Books by Katherine Paterson

23 books · Ages 3–18

Katherine Paterson has 23 books on Wonderlit spanning ages 3–18.

Standalone Books

Cover of The Sign of the Chrysanthemum
The Sign of the Chrysanthemum
Katherine Paterson
For teens grappling with identity, complex family relationships, and moral choices, this historical adventure delves int
Ages 12–16
Cover of The Master Puppeteer
The Master Puppeteer
Katherine Paterson
For a child facing hardship and seeking their place, this story follows a determined boy's apprenticeship in 18th-centur
Ages 10–14
Cover of Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Paterson
For the child grappling with profound loss and the enduring power of friendship, this book offers a poignant journey of
Ages 9–12
Cover of The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Katherine Paterson
For the child who feels like an outsider or struggles to connect, this story explores the profound journey of finding lo
Ages 9–12
Cover of Jacob Have I Loved
Jacob Have I Loved
Katherine Paterson
For the child who feels overshadowed by a sibling, this poignant story explores finding your own identity and worth amid
Ages 10–14
Cover of Jacob Have I Loved
Jacob Have I Loved
Katherine Paterson
For the child grappling with sibling rivalry and feeling overshadowed, this poignant story explores finding self-worth a
Ages 11–14
Cover of Park's Quest
Park's Quest
Katherine Paterson
For a child piecing together their family's past and understanding the complexities of grief and identity, this story of
Ages 10–14
Cover of Come Sing, Jimmy Jo
Come Sing, Jimmy Jo
Katherine Paterson
When James's family forms a country music group, his incredible singing talent makes him the star. But fame brings big c
Ages 4–11
Cover of Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom
Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom
Katherine Paterson
Fifteen-year-old Wang Lee is abducted from his home and rescued by a mysterious girl, Mei Lin. She introduces him to the
Ages 10–14
Cover of Jip: His Story
Jip: His Story
Katherine Paterson
Jip, an orphan working at a poor farm in 1850s Vermont, has always wondered about his past. When he discovers he is the
Ages 8–12
Cover of Over the Water
Over the Water
Maude Casey, Katherine Paterson
Mary, a fourteen-year-old, feels like a misfit in England and her family's former Irish home. A trip to her Irish relati
Ages 10–14
Cover of Flip-Flop Girl
Flip-Flop Girl
Katherine Paterson
After their father's death, Vinnie and her mute younger brother Mason move to their grandmother's rural home. Vinnie str
Ages 4–11
Cover of Celia and the Sweet, Sweet Water
Celia and the Sweet, Sweet Water
Katherine Paterson
Celia and her dog, Brumble, journey to find a remedy for her ailing mother. They meet strange, unkind characters, offeri
Ages 4–11
Cover of Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever
Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever
Katherine Paterson
Marvin creates a special Christmas wreath for his parents and learns how a handmade gift can bring joy throughout the en
Ages 4–11
Cover of Parzival: The Quest of the Grail Knight
Parzival: The Quest of the Grail Knight
Katherine Paterson
Raised in the wilderness, Parzival knows nothing of his noble heritage until he becomes a knight in King Arthur's court.
Ages 8–12
Cover of Marvin One Too Many
Marvin One Too Many
Katherine Paterson
Marvin is the only one in his new class who can't read, making him dread school. With his father's loving help, he learn
Ages 4–11
Cover of The Angel and the Donkey
The Angel and the Donkey
Katherine Paterson
In this retelling of a biblical story, a faithful donkey sees an angel and saves a soothsayer from King Balak's foolish
Ages 3–7
Cover of Lyddie
Lyddie
Katherine Paterson
For a child navigating tough circumstances or facing unfairness, this historical story spotlights a courageous girl's pe
Ages 10–14
Cover of Come Sing, Jimmy Jo
Come Sing, Jimmy Jo
Katherine Paterson
James Johnson, a quiet West Virginia boy, discovers a powerful musical talent that propels him into his parents' bluegra
Ages 8–12
Cover of The Day of the Pelican
The Day of the Pelican
Katherine Paterson
For young readers exploring themes of courage and belonging amidst conflict, this gripping story follows a refugee famil
Ages 10–14
Cover of Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving
Katherine Paterson
This special book, curated by Katherine Paterson and illustrated with Pamela Dalton's exquisite cut-paper art, gathers o
Ages 4–11
Cover of Stories of My Life
Stories of My Life
Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson's memoir offers a heartfelt and humorous look into her life, from her childhood with missionary paren
Ages 12–18
Cover of My Brigadista Year
My Brigadista Year
Katherine Paterson
Lora, a young Cuban girl, volunteers for Castro's literacy campaign, traveling to the rural countryside to teach reading
Ages 4–11

By Age Range

Ages 0-3
1 books
The Angel and the Donkey
Ages 4-7
8 books
Come Sing, Jimmy JoFlip-Flop GirlCelia and the Sweet, Sweet Water
Ages 8-11
20 books
The Master PuppeteerBridge to TerabithiaThe Great Gilly Hopkins
Ages 12-18
15 books
The Sign of the ChrysanthemumThe Master PuppeteerBridge to Terabithia

Common Themes

Love & FamilyFamily & SiblingsResilience & PerseveranceSelf-Confidence & IdentityGrowing UpLoneliness & BelongingEmpathy & KindnessBeing Different

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