Step into the quirky, heartfelt world of Anastasia Krupnik, where a freckle-faced, Hubbard squash-haired girl navigates the rollercoaster of growing up with wit and charm! Written by Lois Lowry, the Anastasia Krupnik series is a beloved middle-grade classic that captures the joys, dramas, and discoveries of a precocious ten-year-old. From wrestling with the arrival of a new baby brother to dreaming of careers like ice skating or modeling, Anastasia’s adventures are a delightful blend of humor and heart.
First published in 1979, this children’s fiction series for ages 8–12 follows Anastasia’s life in Greenwich Village and later the suburbs, offering a timeless look at family, friendship, and finding oneself. With her poet-professor dad, artist mom, and a notebook full of loves and hates, Anastasia is a character who feels like a friend you’ve known forever.
How Anastasia Krupnik Began
Lois Lowry, a two-time Newbery Medal winner, created Anastasia Krupnik after drawing inspiration from her own experiences and the everyday struggles of childhood. Born in Hawaii and raised across the U.S. and Japan, Lowry began writing in her mid-30s, channeling her knack for storytelling into over 40 books for young readers. The first book, Anastasia Krupnik, debuted in 1979, introducing a spirited girl whose episodic adventures resonated with readers. Lowry’s goal was to craft a character who thinks for herself, blending humor with deeper themes like love, loss, and identity.
The series’ inception came from Lowry’s desire to explore the mercurial nature of pre-teens, with Anastasia’s lists of likes and dislikes serving as a unique narrative device. Its success led to nine books, a spin-off series about Anastasia’s brother Sam, and even a stage adaptation in 1998 at Chicago’s Lifeline Theatre.
The Heart of Anastasia Krupnik
The series kicks off with Anastasia Krupnik (1979), where ten-year-old Anastasia grapples with her parents’ announcement of a new baby brother. Her initial plan to name him “One-Ball Reilly” (yep, she’s that cheeky!) evolves into a heartfelt choice, reflecting her growth. In Anastasia Again! (1981), the family’s move to the suburbs sparks resistance but leads to new friendships and acceptance. Anastasia at This Address (1991) sees her hilariously answering a personal ad, while Anastasia, Absolutely (1995) finds her accidentally thwarting a mail bomber with a dog-walking mix-up.
Lowry’s episodic style, set in the vibrant backdrop of Greenwich Village and suburban Boston, weaves themes of resilience, self-discovery, and family bonds. Anastasia’s witty stream-of-consciousness tackles everything from poetry to puberty, with sensitive nods to topics like bereavement and first crushes. Her lists of loves and hates—updated each chapter—offer a charming window into her evolving perspective, making the series both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.
While the books occasionally stirred controversy (landing on the ALA’s “100 Most Frequently Challenged Books” for references to beer and mature topics), their honesty about growing up is what makes them timeless. Anastasia’s boldness, like her crush on a gym teacher or obsession with Gone with the Wind, feels authentic, capturing the messy, magical stage of adolescence.
Why Anastasia Krupnik Resonates
The Anastasia Krupnik series has left a lasting mark on middle-grade literature, praised for its authentic portrayal of a girl who’s both fiercely independent and endearingly flawed. Fans, now adults, credit Anastasia with helping them embrace their emotions and quirks, with one reader noting it shaped their “owning what I feel” mindset. Its blend of humor and poignant moments has earned nominations for awards like the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award and a devoted following.
Despite its niche status compared to Lowry’s The Giver, the series’ cultural references and bohemian family dynamic feel fresh, even decades later. Anastasia’s ahead-of-her-time feminism and willingness to take risks inspire readers to be bold, making her a quiet trailblazer in children’s fiction.
- First Book: Anastasia Krupnik (1979)
- Total Books: 9, ending with Anastasia, Absolutely (1995)
- Awards: Nominated for Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award, California Young Readers Medal
- Spin-Off: Sam Krupnik series (4 books)
Dust off Anastasia Krupnik and dive into a world of laughter, lists, and life lessons—perfect for young readers or nostalgic adults!