How many books has Scott O'Dell written?

Scott O'Dell published 5 novels, 3 novellas, 17 children's books and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Scott O'Dell's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Island of the Blue Dolphins.

What is Scott O'Dell's most famous book?

Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) is Scott O'Dell's most widely read book.

Which Scott O'Dell books have been adapted?

2 books have been adapted for film or TV, including Island of the Blue Dolphins (film, 1964) and The King's Fifth (as The Mysterious Cities of Gold, TV).

Scott O'Dell books in order

American children's writer

Lived: 1898–1989
Country: United States
Books: 26

Scott O'Dell published 5 novels, 3 novellas, 17 children's books and 1 other book, beginning with Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Scott O'Dell

Start here
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell's most-read book, rated by 56 Open Library readers.

Standalone novels in order

Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960)
184 pages★ 4.1 (56 ratings)Adapted for film
Buy
The King's Fifth (Sep 1966)
264 pagesAdapted for TV
Buy
Zia (1976)
179 pages
Buy
The Amethyst Ring (1983)
212 pages
Buy
The Castle in the Sea (1983)
167 pages
Buy

Novellas in order

The Black Pearl (1967)
125 pages
Buy
Sing Down the Moon (1970)
137 pages
Buy
The 290 (1976)
108 pages
Buy

Children's books in order

The Dark Canoe (1968)
143 pages
Buy
The Cruise of the Arctic Star (1973)
206 pages
Buy
Child of Fire (1974)
237 pages
Buy
The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day (1975)
188 pages★ 4.8 (11 ratings)
Buy
Carlota (1977)
141 pages
Buy
Kathleen, Please Come Home (1978)
200 pages
Buy
The Captive (1979)
210 pages
Buy
The Feathered Serpent (1981)
211 pages
Buy
The Spanish Smile (1982)
166 pages
Buy
Alexandra (1984)
137 pages
Buy
The Road to Damietta (1985)
307 pages
Buy
Streams to the River, River to the Sea (1986)
208 pages
Buy
Sarah Bishop (1987)
230 pages
Buy
The Serpent Never Sleeps (1987)
227 pages
Buy
Black Star, Bright Dawn (1988)
144 pages
Buy
My Name Is Not Angelica (1989)
143 pages
Buy
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains (1992)
144 pages
Buy

Other books in order

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (1996)
Buy

Film and TV adaptations

Island of the Blue Dolphins (1964)Film · from Island of the Blue Dolphins
The Mysterious Cities of GoldTV · from The King's Fifth

About Scott O'Dell

Scott O'Dell was an American writer of 26 novels for young people, along with three novels for adults and four nonfiction books. He wrote historical fiction, primarily, including several children's novels about historical California and Mexico. For his contribution as a children's writer he received the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1972, the highest recognition available to creators of children's books. He received The University of Southern Mississippi Medallion in 1976 and the Catholic Libraries Association Regina Medal in 1978.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Scott O'Dell FAQ

How many books has Scott O'Dell written?: Scott O'Dell published 5 novels, 3 novellas, 17 children's books and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Scott O'Dell's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Island of the Blue Dolphins.
What is Scott O'Dell's last book?: The Castle in the Sea (1983).
What is Scott O'Dell's most famous book?: Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) is Scott O'Dell's most widely read book.
Which Scott O'Dell books have been adapted?: 2 books have been adapted for film or TV, including Island of the Blue Dolphins (film, 1964) and The King's Fifth (as The Mysterious Cities of Gold, TV).