authors including Megan McDonald, Janet Beeler Shaw, and others, these young adult historical fiction stories should be read in publication order to follow the series' development. Each book focuses on a different American Girl character experiencing pivotal moments in American history, from colonial times through the modern era.
Start with Kaya: An American Girl- 1764(By: Janet Beeler Shaw), the first of 13 books in the American Girl Historical Characters series.
Start this series with Kaya: An American Girl- 1764(By: Janet Beeler Shaw)
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American Girl: History Mysteries Series
Complete22 books (1999–2004)
The American Girl: History Mysteries series comprises 22 complete books published between 1999 and 2004, written by multiple authors including Megan McDonald, Elizabeth McDavid Jones, and others. Each standalone mystery is set in a different period of American history and should be read in publication order to best appreciate the series' development. The collection blends historical fiction with mystery elements, offering young readers engaging stories grounded in real American settings and time periods.
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: Julie Series
Complete11 books (2007–2017)
The American Girl: Julie series comprises eleven books published between 2007 and 2017, following the character Julie in stories set during the 1970s. The series blends narrative fiction with historical content aimed at young adult readers and includes both character-focused books and mystery adventures by various authors. Readers should begin with Changes for Julie and proceed in publication order through the complete series, which concluded in 2017. The collection alternates between Julie's main stories and mystery novels featuring the character.
Start with Changes for Julie, the first of 11 books in the American Girl: Julie series.
Start this series with Changes for Julie
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Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (2006–2006)
Beezy Series
Complete4 books (1997–2000)
The Beezy series by Megan McDonald consists of four complete books published between 1997 and 2000. Readers should follow the series in publication order, beginning with Beezy and continuing through Beezy Magic, Beezy at Bat, and concluding with Beezy and Funnybone. Each book builds on the previous installment, making sequential reading the recommended approach for this young adult series.
Start with Beezy, the first of 4 books in the Beezy series.
Start this series with Beezy
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Candlewick Sparks Series
Ongoing46 books (1998–2025)
Candlewick Sparks is an ongoing collection of 46 early reader books published between 1998 and 2025, featuring multiple standalone or loosely connected stories aimed at beginning readers. The series includes recurring characters like Zelda and Ivy, Houndsley and Catina, and various animal and friendship-focused tales illustrated by different artists. These books should be read in publication order to follow the series as it developed. Each entry is designed to help early readers build confidence and fluency through accessible stories and colorful illustrations.
Start with Zelda and Ivy(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky), the first of 46 books in the Candlewick Sparks series.
Start this series with Zelda and Ivy(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky)
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Children's Series
Complete7 books (2000–2007)
Megan McDonald's Children's series consists of seven books published between 2000 and 2007, now complete. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Lucky Star and concluding with Vacation Story: Princess Caroline and Me. Each installment stands as an independent story, making the series accessible to young readers who may pick up individual titles.
Start with Lucky Star, the first of 7 books in the Children's series.
Start this series with Lucky Star
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Dear America Series
Complete44 books (1996–2013)
Dear America is a complete series of 44 historical fiction books published between 1996 and 2013, with each entry written by a different author. The series follows young girls through significant moments in American history, presented as their personal diaries from events like the Mayflower voyage, the Civil War, the American Revolution, and other pivotal historical periods. Readers should start with A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower, 1620 and follow the publication order, as each book stands alone but maintains the series' consistent format and historical educational focus.
Start with A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower, 1620(By: Kathryn Lasky), the first of 44 books in the Dear America series.
Start this series with A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower, 1620(By: Kathryn Lasky)
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Judy Moody Series
Likely Complete16 books (2000–2021)
Megan McDonald's Judy Moody series comprises 16 books published between 2000 and 2021, following the adventures of its spirited protagonist through various escapades and imaginative scenarios. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Judy Moody Was in a Mood. Each installment finds Judy embarking on new pursuits, from declaring independence and predicting the future to solving mysteries and traveling the world. This collection offers standalone-adjacent episodes that together form a continuous chronicle of the character's growth and misadventures.
Start with Judy Moody Was in a Mood, the first of 16 books in the Judy Moody series.
Start this series with Judy Moody Was in a Mood
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Judy Moody & Friends Series
Likely Complete13 books (2014–2022)
The Judy Moody & Friends series comprises 13 books published between 2014 and 2022, expanding the Judy Moody universe to feature different characters from the original series. Each book centers on a different friend or family member, including Amy Namey, Frank Pearl, Jessica Finch, Rocky Zang, Stink Moody, and others. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Amy Namey in Ace Reporter.
