Jacqueline Wilson – Biography, Books, and Latest News 2025

Dame Jacqueline Wilson, born 17 December 1945, is one of Britain’s most beloved children’s authors. With over 100 books and more than 30 million copies sold worldwide, her stories have shaped the reading habits of generations. In January 2025 she was promoted to Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for services to literature, confirming that she remains an active and honoured figure in the literary world.

From the troubled foster child Tracy Beaker to the Victorian foundling Hetty Feather, Wilson’s characters tackle complex emotions with honesty and warmth. Her work continues to attract new readers, while long-time fans return to her series again and again. This guide covers everything from her biography and latest releases to reading orders and frequently asked questions.

Is Jacqueline Wilson still alive?

• Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors, with over 100 books.
• She continues to publish new books, including The Seaside Sleepover (2024) and The Runaway Girls (2023).
• Her books often tackle complex themes like family, friendship, and identity.
• She has official social media presence on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, managed by Penguin Random House.
• In 2025 she received the GBE, the highest civil honour, confirming she is still professionally active.
• As of 2005 she had sold over 30 million copies worldwide; monthly sales are estimated at 100,000.

What is Jacqueline Wilson’s new book?

Wilson’s most recent publication is The Seaside Sleepover (2024), co-authored with Rachael Dean. She also released The Runaway Girls in 2023. While no specific 2025 title has been announced, an audiobook is scheduled for 28 August 2025, according to Audible. Her historical fiction series remains popular, with Clover Moon (2017) and the Hetty Feather series continuing to sell well.

What are Jacqueline Wilson’s most popular books?

Her breakthrough came in 1991 with The Story of Tracy Beaker, which was shortlisted for the Smarties Prize and Carnegie Medal. Other enduring favourites include The Suitcase Kid (1992), Double Act (1994), and The Illustrated Mum (1999). The Tracy Beaker series spawned a television adaptation, and Hetty Feather was also turned into a CBBC series.

Does Jacqueline Wilson write books for adults?

Wilson is primarily known for children’s and young adult fiction. Most of her books are aimed at readers aged 8–12. She has written a few works for older readers, but the majority of her catalogue is squarely in the children’s and middle-grade categories. No dedicated adult novel has been identified in the provided sources.

How to read Jacqueline Wilson books in order?

Wilson writes several interconnected series. The most straightforward approach is to follow each series in publication order. Below are the key series and standalone titles as listed in the research notes.

The Tracy Beaker series

1. The Story of Tracy Beaker (1991)
2. The Dare Game (2000)
3. Starring Tracy Beaker (2006)
4. Tracy Beaker’s Thumping Heart (2009)
5. Tracy Beaker: The Story of Tracy Beaker (25th Anniversary Edition, 2016)

The Hetty Feather series (historical fiction)

1. Hetty Feather (2014)
2. Fist of Feather (2015)
3. Jingle Bell (2016)
4. Snowy (2017)
5. Robbie (2018)

There is also a three-book collection titled World of Hetty Feather published by Penguin.

What is Jacqueline Wilson’s book ‘Best Friends’ about?

The research notes do not include a specific title called Best Friends among Wilson’s works. It is possible that the phrase refers to a different series, such as the ‘Girls’ series or the ‘Sleepover’ series, which often centre on friendship. For accurate details, readers should consult the official publisher’s catalogue on Penguin’s website.

What are the key milestones in Jacqueline Wilson’s career?

1. 1945: Born in Bath, England.
2. 1960s: Began writing for teenage magazines.
3. 1991: Published The Story of Tracy Beaker – her breakthrough.
4. 2000s: Series adaptations on TV (Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather).
5. 2005–2007: Served as UK Children’s Laureate.
6. 2002: Appointed OBE; 2008: Dame Commander.
7. 2010s: Continued bestselling series; awarded OBE and DBE.
8. 2023: Published The Runaway Girls.
9. 2024: Published The Seaside Sleepover.
10. 2025: Promoted to Dame Grand Cross (GBE) in New Year Honours.

What is known and what remains unclear about Jacqueline Wilson?

Why remains Jacqueline Wilson such a popular author?

Wilson’s books are known for tackling difficult topics – divorce, foster care, identity – in accessible and compassionate ways. She has been a constant presence in British children’s literature for over 30 years. Her characters, from Tracy Beaker to Hetty Feather, have become iconic and have been adapted into successful television series. Critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the OBE and DBE, have cemented her legacy as one of the UK’s most influential authors for young readers.

Where can I find reliable information about Jacqueline Wilson?

“I think it’s important to write about real life because children often feel that they’re the only ones going through things.”

— Jacqueline Wilson, from various interviews

For biographical facts, Wikipedia provides a comprehensive entry. The official publisher page at Penguin Random House lists all current books and series. Visual updates can be found on her Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. For additional background, Britannica Kids offers a concise summary of her life and achievements.

The lasting legacy of Jacqueline Wilson

Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s influence on children’s literature is hard to overstate. With more than 100 books, millions of readers, and a string of honours culminating in the GBE in 2025, she remains one of Britain’s bestselling and most-borrowed authors. Her work continues to resonate because it speaks honestly about the real lives of children – and that rare gift ensures her stories will be read for decades to come.

Frequently asked questions