Erin Entrada Kelly, a two-time Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author, has captured the hearts of readers with her poignant and relatable middle-grade novels. Known for weaving themes of friendship, identity, and resilience, often with a nod to her Filipino heritage, Kelly’s books resonate with young readers and adults alike. If you’re looking to dive into her captivating stories, this guide lists all of Erin Entrada Kelly’s books in publication order, complete with insights to help you choose where to start or what to read next.
Why Read Erin Entrada Kelly’s Books?
Erin Entrada Kelly’s stories are a perfect blend of emotional depth, humor, and authenticity. Her characters—often navigating the challenges of feeling like outsiders—offer mirrors for readers who see themselves in their struggles and windows into diverse experiences. From tales of time travel to stories of overcoming fears, her books are ideal for middle-grade readers, parents, and educators seeking meaningful stories. Here’s the complete list of her standalone novels and series, published as of August 31, 2025, to guide your reading journey.
Erin Entrada Kelly Books: Series in Order
Below is a complete list of Erin Entrada Kelly’s books organized by series in publication order, presented in a table format. As of August 31, 2025, Kelly has one series, the Maybe Marisol series, alongside several standalone novels. The table focuses on the series, with publication years and brief descriptions for clarity.
| Series | Book Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybe Marisol | Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey | 2021 | Eight-year-old Marisol Rainey, with her vivid imagination, faces her fear of climbing a backyard tree with help from her best friend, Jada. Illustrated by Kelly, this is perfect for younger readers. |
| Maybe Marisol | Surely Surely Marisol Rainey | 2021 | Marisol dreads gym class and kickball but learns to conquer her fears over two weeks while navigating friendships and family. A stand-alone companion with illustrations. |
| Maybe Marisol | Only Only Marisol Rainey | 2021 | Marisol tackles an annoying classmate and her wish to spend more time with her father, balancing courage and family ties in this illustrated, heartwarming tale. |
Notes:
- The Maybe Marisol series is designed for younger middle-grade readers (ages 7-10) and includes black-and-white illustrations by Erin Entrada Kelly.
- All other books by Kelly, such as Hello, Universe, We Dream of Space, and The First State of Being, are standalone novels and not part of a series.
- For a full list of standalone novels, check out resources like erinentr dakelly.com or book retailers.
Erin Entrada Kelly’s Books in Publication Order
Below is the complete list of Erin Entrada Kelly’s standalone novels and series, ordered by publication date. Each entry includes a brief description to spark your interest.
1. Blackbird Fly (2015)
- What’s It About? Twelve-year-old Apple Yengko, a Filipino-American, feels like an outsider in her small Louisiana town. Bullied and placed on the school’s “Dog Log” of unpopular kids, she dreams of becoming a rock star. Music becomes her refuge as she navigates friendship, identity, and betrayal.
- Why Read It? This heartfelt debut novel explores the pain of being different and the power of finding your voice. Perfect for readers who love stories about self-discovery and resilience.
- Awards: Golden Kite Award Honor, Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor.
2. The Land of Forgotten Girls (2016)
- What’s It About? Two Filipino sisters, Soledad and Ming, face hardship in Louisiana after being abandoned by their father. Sol escapes into her vivid imagination, crafting stories to cope with their struggles, while learning the true meaning of family and perseverance.
- Why Read It? This touching story celebrates sisterhood and the magic of imagination. It’s a must-read for fans of emotional, character-driven tales.
- Awards: Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Children, Parents’ Choice Gold Award.
3. Hello, Universe (2017)
- What’s It About? Four kids—shy Virgil, deaf Valencia, psychic Kaori, and bully Chet—cross paths in a single day, leading to an unexpected adventure to rescue Virgil’s pet guinea pig. This neighborhood story celebrates bravery, friendship, and embracing differences.
- Why Read It? A Newbery Medal winner, this novel is a charming, fast-paced read with a diverse cast that’s perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead or Kate DiCamillo.
- Awards: 2018 Newbery Medal, ALSC Notable Book.
4. You Go First (2018)
- What’s It About? Charlotte and Ben, two middle schoolers connected through an online Scrabble game, navigate family challenges, bullying, and the complexities of friendship. Their lives intersect in surprising ways over one tumultuous week.
- Why Read It? This engaging story captures the ups and downs of middle school with humor and heart, ideal for readers who enjoy realistic fiction with relatable characters.
- Awards: Spring 2018 Indie Next Pick.
5. Lalani of the Distant Sea (2019)
- What’s It About? Inspired by Filipino folklore, this fantasy adventure follows Lalani Sarita, who embarks on a perilous journey across the sea to save her mother from an incurable illness. It’s a tale of courage, self-reliance, and defying fate.
- Why Read It? Kelly’s debut fantasy is a lush, gripping read for fans of Grace Lin or Kelly Barnhill, blending mythology with a coming-of-age story.
- Awards: Mythopoeic Award for Fantasy Finalist, Junior Library Guild Selection.
6. Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey (2021) – Maybe Marisol Series #1
- What’s It About? Eight-year-old Marisol Rainey, with her vivid imagination, names everything, including a backyard tree she’s terrified to climb. This illustrated novel follows her journey to overcome fears with the support of her best friend, Jada.
