Author Profile
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
57 Books
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is an acclaimed American author best known for her extensive work in children's and young adult literature. She is the creator of the beloved Alice series, which chronicles the life of its titular character from childhood through her early twenties. In addition to her popular series, Naylor won the Newbery Medal for her classic animal rescue story, Shiloh.
Alice
All But Alice
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Fiction
Friendship
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/5
Send No Blessings
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Emotions
Family
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/5
Jade Green: A Ghost Story
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Ghosts
Mystery
-
/5
Boy/Girl Battle
The Girls' Revenge
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Fiction
Friendship
-
/5
Alice
Alice in the Know
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Emotions
Family
-
/5
Witch
Witch Weed
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Fiction
Friendship
-
/5
Alice
Starting with Alice
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Family
Fiction
-
/5
The Keeper
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Emotions
Family
-
/5
Alice
Achingly Alice
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Emotions
Friendship
-
/5
Boy/Girl Battle
The Girls Get Even
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Family
Fiction
-
/5
Cat Pack
The Grand Escape
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Alan Daniel
Adventure
Animals
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/5
Alice
Alice on Board
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Jean Little
Friendship
Travel
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/5
Roxie and the Hooligans
Roxie and the Hooligans at Buzzard's Roost
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Alexandra Boiger
Adventure
Fiction
-
/5
Alice
Alice the Brave
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Jean Little
Courage
Emotions
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/5
Anyone Can Eat Squid!
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Marcy Ramsey
Fiction
Food
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/5
Alice
Lovingly Alice
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Christensen, Paul
Family
Fiction
-
/5
Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids
Elissa Brent Weissman, Kwame Alexander, Chris Grabenstein, Peter Lerangis, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Linda Sue Park, Brian Selznick, Rita Williams-Garcia, Grace Lin, Dan Santat, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Ashley Bryan, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Eric Rohmann, Gail Carson Levine, Yuyi Morales, R. J. Palacio
Anthologies
Biography
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/5
Alice
All But Alice
Seventh grade is a minefield, and Alice McKinley has a foolproof plan to survive it: she is going to join the popular crowd. After dealing with her fair share of personal and social disasters, Alice decides that blending in with the cool kids is the only way to guarantee a safe, drama-free school year. But Alice quickly discovers that fitting in is a lot more complicated, and a lot more boring, than she ever imagined. Changing who you are just to be part of the crowd comes with its own set of totally unexpected problems. From awkward encounters to hilarious missteps, Alice's quest for popularity tests her friendships and forces her to ask what really matters. Is being part of the in crowd truly worth giving up the things that make her unique? Step into the funny, heartfelt world of middle school as Alice learns that sometimes, standing out is exactly where you belong.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
151 Pages
N/A
/5
Living in a crowded trailer with a large family, fifteen-year-old Beth yearns for a life bigger than the one she has always known. Between the endless chores, the constant noise, and the desperate need for her parents' approval, she feels trapped in a world that offers little hope for her future. She dreams of making something of herself, but the path forward seems impossible to find.
Then, a kind and decent man—seven years older than she is—enters her life and falls deeply in love with her. Suddenly, Beth is faced with a life-altering choice. Marriage could be her immediate ticket out of the trailer and a permanent escape from the overwhelming burdens of her daily life. But as she considers this tempting way out, she must figure out if marrying him is truly the right choice for her own heart, or just a convenient escape from a life she desperately wants to leave behind.
13-18 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
After being tragically orphaned, fifteen-year-old Judith Sparrow has no choice but to move into the gloomy, sprawling home of her strict uncle. He agrees to take her in under one absolute condition: she must not bring anything green into his house. Desperate to hold onto a single piece of her past, Judith secretly smuggles in a small, seemingly harmless picture frame hidden in green silk.
But this one small act of defiance soon unleashes a terrifying chain of events. The dark halls of her uncle's estate hold chilling secrets, and Judith quickly discovers that the house is haunted by the restless spirit of a young woman. As mysterious and frightening occurrences escalate around her, Judith realizes that her hidden transgression may have awakened a vengeful force. Blending spine-tingling suspense, dark family secrets, and a touch of romance, this gripping ghost story will keep you looking over your shoulder long after the final page.
13-18 Years
184 Pages
N/A
/5
Boy/Girl Battle
The Girls' Revenge
The legendary rivalry between the Hatford brothers and the Malloy sisters is heating up, and the stakes have never been higher. It has been three months since the Malloy family moved to Buckman, West Virginia, and the neighborhood prank war is still going strong. But as the holiday season approaches, the boys and girls are about to learn that their endless scheming comes with unexpected consequences.
