Reading lists and articles featuring Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson biography

Dame Jacqueline Wilson (née Aitken; born 17 December 1945) is a prolific English author celebrated for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Her works often address complex themes such as family dynamics, mental health, and social issues, resonating with readers through relatable characters and realistic narratives.

Born in Bath, Somerset, Wilson spent most of her childhood in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for storytelling, penning her first “novel” at nine years old. After leaving school at 16, she worked for a magazine publishing company and later became a journalist for Jackie magazine, which was reportedly named after her.

Wilson’s literary breakthrough came in 1991 with The Story of Tracy Beaker, introducing readers to a spirited girl in foster care. This novel marked the beginning of a successful series and was adapted into several CBBC television programmes. Over her career, Wilson has authored more than 100 books, including notable titles like Double Act, The Illustrated Mum, and the Girls series. Her collaboration with illustrator Nick Sharratt has been a hallmark of her publications.

In 2002, Wilson was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to literacy in schools and was later promoted to Dame Commander (DBE) in 2008. She served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate from 2005 to 2007, advocating for children’s literature and reading for pleasure. Her accolades include the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year.

Wilson’s personal experiences have influenced her writing. After marrying at 19 and having a daughter, Emma, she later divorced and, in 2020, publicly shared her long-term same-sex relationship with her partner, Trish. This aspect of her life is reflected in her 2020 novel Love Frankie, which explores a teenage girl’s same-sex relationship.

Continuing to write into her late seventies, Wilson released Think Again in 2024, an adult novel revisiting characters from her earlier Girls series, now navigating middle age.