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Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade) Reading Order.

Expert Guideby James Patterson
2 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade) by James Patterson with "Big Top Bonanza", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

A humorous look at life told from the perspective of Junior, a mischievous, but loyal, talking dog.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Big Top Bonanza"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The provided Reddit comments do not discuss the "Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade)" or offer any guidance on its recommended reading order. The comments are focused on analyzing reviews, ratings, and reading orders for unrelated fantasy and science fiction series (e.g., Scholomance, Discworld, Locked Tomb)."

Key Reddit Advice

No recommended reading order for the "Dog Diaries Series" could be determined from the analyzed comments.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade). The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Big Top Bonanza" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade)" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Big Top Bonanza"Explore all by James Patterson

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Big Top Bonanza

Pub: 2023Optional

This laugh-out-loud funny illustrated book in James Patterson's New York Times bestselling series finds our favorite dog Junior on a high-flying circus adventure! Imagine my WAG-NIFICENT excitement when I found out the circus was coming to town! I'd do anything to join those muscly mastiffs, tumbling toy poodles, and clowning corgis. Read my latest diary to discover: How my pack-pals and I caused carnival chaos! The way I reunited with the most-wanted escapee from pooch prison. My show-stealing PAW-formance. It's going to be a RE-BARK-ABLE show! With my whole pooch pack alongside me--and, of course, my favorite pet human, RUFF!--what could possibly go wrong?

2

Dog Diaries 7

Pub: 2015Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Big Top Bonanza".

A scrappy stray becomes one of the greatest dogs in military history!   Stubby the war dog narrates the story of his life--from his days as a stray to his time on the battlefields of France! Adopted by Private John Robert Conroy in 1917 when the dog wandered into training camp, Stubby soon became the mascot for the 26th Yankee division--even learning how to salute! When the men were shipped out for France, Conroy smuggled Stubby on-board . . . and the rest is the kind of incredible true story that dog-crazy middle graders sit up and beg for! By the end of the war, Stubby had served in 17 battles, been injured by mustard gass and grenade; found and captured a German spy; shaken hands with Woodrow Willson; and become the first dog given rank in the United States Armed Forces!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade) series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade)?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Big Top Bonanza" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Patterson intended.

Can I read Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade) books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Dog Diaries Series (Middle Grade) universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.