The ultimate test arrives when precocious and dramatic Caroline Malloy is forced to partner with her sworn enemy, Wally Hatford, for a major fourth-grade December project. Determined to get a passing grade, the two rivals realize they have to put their differences aside and actually work together. But calling a truce is much easier said than done, especially when Caroline is secretly plotting her ultimate revenge. Told from alternating viewpoints, this hilarious and fast-paced story is packed with practical jokes, unexpected teamwork, and the laugh-out-loud chaos of a neighborhood rivalry that refuses to quit.
9-12 Years
160 Pages
N/A
/5
Alice
Alice in the Know
The summer before her junior year of high school is finally here, and Alice McKinley is ready for three months of excitement, romance, and unforgettable memories. But instead of lounging by the pool, Alice finds herself facing a completely different kind of summer. She lands a part-time job at a local department store, where she is suddenly tasked with the stressful job of keeping an eye out for shoplifters.
Beyond the mall, real-life problems begin to surface, proving that growing up is far more complicated than she imagined. One of her closest friends faces a serious illness, her older brother Lester is tangled in a messy web of romance, and the familiar crowd from the neighborhood pool is growing up faster than Alice feels ready for. Through all the unexpected drama and difficult moments, Alice leans on her family and friends for support. By the time autumn arrives, she realizes she has learned more about life, loyalty, and resilience than she ever thought possible.
13-18 Years
320 Pages
N/A
/5
Witch
Witch Weed
Just when Lynn and her best friend, Mouse, think their terrifying encounters with magic are finally over, a new threat begins to take root. Down by the creek—the exact spot where they tossed the wicked Mrs. Tuggle’s glass eye into the water—the girls discover a bizarre and unsettling purple weed. Even more horrifying, the strange plant appears to have a human-looking head.
Soon, the eerie occurrences spread beyond the creek. A group of their schoolmates starts exhibiting strange, destructive behavior, and the girls realize that the dark power of the witch who perished in a fire is still very much alive. Desperate to protect their town and themselves, Lynn and Mouse must find a way to stop the sinister magic before it completely takes over. Filled with spine-tingling suspense and supernatural mystery, this gripping adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat as the girls face off against a lingering evil that refuses to stay buried.
9-12 Years
196 Pages
N/A
/5
Alice
Starting with Alice
Eight-year-old Alice McKinley is facing one of the biggest challenges of her life: starting over in a brand-new place. After moving all the way from Chicago to Takoma Park, Maryland, with her father and older brother, Alice is desperate to fit in. But navigating the unfamiliar halls of her new third-grade classroom proves to be much harder than she ever expected.
Making friends is not as simple as it seems, especially when you are the new girl trying to figure out the unspoken rules of the playground. From awkward introductions to embarrassing classroom moments, Alice experiences all the classic bumps in the road that come with being the new kid. Fortunately, with her unique outlook on life, a lot of humor, and the support of her loving family, she begins to find her footing. This heartwarming prequel to the beloved series perfectly captures the funny, tender, and sometimes tricky reality of making new friends and finding your place in the world.
9-12 Years
200 Pages
N/A
/5
Nick's life used to be completely normal, but lately, he cannot figure out what has happened to his father. His dad has suddenly stopped going to work, refuses to leave the house, and is acting like a completely different person. As a junior high student, Nick is terrified and confused by the drastic changes in the man he has always looked up to. At first, Nick and his mother try their hardest to pretend that everything is fine. They make excuses, hide the truth from their friends, and deny the reality of his father's severe mental illness. But ignoring the problem does not make it go away; it only makes the shadows in their home grow darker. The weight of keeping such a massive secret is slowly tearing their family apart. Eventually, Nick realizes that they cannot keep running from the truth. If they want to save his father and themselves they are going to have to face the illness head-on. You will be deeply moved by this powerful, honest, and gripping story about a young boy learning to navigate the complexities of mental health, the heavy burden of family secrets, and the incredible strength it takes to ask for help.
