A Definitive Ranking Of 18 Jacqueline Wilson Books

    "BOG OFF Justine" will forever be etched into my brain.

    Jessica Brunt
    by Jessica Brunt

    BuzzFeed Staff

    💝If you didn't know Jacqueline Wilson's books inside out, were you even a pre-teen in the '90s and '00s ? 💝

    They're an iconic part of pretty much every Millennial's childhood, so I decided to rank my fave Jacqueline Wilson books for your viewing pleasure...let the fun begin! *Warning – contains spoilers!*

    18. Lizzie Zipmouth (2000)

    Young Corgi

    The Plot: Lizzie's mum gets a new boyfriend who she dislikes. Due to her radio silence, she doesn't want to become friends with his sons and earns herself the nickname Lizzie Zipmouth. She bonds with her scary great gran, however, but sadly gran suffers a stroke, and Lizzy then finds her voice.

    Why we loved it: Lizzie and her gran bonded over a shared love of dolls during a difficult time, which reminded us that everyone has something they're passionate about, but sometimes you just have to work a little harder to find it.

    Rating: 💖

    17. The Worry Website (2002)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: A class has seven stories. One is about a girl called Natasha – she talks through a machine and attends a different school from the other children. The Worry Website is a replacement for sharing stories in person and was created by teacher Mr Speed. Natasha eventually becomes friends with one of the other children, and their worries are also explored.

    Why we loved it: Despite dealing with some sad and more adult themes in places, The Worry Website showed us pre-teens that everyone has their own worries, despite how they might appear to the outside world. PS...who else feels like the concept of the website was way ahead of its time?

    Rating: 💖



    16. Candyfloss (2006)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Flora AKA Floss' parents have broken up, and she dislikes her new stepdad. Her mum and her new man decide to move to Australia for six months, and Flora chooses to stay with her Dad, supporting him with his struggling cafe. Floss has difficulties with her bestie, gets trapped in a fire, and eventually considers dying her hair pink... No shortage of drama around here!

    Why we loved it: We should probably dedicate this entire section to how cool the names 'Floss' and 'Flora' are TBH.

    Rating: 💖💖


    15. Midnight (2003)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Violet has a number of family issues going on when she meets Jasmine, who quickly becomes her new BFF. She has a strained relationship with her brother Will, so isn't happy when she one day catches him and Jasmine kissing. The book ends with Violet meeting Casper Dream, her favourite author, and realising Jasmine is a true friend after all.

    Why we loved it: This book deserves bonus points for use of the name Violet, and for the slightly complicated yet love-filled sibling relationship between the main characters...aww.

    Rating: 💖💖


    14. Sleepovers (2001)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Daisy and her friends decide to have sleepovers for their birthdays. Daisy is unsure about hosting her own sleepover as one of her friends, Chloe, is bossy and Daisy wants to protect her disabled sister Lily. She bonds with Emily, (who happens to be Chloe's BFF) and in the end, she gets her wish – Chloe falls in with a new friendship group and she and Emily are free to become besties.

    Why we loved it: I mean if sleepovers weren't the pinnacle of your teen life, were you even a teenager at all? Also, can we all take a collective moment to remember the drama that ensued when someone else called your BFF their best friend? Erm, no honey.

    Rating: 💖💖💖



    13. The Lottie Project (1997)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Popular Charlie finds a Victorian girl who looks just like her while working on a history project. She becomes invested and writes a diary from the perspective of her new victorian character 'Lottie'.

    Why we loved it: Like Charlie, younger me thought history projects were boring, so I remember this one taking me a while to get into. But alongside Charlie's musings about Lottie's life, there's the subplot that deals with some of the feelings that might come up when a parent falls in love with someone new.

    Rating: 💖💖💖



    12. Vicky Angel (2000)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Vicky and Jade are best friends until Vicky is killed in a road accident. As the decision-maker of the friendship, Vicky comes back to Jade as a spirit, influencing her decisions. It's only when Jade goes to the inquest of Vicky's death and nearly runs into traffic that Vicky saves her and sets her free.

    Why we loved it: Grief will affect most people during their lives, and while the younger me focussed on the friendship between the two besties, the older me appreciates how this book sensitively deals with complex emotions.

    Rating: 💖💖💖

    11. My Sister Jodie (2008)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: The story follows the lives of sisters Pearl and Jodie. The girls are total opposites – Pearl is quiet and studious, while Jodie is loud and feisty. Their parents get jobs at a boarding school, and the girls are forced to move. Despite its shocking ending, the book explores the relationship between the two siblings, who despite their differences, deep down have a whole lotta love for each other.

    Why we loved it: TBH, I'm super glad my teammate reminded me of the greatness of this book. I think most of us identified with either Pearl or Jodie growing up, and it kinda made me want a sister, I can't lie.

    Rating: 💖💖💖



    10. Girls Out Late (1999)

    Corgi

    The Plot: Ellie gets her first boyfriend, Russell, and wants to spend all her time with him. She isn't happy about her curfew, which in her mind is way too early. This results in...yep, you guessed it, her staying out late. We've all been there, Ellie.

