Jennifer L. Holm’s Most Fantastic, Fun-Filled Kids’ Books
by Janssen Bradshaw
There are some authors who are one-hit wonders. And then there is Jennifer L. Holm, who has written one smash hit after another. From penning bestselling books to garnering three Newbery Honors to winning the Eisner Award, she has many literary accomplishments under her belt. She’s a sure-fire choice when it comes to picking books for young readers. (Also, her website says, “I wear slippers to work.” Just when I thought I couldn’t love her more…)
Whether you’re a devoted Holm fan or you’re new to her work, whether you gravitate towards historical fiction, graphic novels, or something in between, you’ll adore these highlights from her enormous collection of books!
-
My First Comics Series
It’s never too early for graphic novels or comic books with these four board books that teach gentle lessons about overcoming fear, dealing with grumpiness, and other emotions.
(Ages 0 – 3)Preorder from: -
The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight
Available from:Why can't siblings just get along? Though they live in a castle, the "evil princess" and the "brave knight" can't stop tormenting each other. This story shows kids (and parents) that it's okay for siblings to fight ... as long as it's all in good fun!
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Babymouse Series
Available from:Written with her brother, this graphic novel series is perfect for young readers just entering the water of graphic novels. They’re fast-paced, hilarious, and perfectly mirror the situations in which real kids find themselves at school, at home, and in sports, friendship, and all the other trappings of childhood.
(Ages 7 – 10)Also available from: -
Squish Series
Available from:Another series written with her brother, the Squish books follow a hilarious amoeba who loves comic books and is terrified of most things. These books get extra points for their nod to science in a fun, amusing way.
(Ages 7 – 10)Also available from: -
Penny from Heaven
Available from:Inspired by her own Italian American family, Jennifer Holm’s book follows Penny and her cousin who can’t wait to spend the summer together. But in the aftermath of World War II, many of Penny’s neighbors are distrustful of their Italian neighbors because Italy was the enemy just a few years earlier.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
Our Only May Amelia
Set in 1899 in the pioneer state of Washington, May Amelia is the only girl ever born in her settlement. Her family wants her to be a proper young lady, but she’d like to be out adventuring with her seven older brothers. It’s possible that if she had a sister, things would be different...
(Ages 8 – 12)Preorder from: -
Turtle in Paradise
Available from:Set in the Great Depression, this Newbery Honor winner follows Turtle, a tween girl who is sent to Key West to live with the extended family members she has never met. Florida is nothing like she expected, but it might not be so bad after all. And don’t miss the companion book, Full of Beans, which garnered a Scott O’Dell award for historical fiction.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Available from:Ellie’s grandfather is a scientist fixated on immortality. Ellie is an 11-year-old who hates changes that shift her life, even in small ways. But change is always coming, especially when a bossy teenage boy shows up — and he reminds Ellie of her grandfather. (P.S. The sequel, The Third Mushroom, is now on sale!).
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
Eighth Grade Is Making Me Sick: Ginny Davis’s Year in Stuff
Imagine a graphic novel combined with a scrapbook and you’ve just about got this book. Ginny can’t wait for eighth grade and she has BIG plans, including cheerleading and romance. But with sudden money worries, a new baby on the way, and the regular middle school drama, eighth grade isn’t going as planned. (This is the sequel to the popular Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf, so grab them both for a read like none other.)
(Ages 8 – 12)Available from: -
Boston Jane Series
Available from:This phenomenal historical fiction trilogy has it all — adventure, danger, romance, and a strong heroine. Miss Jane Peck has never been able to fit in with Philadelphia high society, thanks to her reckless spirit, determination, and unusual upbringing. But those traits might just come in handy when she finds herself headed off to live in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. (The protagonist of this series is in her teens, but the story is written in a way that younger readers can understand as well.)
(Ages 10+)Also available from:
What books by Jennifer Holm have your kids enjoyed? Let us know in the comments below!