
Jacqueline Wilson – Books, Biography & New Releases
Dame Jacqueline Wilson is one of the most recognisable names in British children’s literature, with more than 100 books to her name and over 20 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories, often centring on characters navigating difficult family situations, have resonated with young readers for decades. In 2024 she stepped into new territory with her first adult novel, Think Again, and followed it in 2025 with Picture Imperfect. This article brings together her biography, a complete list of her books in order, details of her latest releases, and answers to the most common questions readers ask.
Wilson’s career spans more than 50 years, from her earliest works in the late 1960s to her ongoing output today. She has been honoured with a damehood, served as Children’s Laureate, and created beloved series such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. Yet despite her fame, certain details – such as her net worth – remain unconfirmed. Below we separate established facts from the areas where information is less clear.
Is Jacqueline Wilson Still Alive? Biography and Net Worth
Jacqueline Wilson (née Aitken)
17 December 1945 (age 78)
Children’s literature, young adult, adult fiction
Over 100
Dame Jacqueline Wilson is very much alive and actively writing. Born on 17 December 1945 in Bath, England, she published her first book, Ricky’s Birthday, in 1969, though her breakthrough came in 1991 with The Story of Tracy Beaker. She was appointed OBE in 2002 for services to literacy, served as Children’s Laureate from 2005 to 2007, and was made a Dame in 2008. Her books – which tackle adoption, divorce, mental illness, poverty, and domestic violence – have been translated into 30 languages and sell roughly 100,000 copies each month.
Key Insights About Jacqueline Wilson
- She is one of the UK’s bestselling children’s authors, known for addressing difficult real-world topics.
- Despite writing predominantly for children, she has also published adult novels and non-fiction.
- Her most iconic character is Tracy Beaker, but she has created dozens of memorable protagonists across series and stand-alone titles.
- She has won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and received a damehood, among many other honours.
- Her official website is managed by Penguin Random House and provides the most up-to-date information on new releases.
- Her net worth is not publicly disclosed – estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculative.
Snapshot Facts About Jacqueline Wilson
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Writing debut | First book published in 1969 (adult), but children’s breakthrough in 1991 with The Story of Tracy Beaker |
| Notable series | Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather, Girls series |
| Adaptations | TV series, stage plays, musicals |
| Net worth (estimate) | £4–6 million (speculative, not officially confirmed) |
| Awards | OBE (2002), Children’s Laureate (2005–2007), DBE (2008), UK nominee for Hans Christian Andersen Award (2014) |
| Monthly sales | ~100,000 copies |
For the most reliable updates on Jacqueline Wilson’s new books and events, visit her publisher’s page at Penguin Random House. Her Instagram and YouTube channel also share regular updates and behind-the-scenes content.
What Are All Jacqueline Wilson Books in Order?
Because Wilson’s bibliography spans more than five decades, readers often ask for a chronological list. Many of her books are stand-alones, but series such as Girls and Tracy Beaker have internal reading orders. Below is a table of key publications, beginning with her early works and moving through her major series.
Stand-alone and Early Works
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Ricky’s Birthday |
| 1972 | Hide and Seek (debut novel) |
| 1973 | Truth or Dare |
| 1974 | Snap |
| 1982 | Nobody’s Perfect |
| 1991 | The Story of Tracy Beaker (series start) |
| 1997 | Girls in Love (Girls series start) |
| 1999 | The Illustrated Mum |
| 2000 | Vicky Angel |
| 2001 | Dustbin Baby |
| 2002 | Secrets, The Worry Website, Girls in Tears |
| 2003 | Lola Rose |
Girls Series in Chronological Order
| Year | Title | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Girls in Love | Book 1 |
| 1998 | Girls Under Pressure | Book 2 |
| 1999 | Girls Out Late | Book 3 |
| 2000 | My Girl | Book 4 |
| 2024 | Think Again | Adult sequel (Book 5) |
Tracy Beaker Series
- The Story of Tracy Beaker (1991)
For a complete and regularly updated bibliography, Wikipedia maintains a detailed list. Retailers such as World of Books also offer comprehensive catalogues.
Most of Jacqueline Wilson’s books can be read as stand-alones. For series like Girls, it is best to follow the publication order given above. The Tracy Beaker series also has a clear internal sequence; start with the 1991 original.
Does Jacqueline Wilson Write Books for Adults?
Although Wilson is best known for children’s and young adult fiction, she has written books aimed at an adult audience. Her first adult novel, Think Again, was published in 2024 as a sequel to the Girls series. It follows the same characters from Girls in Love into their adulthood. In 2025 she released another adult title, Picture Imperfect, a continuation of