13-18 Years
196 Pages
N/A
/5
Alice
Achingly Alice
Can you really be in love with two people at the exact same time? Thirteen-year-old Alice McKinley never thought so, but her heart is suddenly telling her otherwise! For almost two years, Alice has been perfectly happy with her steady, reliable boyfriend, Patrick. But everything gets complicated when Sam, a quiet, gentle boy from her school Camera Club, starts paying special attention to her. Sam is a terrific dancer and makes Alice feel completely seen, leaving her mind spinning with questions. Why is she suddenly so interested in another guy when she already has a great boyfriend? As Alice stumbles through the confusing, thrilling minefield of early adolescence, she has to figure out what she truly wants. Packed with relatable bumps, giggles, and heartfelt surprises, this classic coming-of-age story perfectly captures the messy, beautiful reality of teenage crushes. Join Alice as she navigates the tricky choices of young love and learns to trust her own heart.
13-18 Years
176 Pages
N/A
/5
Boy/Girl Battle
The Girls Get Even
The ultimate neighborhood prank war is far from over, and this time, the girls are taking charge. Ever since the Malloy family moved from Ohio to West Virginia, the three Malloy sisters have been locked in a hilarious battle of wits with the four Hatford brothers across the river. The boys started the war, but as Halloween quickly approaches, Caroline and her sisters are determined to finish it. They are tired of being the targets of the Hatfords' ridiculous tricks and are plotting the perfect revenge. With the spookiest night of the year right around the corner, the stage is set for an epic showdown. The girls must use all their creativity and cunning to outsmart their rivals and finally get the upper hand. But the Hatford boys are not going to go down without a fight, and soon both sides are caught up in a web of wild schemes, costumes, and hilarious misunderstandings. In this laugh-out-loud sequel, Newbery Medal-winning author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor delivers another fantastic story about rivalry, cleverness, and unexpected friendships. Whether you are rooting for the brothers or the sisters, you will be completely hooked by the brilliant tricks and surprises waiting in this classic middle-grade adventure. Get ready to see exactly what happens when the girls decide to get even!
9-12 Years
144 Pages
N/A
/5
Cat Pack
The Grand Escape
Marco and Polo have lived their entire lives as pampered house cats, safe behind glass windows. But while Polo dreams of finding the mother he barely remembers, Marco has spent his days reading about wide-open ranches and yearns for a taste of the wild. When their owner accidentally leaves the side door open, the two brothers seize their chance and make a grand escape into the great unknown. Suddenly, the outside world is much bigger, wilder, and more dangerous than they ever imagined. Their search for a dry place to sleep and a decent meal leads them straight to Texas Jake, the tough, ornery leader of the secret Club of Mysteries. With the help of a clever and friendly street cat named Carlotta, Marco and Polo hope to join the exclusive feline gang. But earning their place will not be easy. Before they can become official members, the brothers must prove their bravery by solving three dangerous mysteries. Step outside and join Marco and Polo on a thrilling, whisker-twitching adventure as they face down neighborhood bullies, uncover hidden secrets, and discover what it truly means to be free.
9-12 Years
148 Pages
N/A
/5
Alice
Alice on Board
The summer before college is finally here, and Alice McKinley knows that everything in her life is about to change. Soon, she will be sleeping in a dorm room, navigating a new campus, and living far away from the tight-knit group of friends she has relied on for years. Determined to make their final months together unforgettable, Alice and her best girlfriends take on the ultimate summer job: working as staff on a Chesapeake Bay cruise ship.
Trading their usual summer routines for the open water, the girls expect a season filled with sunshine, easy shifts, and endless fun. But life on board a cruise ship is not always smooth sailing. From demanding passengers and exhausting work hours to unexpected personal drama, Alice quickly realizes she will need more than just sunblock to survive the trip. As she weathers the unpredictable storms of friendship and responsibility, Alice discovers that this challenging summer job might just be the perfect training ground for her biggest adventure yet.
13-18 Years
288 Pages
N/A
/5
Roxie and the Hooligans
Roxie and the Hooligans at Buzzard's Roost
Roxie is back, and you know what that means the rowdy, messy, and totally unpredictable Hooligans are not far behind! After being honored as local heroes for stopping a bank robbery, Roxie and her rambunctious friends are ready for a break. When Roxie's brilliant Uncle Dangerfoot invites her on a relaxing vacation to a quiet beach house at Buzzard's Roost, it sounds like the perfect getaway. Naturally, the Hooligans decide to sneak along for the ride. But this peaceful seaside trip is not what it seems. Uncle Dangerfoot has been hiding a top-secret invention from his ultimate nemesis, Lord Thistlebottom, who will stop at nothing to steal it. When the blunder-prone villain accidentally kidnaps Smoky Jo one of the loudest, hungriest, and most ill-mannered Hooligans of the bunch the beach vacation turns into a wild rescue mission. Now Roxie must use all her wits to outsmart the kidnappers, protect the secret invention, and save her friend. But honestly, the real question is: who is in more danger? The missing Hooligan, or the kidnapper trying to stay sane while holding her hostage? Dive into this hilarious, action-packed adventure full of clever traps, goofy villains, and unstoppable teamwork.