- Why Read It? Perfect for younger readers transitioning to chapter books, this story is both funny and empowering, with charming black-and-white illustrations by Kelly herself.
- Awards: Junior Library Guild Selection.
7. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey (2021) – Maybe Marisol Series #2
- What’s It About? Marisol dreads gym class, especially the kickball unit. Over two weeks, she tries to conquer her fears while navigating friendships and family dynamics in this stand-alone companion to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey.
- Why Read It? A lively and relatable story for early readers, it’s great for those who love stories about small triumphs and big emotions.
- Awards: Noted for its engaging storytelling by Booklist and Horn Book.
8. Only Only Marisol Rainey (2021) – Maybe Marisol Series #3
- What’s It About? Marisol faces new challenges, including an annoying classmate and her desire to spend more time with her father. This illustrated novel continues her journey of finding courage and balancing family and friendships.
- Why Read It? Fans of Marisol will love this continuation of her endearing adventures, packed with humor and heart.
- Awards: Praised for its appeal to early elementary readers.
9. We Dream of Space (2021)
- What’s It About? Set in 1986, this novel follows siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas as they navigate family tensions, friendships, and their fascination with the space shuttle Challenger. Each sibling faces personal struggles in this poignant tale.
- Why Read It? A Newbery Honor book, this story blends historical fiction with themes of family and exploration, perfect for readers who love emotionally rich narratives.
- Awards: 2021 Newbery Honor, Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee.
10. Those Kids from Fawn Creek (2022)
- What’s It About? In the small town of Fawn Creek, Louisiana, the arrival of a new student, Orchid Mason, shakes up the lives of twelve seventh-graders. This story explores friendship, deception, and finding your place in a close-knit community.
- Why Read It? A heartfelt tale of belonging and authenticity, ideal for readers who enjoy stories about small-town life and personal growth.
- Awards: Named to best-of-the-year lists by BookPage, School Library Journal, and more.
11. The First State of Being (2024)
- What’s It About? In 1999, twelve-year-old Michael Rosario meets Ridge, a mysterious teen from the future, sparking a time-travel adventure. Set against the backdrop of the Y2K crisis, this novel explores friendship, first love, and the ethics of time travel.
- Why Read It? A 2025 Newbery Medal winner, this sci-fi story is a fresh take on time travel with relatable characters and thought-provoking themes.
- Awards: 2025 Newbery Medal, National Book Award Finalist.
12. Felix Powell, Boy Dog (2024)
- What’s It About? Felix Powell magically transforms into a dog, leading to a funny and heartwarming adventure about friendship, family, and self-acceptance. Illustrated by Kelly, this novel is perfect for younger middle-grade readers.
- Why Read It? This whimsical story is a delightful mix of humor and heart, ideal for animal lovers and fans of lighthearted tales.
- Awards: Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2024.
13. At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom (2025)
- What’s It About? This nonfiction work tells the story of Joey Guerrero, a Filipina heroine who spied for the resistance during World War II. Kelly blends historical context with a compelling narrative to highlight courage and resilience.
- Why Read It? A powerful dive into history, this book is perfect for readers interested in untold stories of bravery and Filipino heritage.
- Awards: Featured in The Horn Book Magazine’s special issue on diverse books.
Reading Order Tips
- For New Readers: Start with Hello, Universe (2018 Newbery Medal) or The First State of Being (2025 Newbery Medal) for award-winning stories with broad appeal.
- For Younger Readers: The Maybe Marisol series (Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey, Surely Surely Marisol Rainey, Only Only Marisol Rainey) is perfect for ages 7-10, with short chapters and illustrations.
- For Fantasy Fans: Try Lalani of the Distant Sea for a mythical adventure rooted in Filipino folklore.
- For Historical Fiction Enthusiasts: We Dream of Space or At Last She Stood offers rich historical contexts with emotional depth.
Why Erin Entrada Kelly’s Books Stand Out
Kelly’s ability to craft relatable, diverse characters sets her apart. Drawing from her experiences as a Filipino-American growing up in Louisiana, her stories often feature kids who feel like outsiders, making them deeply resonant. Her books have earned prestigious awards, including two Newbery Medals (Hello, Universe and The First State of Being), a Newbery Honor (We Dream of Space), and multiple best-of-the-year recognitions. Her work is translated into over a dozen languages, reflecting her global appeal.
“People don’t want to listen to their thoughts, so they fill the world with noise.” – Erin Entrada Kelly, Hello, Universe
Where to Find Erin Entrada Kelly’s Books
You can purchase her books from major retailers like Amazon, ThriftBooks, or Bookelicious (use code JENNIFERLAGARDE for a discount). Check your local library or bookstore for availability. For more about Kelly, visit her official website (erinentradakelly.com) or follow her on Instagram and Facebook for updates on new releases and events.
Final Thoughts
Erin Entrada Kelly’s books are a treasure trove of stories that inspire courage, celebrate differences, and highlight the power of friendship. Whether you’re drawn to the magical realism of Lalani of the Distant Sea, the historical depth of At Last She Stood, or the relatable struggles of Hello, Universe, there’s a book for every reader. Start your journey today and discover why Kelly is a beloved voice in children’s literature.
Which Erin Entrada Kelly book will you read first? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and happy reading!
