Kit Pearson is one of Canada’s most beloved children’s and young-adult authors, known for her heartfelt historical fiction and unforgettable characters. From the award-winning Guests of War trilogy to her haunting standalone novels, her books have touched generations of readers with stories of courage, family, and growing up during turbulent times.
If you’re new to Kit Pearson or returning to her work after many years, this complete chronological reading order (including publication dates) will help you discover or rediscover her books the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
List Of Kit Pearson Books In Order by Year
Discover the complete List of Kit Pearson Books in Order by Year, perfect for readers exploring her timeless children’s and young adult literature. This guide highlights publication years, series order, and must-read titles to help you enjoy her stories in the best sequence. Ideal for fans, collectors, and new readers wanting to experience Kit Pearson’s works chronologically.
| # | Series / Standalone | Title | Publication Year | Notes / Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guests of War Trilogy | Adobe | |||
| 1 | Guests of War #1 | The Sky Is Falling | 1989 | |
| 2 | Guests of War #2 | Looking at the Moon | 1991 | |
| 3 | Guests of War #3 | The Lights Go On Again | 1993 | |
| The Truth Duology | ||||
| 1 | The Truth #1 | The Whole Truth | 2011 | |
| 2 | The Truth #2 | And Nothing But the Truth | 2012 | |
| Linked Historical Novellas | (loosely connected) | |||
| – | Standalone | A Day of Signs and Wonders | 2016 | Set in 1881 PEI |
| – | Standalone | Be My Love | 2019 | Set in 1951 BC |
| Standalone Novels | ||||
| 1 | – | The Daring Game | 1986 | First novel |
| 2 | – | A Handful of Time | 1987 | Time-travel classic |
| 3 | – | Awake and Dreaming | 1996 | Governor General’s Award winner |
| Picture Books | ||||
| – | – | Footsteps in the Snow (illustrated) | 1990 | Rare/out of print |
Kit Pearson Books in Publication Order
- The Daring Game (1986). Eliza’s first year at boarding school in 1960s Vancouver is filled with friendships, secrets, and one very daring game. A perfect introduction to Pearson’s talent for capturing the intensity of childhood emotions.
- A Handful of Time (1987) A time-travel classic! Twelve-year-old Patricia discovers an old watch that transports her to the summer of 1955, where she meets her mother as a child. Heart-wrenching and beautifully written.
- The Sky Is Falling (1989) – Guests of War #1. The book that made Kit Pearson a household name. Ten-year-old Norah and five-year-old Gavin are evacuated from wartime England to safety in Toronto. A moving portrait of homesickness and resilience.
- Looking at the Moon (1991) – Guests of War #2 Norah, now thirteen, spends the summer of 1943 at the Ogden family cottage on Gairloch, grappling with first love and the ongoing war.
- The Lights Go On Again (1993) – Guests of War #3 The powerful conclusion to the trilogy. As World War II finally ends, Norah and Gavin must decide where “home” truly is. (Bring tissues!)
- Awake and Dreaming (1996)is A magical realism masterpiece and multiple award winner. Nine-year-old Theo dreams of the perfect family—until she discovers she might actually be living inside someone else’s story.
- The Whole Truth (2011) – The Truth #1 Polly, newly orphaned, moves to her grandmother’s house on Vancouver Island with her older sister Maud. A mystery unfolds involving family secrets from decades earlier.
- And Nothing But the Truth (2012) – The Truth #2 The conclusion to Polly’s story, set against the backdrop of 1930s Depression-era British Columbia.
- A Day of Signs and Wonders (2016) is A tender historical novella set in 1881, Prince Edward Island. Two lonely girls—one from a wealthy family, one from an orphanage—share one extraordinary day that changes both their lives. (Inspired by the early lives of L.M. Montgomery’s parents.)
- Be My Love (2019) Set in 1951 on a fictionalized version of Thetis Island, British Columbia. Thirteen-year-old Una spends the summer falling in love for the first time while navigating the complexities of friendship and family expectations.
Recommended Reading Orders
- Chronological Publication Order (listed above) – Best for experiencing Kit Pearson’s growth as a writer.
- Start with the Guests of War Trilogy – If you only read one series, make it this one. It’s her most famous and frequently taught in Canadian schools.
- Standalone Gems – After the trilogy, dive into A Handful of Time and Awake and Dreaming—both are award-winning and deeply loved.
Awards & Recognition (Because She’s That Good!)
- Governor General’s Literary Award (Awake and Dreaming)
- Vicky Metcalf Award for Body of Work
- Multiple Canadian Library Association Book of the Year honours
- Mr. Christie’s Book Award
- Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction
Final Thoughts: Why Kit Pearson Still Matters in 2025
In an age of fast-paced fantasy series, Kit Pearson’s quiet, character-driven stories feel more precious than ever. Her books don’t rely on magic spells or dystopian battles—they work their magic through emotional honesty. Whether you’re 10 or 50, you’ll recognize yourself in Norah’s homesickness, Theo’s longing, or Polly’s curiosity.
So grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and start with The Sky Is Falling. You won’t want to leave Kit Pearson’s world once you’re in it.
Happy reading! 📚❤️
Which Kit Pearson book is your all-time favourite? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to know!
