Barbara Park Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Barbara Park books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

When you think of children’s books that make kids laugh out loud while also teaching them about real life, Barbara Park’s name often comes to mind. She was one of the most beloved and successful American authors of children’s literature, best known for creating the unforgettable Junie B. Jones series. With more than 60 million copies sold, Barbara’s books have found a special place in classrooms, homes, and libraries all over the world.

Barbara Park was born on April 21, 1947, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and spent her childhood growing up in a typical American town. Her parents, Doris and Brooke Tidswell, came from humble backgrounds—her mother was a secretary and her father worked as a merchant. From a young age, Barbara had a great sense of humor and a big imagination. These qualities would later become the heart of her storytelling.

She started her college journey at Rider College between 1965 and 1967 and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama in 1969. Interestingly, Barbara didn’t originally plan to become a writer. In fact, she wanted to be a high school teacher, focusing on political science and history. But life had a different plan for her. Eventually, she chose to write stories for children—a decision that would change her life and the lives of millions of readers.

Barbara married Richard A. Park, and they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they lived for over 30 years. Together, they raised two sons, David and Steven. Her family was always an important part of her life, and her love for them could often be felt in the warmth and humor of her stories.

Barbara’s journey as an author wasn’t easy in the beginning. Like many writers, she faced her share of rejections. But she never gave up. Her persistence and unique voice eventually caught the attention of publishers, and in 1992, she released the first book in what would become a legendary series: “Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus.” This book introduced the world to Junie B., a spunky kindergartner full of curiosity, opinions, and unexpected wisdom. Kids could relate to her. Parents and teachers loved her honesty and charm—even if she didn’t always follow the rules.

Over the next two decades, Barbara Park continued to write 28 books in the Junie B. Jones series, each one bringing joy and laughter to young readers. The series became a huge success, receiving numerous awards, including seven Children’s Choice Awards and four Parents’ Choice Awards. Her storytelling style—funny, heartfelt, and filled with real childhood emotions—stood out in a sea of children’s books.

But Barbara didn’t stop there. She also wrote other well-loved books for middle-grade readers, including titles like “The Kid in the Red Jacket.” Her stories often tackled serious topics with a gentle touch and a dash of humor, making them both entertaining and meaningful.

What made Barbara’s writing so special was that she poured her own personality into her characters. She once said she didn’t know whether people loved Junie B. Jones because of her flaws or in spite of them—but either way, Junie B. connected with readers in a deep way. Barbara’s sense of humor and her ability to see the world through the eyes of a child made her books timeless.

Sadly, Barbara Park passed away on November 15, 2013, at the age of 66, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She died at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her loved ones. Even in her final years, she continued to write and connect with her readers.

Barbara was not only a gifted writer but also a person with a big heart. She supported many causes throughout her life and even founded a non-profit organization called “Sisters in Survival,” which provided support to women with ovarian cancer. She also worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many of her young fans who were facing life-threatening illnesses asked to meet her as their final wish. Barbara often dedicated books to these brave children, honoring their lives in the pages of her stories.

Today, even though she is no longer with us, Barbara Park’s legacy lives on. Her books are still read by millions of children around the world, and new generations continue to fall in love with Junie B. Jones. Whether you’re a teacher looking for the perfect classroom read, a parent searching for a funny book to share at bedtime, or a young reader just discovering the joy of reading—Barbara Park’s books offer laughter, honesty, and heart.

In a world that often rushes past childhood, Barbara Park reminded us how powerful it is to stop, laugh, and listen to the way kids see the world. She gave young readers a voice, and through Junie B. Jones, she helped them feel seen, heard, and completely understood.