Abby Klein Books in Order

The Best Reading Order for Abby Klein's Books

Abby Klein’s books are designed specifically for early readers, capturing the authentic humor, anxieties, and milestones of early elementary school. Because the main character, Freddy Thresher, grows and transitions from first grade to second grade, the best way to read these books is in order of character progression.

We highly recommend starting with the original first-grade Ready, Freddy! series, beginning with Tooth Trouble. Once your young reader has finished the core 27 books, they should move directly to the Ready, Freddy! Second Grade series, which continues Freddy's classroom adventures. The Ready, Freddy! Reader books and the twin-centric spin-off series, Double Trouble, can be enjoyed at any time as fun companion reads.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, there are a few delightful details that make Abby Klein’s books stand out for kids, parents, and teachers alike:

• First-Hand Inspiration: Abby Klein drew from her 15+ years of experience as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in Los Angeles to make the dialogue and situations feel incredibly real.
• The Shark Obsession: The protagonist, Freddy, is absolutely obsessed with sharks. Illustrator John McKinley hides the word "fin" inside the illustrations of every single book. Kids love hunting for these hidden words as they read!
• Freddy’s Fun Pages: Every book ends with a section of activities, games, and educational information related to the story's theme (often shark facts).
• Key Supporting Cast: Throughout the series, readers will get to know Freddy's best friend Robbie Jackson, his older sister Suzie (who always helps him, but usually for a fee), his patient teacher Mrs. Wushy, and the classroom bully Max Sellars.

1. The Core Ready, Freddy! Series (First Grade)

The primary series consists of 27 books following Freddy Thresher through the ups and downs of first grade. These books are ideal for transitional readers who are stepping up to chapter books. We recommend reading them in publication order to watch Freddy's relationships and classroom dynamics develop.

1. Tooth Trouble (2004) - Freddy is the only kid in class who hasn't lost a tooth, and he is determined to change that.
2. The King of Show-and-Tell (2004) - Freddy wants to bring something so amazing for show-and-tell that it beats everyone else.
3. Homework Hassles (2004) - Freddy faces a tough challenge when he struggles to find a unique homework project.
4. Don't Sit On My Lunch! (2005) - Freddy must stand up to the class bully, Max Sellars.
5. Talent Show Scardey-Pants (2005) - The pressure is on when the class prepares for a big talent show.
6. Help! A Vampire's Coming! (2005) - A spooky rumor gets Freddy worrying about monsters.
7. Yikes Bikes! (2006) - Freddy needs to learn how to ride a two-wheel bike in time for a neighborhood race.
8. Halloween Fraidy-Cat (2006) - Halloween is coming, but Freddy is secretly afraid of haunted houses.
9. Shark Tooth Tale (2006) - Freddy is thrilled to find a real shark tooth, but keeping it safe is another story.
10. Super-Secret Valentine (2007) - A mystery valentine card sets off a sweet schoolyard investigation.
11. The Pumpkin Elf Mystery (2007) - Freddy and his friends try to solve a seasonal classroom mystery.
12. Stop That Hamster! (2007) - Freddy takes the classroom pet home for the weekend with chaotic results.
13. The One Hundredth Day of School! (2008) - The class celebrates a major school milestone.
14. Camping Catastrophe (2008) - Freddy's family goes camping, bringing outdoor fun and unexpected trouble.
15. Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (2008) - A Thanksgiving play keeps Freddy on his toes.
16. Ready, Set, Snow! (2009) - Winter weather brings outdoor games and chilly challenges.
17. Firehouse Fun (2009) - A school field trip to the local fire station turns exciting.
18. The Perfect Present (2009) - Freddy goes searching for the ultimate gift for his mother.
19. The Penguin Problem (2010) - A cool classroom theme leads to fun activities.
20. Apple Orchard Race (2010) - An autumn field trip turns into a friendly competition.
21. Going Batty (2010) - A nocturnal theme gets Freddy excited about bats.
22. Science Fair Flop (2010) - Freddy works hard to create a winning project for the science fair.
23. A Very Crazy Christmas (2011) - Holiday cheer and classic first-grade mishaps collide.
24. Shark Attack! (2011) - Freddy's shark obsession takes center stage in a big way.
25. Save the Earth! (2012) - Freddy and his classmates learn how to recycle and protect the planet.
26. The Reading Race (2013) - A friendly competition pushes Freddy's reading skills to the test.
27. The Giant Swing (2014) - Freddy faces his fears on the playground and beyond.

2. Ready, Freddy! Second Grade Series

In 2013, Abby Klein transitioned Freddy into the second grade. In some library systems and catalog lists, these books are numbered continuously as Books 28 through 37 of the main series. Whether listed separately or as a continuation, they should be read after the first-grade books, as Freddy grows older and faces new classroom challenges.

1. Second Grade Rules! (2013) - Freddy steps up to second grade and learns the new classroom rules.
2. Snow Day Dare (2015) - A snow day brings a fun winter dare.
3. Secret Santa Surprise! (2015) - Holiday gift-giving brings festive surprises to the class.
4. Best Prank Ever (2016) - April Fool's Day inspires Freddy to pull the ultimate prank.
5. Haunted Hayride (2016) - Spooky autumn festivities bring minor scares and lots of laughs.
6. Gingerbread Jitters (2016) - Freddy gets nervous about a holiday baking project.
7. A Little Bit Lucky (2017) - Freddy looks for a bit of good fortune to help him through a tough day.
8. Rock'n'Roll (2017) - Music and fun take over the second-grade classroom.
9. Kindness Counts! (2018) - Freddy and his classmates focus on doing good deeds.
10. Gamer Boy (2018) - Freddy navigates his love for video games and school responsibilities.

3. Ready, Freddy! Reader Books

Designed for even younger or beginning readers, the Ready, Freddy! Reader series features shorter, highly illustrated stories. They focus on major holidays and seasonal events, and they can be read at any point alongside the main first-grade series.

• Looking for Leprechauns (2009)
• Halloween Parade (2009)
• Thanks for Giving (2009)
• Easter Egg Hunt (2009)
• Caterpillars On The Move! (2010)
• Good Morning, Groundhog! (2010)

4. The Double Trouble Spin-Off Series

Co-authored with illustrator John McKinley, the Double Trouble books are a two-part spin-off focusing on twin antics. While they share the same lighthearted tone and classroom energy as the main series, they feature different lead characters and can be read independently at any time.

• Show & Tell (2011)
• April Fool's Surprise (2012)