9-12 Years
208 Pages
N/A
/5
Alice
Alice the Brave
The summer before eighth grade is heating up, and Alice McKinley's entire friend group is spending almost every single day at Mark Stedmeister's swimming pool. It sounds like the perfect summer vacation, except for one massive problem: Alice is absolutely terrified of deep water. While her friends are diving off the board and swimming laps, Alice is stuck sitting at the shallow end, making up endless excuses about why she cannot join them. She has managed to keep her phobia a secret even from her two best friends, Pamela and Elizabeth. But hiding the truth is becoming exhausting, and Alice knows that if everyone finds out she is too scared to leave the shallow end, it will be beyond embarrassing. Life is changing fast, and Alice realizes that she cannot spend the rest of her life sitting on the sidelines. It is officially sink or swim time. Join Alice as she discovers that true bravery does not mean you are never afraid it means taking small, courageous steps to face your fears head-on. You will cheer for Alice as she learns to dive into the deep end of the pool, and the deep end of growing up.
9-12 Years
176 Pages
N/A
/5
Sarah Simpson is officially tired of being ordinary. While other kids seem to have amazing talents or wild stories, the most unusual thing Sarah has ever done is accidentally bite her dentist's fingers! Desperate to be known as someone special, she brainstorms all kinds of wacky ideas. Should she trade names with her best friend? Start eating exotic foods like snails and squid? Just when she is running out of ideas, Sarah discovers that her favorite local Chinese restaurant is in danger of going out of business. Suddenly, she has a real mission. Sarah comes up with a brilliant, bold plan that will not only save the beloved restaurant but will finally make everyone say, Here comes Sarah Simpson! Full of heart, humor, and relatable struggles, this delightful chapter book captures the everyday magic of finding your own unique voice and stepping up to help your community.
9-12 Years
76 Pages
N/A
/5
Alice
Lovingly Alice
Growing up is full of surprises, and fifth grade is proving to be the most confusing year yet! Alice McKinley is suddenly facing a million questions about life, and the answers are not exactly easy to find. How exactly are babies made? Why has her best friend Sarah's family suddenly disappeared? And why in the world is her father going to a concert with a woman who is not her mother? Between tackling her daily homework, playing with her cat Oatmeal, and trying to keep track of her older brother Lester's revolving door of girlfriends, Alice has her hands full. She even tries playing matchmaker by setting her dad up with the school nurse! But as her friends start going through major changes, Alice realizes she has a lot to learn about growing up. Dive into this classic, heartwarming story about navigating the hilarious, awkward, and totally normal bumps of middle school life.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
208 Pages
N/A
/5
Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids
By:
Elissa Brent Weissman
,
Kwame Alexander
,
Chris Grabenstein
,
Peter Lerangis
,
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
,
Linda Sue Park
,
Brian Selznick
,
Rita Williams-Garcia
,
Grace Lin
,
Dan Santat
,
Cynthia Leitich Smith
,
Tom Angleberger
,
Kathi Appelt
,
Ashley Bryan
,
Tim Federle
,
Candace Fleming
,
Marla Frazee
,
Chris Gall
,
Alex Gino
,
Gordon Korman
,
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
,
Thanhha Lai
,
Eric Rohmann
,
Gail Carson Levine
,
Yuyi Morales
,
R. J. Palacio
Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors and illustrators were like before they became famous? Every great storyteller has to start somewhere, and the journey is rarely perfect. This unique and deeply inspiring collection pulls back the curtain on the childhoods of some of today's most beloved creators.
Before they were winning massive awards and topping the bestseller lists, these brilliant artists were just regular kids trying to find their creative voices. You will discover the very early, sometimes embarrassing, and always fascinating works of celebrated writers and artists. Read a third grade writing assignment that sparked a lifelong passion, explore the early sketches of a future illustrator, and see the discarded drafts that eventually turned into brilliant poetry.
This collection reveals the failures, the rough drafts, and the vital moments of encouragement that helped shape these incredible minds. It is a powerful reminder that creativity takes practice and patience. Whether you love writing, drawing, or just a good story, these vulnerable and smart childhood memories will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start creating your own masterpiece.
9-12 Years
208 Pages
N/A
/5
