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Standalone Children's/YA Reading Order.

Expert Guideby James Patterson
6 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Standalone Children's/YA by James Patterson with "Pottymouth And Stoopid", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Children's picture books and Young Adult novels not part of a major series.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 6 main titles released between 2017 and 2022. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

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Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Pottymouth And Stoopid"

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

"There is no single linear reading order, as the comments provide a wide-ranging list of recommendations across epic fantasy, standalones, and diverse representation. The strongest consensus recommendations, based on repeated mentions and enthusiastic praise, focus on starting either the Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb or The Wheel of Time series. For those prioritizing standalones or audiobooks, Project Hail Mary is highly recommended."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings (for slow-paced, incredible character work and worldbuilding) or The Wheel of Time (recommended as a 'slam dunk' based on liking GRRM/GGK). If you prefer standalone books or the best narrated audiobooks, prioritize Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Children's/YA 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 Standalone Children's/YA. 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 "Pottymouth And Stoopid" 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 "Standalone Children's/YA" 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 "Pottymouth And Stoopid"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 Order6 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

Pottymouth And Stoopid

Pub: 2017

In this "superwonderrific" New York Times bestseller (Jerry Spinelli), two bullied middle-school boys finally fight back with the power of funny.David and his best friend Michael were tagged with awful nicknames way back in preschool when everyone did silly things. Fast-forward to seventh grade: "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" are still stuck with the names -- and everyone in school, including the teachers and their principal, believe the labels are true.So how do they go about changing everyone's minds? By turning their misery into megastardom on TV, of course! And this important story delivers more than just laughs -- it shows that the worst bullying isn't always physical . . . and that things will get better. A great conversation starter for parents to read alongside their kids!Official Notice to Parents:There is no actual pottymouthing or stupidity in this entire book!(Psst, kids: that second part might not be entirely true.)

2

Santakid

Pub: 2014Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Pottymouth And Stoopid".

When Warrie Ransom, the Big Boss of the Exmas Express Company, decides to buy Christmas and rename it Exmas, Santa Claus, Momma Claus, and their daugher Chrissie can't believe their eyes. Everything at the North Pole seems to change overnight--the elves stop making kids' favorite toys, the Christmas doves won't fly or sing, and no one seems to laugh anymore. It looks like Christmas is going to be ruined. But then Chrissie remembers something she had learned from her dad: you must believe in something bigger than yourself. With a little help from her dad's helpers, Chrissie--as santaKid--delivers presents to children on Christmas eve, sending Warrie Ransom back to where he came from! After all, when you believe in something, magic can happen.

3

How I Got Lost In London

Pub: 2014Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Santakid".

Aimed at middle-school readers as the series name implies. This book about a school trip to London focuses on teenager antics and interactions with the class bully.

4

Unbelievably Boring Bart

Pub: 2018★ 5

Plot details hidden until you finish "How I Got Lost In London".

Brainy twelve-year-old Bart attracts little attention at his new middle school near Hollywood, California, but whenever he can get around his gym-coach father, he secretly hunts electricity-guzzling aliens.

5

Penguins Of America

Pub: 2017Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Unbelievably Boring Bart".

Learn why humans and penguins are similar and find the laughter in everyday life with this beautifully illustrated book from the world's #1 bestselling writer and his son.Penguins -- our cute, formally dressed, and flightless friends -- have always made us smile. As we shuffle through life one day at a time, it's easy to take things far too seriously, but when we see penguins taking a walk in our shoes it's impossible not to recognize how silly we can actually be. Featuring humorous illustrations and captions that show penguins navigating everything from a relaxing day at the beach to a stressful morning commute, Penguins of America is a hilarious and charming send-up of daily life.

6

Twelve Topsy-turvy, Very Messy Days Of Christmas

Pub: 2022

Plot details hidden until you finish "Penguins Of America".

Move over, Dickens—America’s favorite storyteller has written a modern Christmas story for the ages, destined to become as treasured as A Christmas Carol. “A delightful Christmas story to be shared by the whole family” —Kirkus Reviews At Christmastime, the Sullivans are missing someone dear to them ... until unexpected guests begin to arrive at their empty brownstone in Harlem—and they keep coming. And they stay. For twelve long, hard, topsy-turvy, messy days. But that’s when the Sullivans discover that the moments in life that defy hope, expectation, or even imagination, might be the best gifts of all. Listening to the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a beloved holiday tradition. Now comes a new one—reading James Patterson’s instant classic, The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Standalone Children's/YA 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 Standalone Children's/YA?

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

Can I read Standalone Children's/YA 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 Standalone Children's/YA 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.