Books by Gary D. Schmidt

9 books · Ages 4–18

Known for the The Wednesday Wars series, Gary D. Schmidt writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 4–18, alongside 8 standalone books, exploring themes of self-confidence & identity, resilience & perseverance, love & family.

Series

Okay for Now
The Wednesday Wars
1 book · Ages 12–15

Standalone Books (Ages 4–7)

Cover of Martín de Porres: The Rose in the Desert
Martín de Porres: The Rose in the Desert
Gary D. Schmidt
Journey with Saint Martín de Porres, a gentle friar in 17th-century Peru, as he confronts racial and economic prejudice
Ages 4–11
Cover of Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Gary D. Schmidt
When a British butler arrives on his doorstep, sixth-grader Carter Jones must learn to navigate middle school, family se
Ages 4–11
Cover of Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden
Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden
Phyllis Root, Gary D. Schmidt
For children who find beauty in surprising places, this book tells the inspiring true story of Celia Thaxter, who transf
Ages 5–9

By Age Range

Ages 4–7
3 books
Martín de Porres: The Rose in the Desert
Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden
Ages 8–11
7 books
Anson's Way
Straw Into Gold
The Wednesday Wars
Ages 12–18
6 books
Anson's Way
Straw Into Gold
The Wednesday Wars

Common Themes

Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilyEmpathy & KindnessFear & BraveryHistoryBeing DifferentJustice & Fairness

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Blind
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Poppy
Freckle Juice
Jennifer Litzel
Freckle Juice
The Hopis
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
The Hopis