Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.

One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award. Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.

Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. According to a recent Mori poll, Jacqueline was voted English children favourite children’s author. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total stands at over 25 million!

In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

What genres and age groups does Jacqueline Wilson write for?

She is a writer of children's and young adult fiction, primarily middle-grade and teen readers, focusing on stories about childhood and growing up.

Which of Jacqueline Wilson's books or series are most popular?

Her best-known creation is Tracy Beaker (starting with The Story of Tracy Beaker). Other popular works and series include the Hetty Feather series, the Girls series, and standalones such as The Illustrated Mum, Double Act, The Lottie Project and Lily Alone.

Where should I start if I want to read Jacqueline Wilson?

For series start with the first book: The Story of Tracy Beaker for the Tracy Beaker books and Hetty Feather for that series. For standalone introductions try The Illustrated Mum, Double Act or The Lottie Project.

What themes does Jacqueline Wilson explore in her books?

Her books often address emotional issues and themes around family, friendship, school life and the challenges of growing up, handled with a mix of humor and empathy.

Has Jacqueline Wilson received awards or official honours for her work?

Yes. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year; Double Act won the Smarties Medal and Children's Book Award and was highly commended for the Carnegie Medal; The Story of Tracy Beaker won the Blue Peter People's Choice Award. She was awarded an OBE for services to literacy, served as Children's Laureate from 2005 to 2007 and became a Dame in 2008.