    Why we loved it: The book's slogan asks if anyone will be interested in a girl who has to be in by nine... Well, adult me is pleased to confirm to Ellie that I choose to be in by nine and someone has asked me to marry them....who knew?!

    Side note, let's not forget remembers that Ellie's brother was called 'Eggs' because of her stepmum's pregnancy craving for eggs benedict. 

    Rating: 💖💖💖


    9. Girls In Tears (2002)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: The final part of the 'Girls' series, Girls In Tears explores the different life events that have led Ellie, Magda, and Nadine to sob. This book didn't feel quite as rebellious to tween me as the previous 'Girls' instalments, but it covered break-ups and a lack of communication in the girls' friendship.

    Why we loved it: Waiting for a new 'Girls' book to be released was the '00s equivalent of shutting your laptop on a Friday evening and heading out for a wine...priceless.

    Rating: 💖💖💖



    8. Girls Under Pressure (1998)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Girls Under Pressure was the second book from the 'Girls' series, and explored the theme of body image and eating disorders. After stumbling across a modelling competition, Ellie starts to restrict her food and comparing herself to her besties Magda and Nadine.

    Why we loved it: Despite the trials and tribulations of Ellie, Magda, and Nadine,  they resolve their differences and are there for one another. I like to imagine they're out there living their best lives now maybe with babies, partners, and excelling in their careers (*sobs*) while maybe also meeting for a drunken night out once every few months.

    Rating: 💖💖💖



    7. The Suitcase Kid (1992)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Andy is stuck in the middle of her parent's messy divorce. She hopes (and tries unsuccessfully) to get her parents back together, but in the end, must accept that their marriage is over.

    Why we loved it: The plot deals with a familiar situation for many teens, and who can forget Mr and Mrs Peters, the garden owners who become like family to Andy in her hour of need? I'm not crying, you are.

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖

    6. Dustbin Baby (2001)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: April was abandoned in a dustbin as a baby. On her 14th birthday, she takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting the places she'd lived and the people she'd met since she was discovered when she was little.

    Why we loved it: Another one of Jacqueline Wilson's more thought-provoking books, Dustbin Baby has a happy ending when April meets Frankie, the boy who found her when she was abandoned. Also, who can forget the reference to Elaine the social worker? (Tracy Beaker, is that you?)

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖



    5. Bad Girls (1996)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Mandy is picked on at school and feels lonely, until she meets Tanya who is being fostered by her neighbour. Tanya's a regular shoplifter, and Mandy's mum doesn't approve of their blossoming friendship. After getting into trouble, Tanya moves to a new foster home and the girls write to each other, declaring they'll always be friends.

    Why we loved it: Mandy finally getting a friend after being teased at school, the two being split up, then Tanya penning a heartfelt letter to Mandy (despite finding it hard due to her dyslexia) is sure to warm your heart.

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖



    4. The Illustrated Mum (1999)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Dolphin and Star's beloved mum Marigold has mental health issues and a drinking problem. While Marigold's daughters love her, Dolphin wants to find her dad to take care of her when Marigold suffers a breakdown. 

    Why we loved it: Firstly, I remember thinking how cool the names Dolphin and Star were. Secondly, I loved the realisation Dolphin has at the end that she, Star, and Marigold can still be a family despite the troubles they have.

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖



    3. The Bed and Breakfast Star (1994)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Elsa and her family are forced to move into The Royal Hotel due to money issues, but it doesn't live up to its namesake. Elsa is often told off for telling jokes, but one day when her loud voice wakes the residents of The Royal Hotel during a fire, her sunny nature is appreciated.

    Why we loved it: Despite dealing with hard-hitting themes such as Elsa's mum's boyfriend "Mack the smack" (no prizes for guessing how he got that nickname), the book focuses on Elsa's ability to stay positive in hard situations.

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖

    2. Girls in Love (1997)

    Corgi Books

    The Plot: This book's appearance at number four starts a deep dive into the 'Girls' series. The book centres on Ellie's desperation for a boyfriend as she watches besties, Magda and Nadine, with their new beaus.

    Why we loved it: The original, and IMO, the best book from the 'Girls' series had teenage me dreaming of sneaking into nightclubs named Seventh Heaven to meet cute boys.

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖

    1. The Story of Tracy Beaker (1991)

    Doubleday

    The Plot: Sassy Tracy lives in a children's home, but wishes she knew her mum. She has a habit of 'dressing up' the truth to make herself feel better, and often tells the carers and kids at the care home that her mum is a famous movie star.

    Why we loved it: As an adult, it might be sad in places, but on a happier note, there's the famous 'BOG OFF Justine", the equally brilliant TV adaptation, and of course that theme tune... All-round ICONIC.

    Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖

    💖 What do you think? Let me know if I've missed your fave Jacqueline Wilson book or if you have a different title for number one! 💖