Karen Hesse has published 5 novels, 1 novella, 17 children's books and 1 other book, beginning with Letters from Rifka (1992). The best-known is Out of the Dust (1997). The latest is Spuds (2008).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Karen Hesse
Start here
Out of the Dust
Karen Hesse's most-read book.
Shortest way in
The Music of Dolphins
One of the most-read, at about 181 pages.
Newest
Spuds
Published 2008.
Standalone novels in order
A Time of Angels (1995)
The Music of Dolphins (1996)
Out of the Dust (1997)
Witness (Sep 2001)
Spuds (2008)
Novellas in order
Letters from Rifka (Jul 1992)
Children's books in order
Wish on a Unicorn (1991)
Lavender (1993)
Lester's Dog (1993)
Poppy's Chair (1993)
Phoenix Rising (1994)
Sable (1994)
Just Juice (1998)
A Light in the Storm (1999)
Literature Guide (1999)
Stowaway (2000)
Young Nick's Head (2001)
Aleutian Sparrow (2003)
The Cats in Krasinski Square (2004)
Hans Christian Andersen (2005)
Brooklyn Bridge (2008)
Safekeeping (2012)
Night Job (2018)
Other books in order
Granny and Bean (2022)
About Karen Hesse
Karen S. Hesse is an American author of children's literature and literature for young adults, often with historical settings. She received the Newbery Medal for Out of the Dust (1997).
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Karen Hesse FAQ
- How many books has Karen Hesse written?
- Karen Hesse has published 5 novels, 1 novella, 17 children's books and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Karen Hesse's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Out of the Dust.
- What is Karen Hesse's latest book?
- Spuds (2008).
- What is Karen Hesse's most famous book?
- Out of the Dust (1997) is Karen Hesse's most widely read book.
Authors like Karen Hesse
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.