Robin McKinley books in order
American fantasy writer
- Born
- 1952
- Country
- United States
- Books
- 20
Robin McKinley has published 12 novels, 1 novella, 3 short story collections and 4 children's books, beginning with Beauty (1978). The best-known is The Blue Sword (1982). The latest is Chalice (2008).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Robin McKinley
Start here
The Blue Sword
Robin McKinley's most-read book.
Shortest way in
The Hero and the Crown
One of the most-read, at about 246 pages.
Newest
Chalice
Published September 2008.
Standalone novels in order
Beauty (1978)
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast (Oct 1978)
The Blue Sword (1982)
The Hero and the Crown (Nov 1984)
The Outlaws of Sherwood (1988)
My Father Is in the Navy (1992)
Rowan (1992)
Deerskin (Jun 1993)
Spindle's End (May 2000)
Sunshine (2003)
Dragonhaven (2007)
Chalice (Sep 2008)
Novellas in order
The Stone Fey (1998)
Short story collections in order
The Door in the Hedge (1981)
Tales from The Jungle Book (1985)
A Knot in the Grain and Other Stories (1994)
Children's books in order
Black Beauty (1986)
Rose Daughter (1997)
Pegasus (2010)
Shadows (2013)
About Robin McKinley
Robin McKinley is an American author best known for her fantasy novels and fairy tale retellings. Her 1984 novel The Hero and the Crown won the Newbery Medal as the year's best new American children's book. In 2022, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association named her the 39th Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master in recognition of her significant contributions to the literature of science fiction and fantasy.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Robin McKinley FAQ
- How many books has Robin McKinley written?
- Robin McKinley has published 12 novels, 1 novella, 3 short story collections and 4 children's books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Robin McKinley's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Blue Sword.
- What is Robin McKinley's latest book?
- Chalice (2008).
- What is Robin McKinley's most famous book?
- The Blue Sword (1982) is Robin McKinley's most widely read book.
Authors like Robin McKinley
Leigh Bardugo
Also writes fantasy and children's books
Philip Pullman
Also writes children's books and fantasy
Suzanne Collins
Also writes children's books and fantasy
Rick Riordan
Also writes children's books and fantasy
J. R. R. Tolkien
Also wrote fantasy and children's books
Roald Dahl
Also wrote children's books and fantasy
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.