Start with Amy Namey in Ace Reporter, the first of 13 books in the Judy Moody & Friends series.
Start this series with Amy Namey in Ace Reporter
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Judy Moody & Stink Series
Complete5 books (2007–2016)
The Judy Moody & Stink series consists of five complete books published between 2007 and 2016, following the adventures of siblings Judy and Stink. This series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Holly Joliday and continuing through The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, The Big Bad Blackout, The Wishbone Wish, and concluding with The Grand-Slam Book-Bowl Jam. The books are designed for young readers and blend fictional storytelling with engaging, accessible prose.
Start with The Holly Joliday, the first of 5 books in the Judy Moody & Stink series.
Start this series with The Holly Joliday
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Judy Moody Collections Series
Complete1 book (2012–2012)
Judy Moody Movie Tie-In Series
Complete5 books (2011–2011)
The Judy Moody Movie Tie-In series comprises five complete books published in 2011, following the adventures of a spirited young protagonist. All entries should be read in publication order, beginning with Judy Moody Goes to Hollywood and continuing through Judy Moody's Thrill-A-Delic Hunt for Bigfoot. These movie-inspired stories are designed for early readers seeking humorous, engaging narratives with contemporary appeal.
Start with Judy Moody Goes to Hollywood, the first of 5 books in the Judy Moody Movie Tie-In series.
Start this series with Judy Moody Goes to Hollywood
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Judy Moody Non-Fiction Series
Complete4 books (2001–2011)
Megan McDonald's Judy Moody Non-Fiction series comprises four activity and reference books published between 2001 and 2011. The complete series includes interactive journals, activity books, and fun-stuff compilations designed to engage young readers. These standalone entries should be read in publication order, beginning with Judy Moody's Double-Rare Way-Not-Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do and concluding with Judy Moody's Best Mood Ever: Coloring and Activity Book.
Start with Judy Moody's Double-Rare Way-Not-Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do, the first of 4 books in the Judy Moody Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Judy Moody's Double-Rare Way-Not-Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Picture Series
Complete19 books (1990–2014)
The Picture series by Megan McDonald spans 19 complete books published between 1990 and 2014, blending young adult and non-fiction elements through illustrated narratives. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Is This a House for Hermit Crab? and continuing through titles like Insects are My Life, Reptiles are My Life, and Saving the Liberty Bell. The series combines engaging storytelling with educational content across diverse natural subjects.
Start with Is This a House for Hermit Crab?, the first of 19 books in the Picture series.
Start this series with Is This a House for Hermit Crab?
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Sisters Club Series
Complete3 books (2003–2011)
The Sisters Club is a three-book young adult series by Megan McDonald published between 2003 and 2011. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Sisters Club, followed by Rule of Three, and concluding with Cloudy with a Chance of Boys. This finished series explores themes relevant to young readers navigating relationships and social dynamics.
Start with The Sisters Club and read in order.
Start this series with The Sisters Club
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Complete1 book (1993–1993)
Stink Series
Likely Complete14 books (2005–2023)
Megan McDonald's Stink series consists of 14 books published between 2005 and 2023, following the adventures of its titular character through various imaginative scenarios involving science, nature, and everyday mishaps. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid. Each installment stands alone while contributing to the ongoing charm of the character, making the series accessible to young readers whether they start from the beginning or jump in at any point.
Start with Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, the first of 14 books in the Stink series.
Start this series with Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Stink Non-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (2013–2013)
Stink-O-Pedia Series
Complete2 books (2008–2010)
The Stink-O-Pedia series by Megan McDonald is a complete two-book collection published between 2008 and 2010. This finished series should be read in publication order, beginning with Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Zzzzz followed by More Super-Stink-y Stuff from A to Z. Blending young adult appeal with informational content, the books present alphabetically organized material on their distinctive subject matter.
Start with Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Zzzzz and read in order.
Start this series with Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Zzzzz
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Megan McDonald written?
- Megan McDonald has written 238 books across 20 series. Their published works span from 1990 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Megan McDonald series?
- Here are the first books in Megan McDonald's series: American Girl Historical Characters: Kaya: An American Girl- 1764(By: Janet Beeler Shaw); American Girl: History Mysteries: Hoofbeats of Danger(By: Holly Hughes); American Girl: Julie: Changes for Julie; Beezy: Beezy; Candlewick Sparks: Zelda and Ivy(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky).
- What order should I read Megan McDonald's books?
- We recommend reading Megan McDonald's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Megan McDonald still writing new books?
- Yes, Megan McDonald has 2 ongoing series: American Girl Historical Characters, Candlewick Sparks.