Adam Gidwitz Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Adam Gidwitz

For most readers, the absolute best place to start is with Gidwitz's debut novel, A Tale Dark & Grimm. This book introduces his signature narrative voice—a witty, conversational, and direct narrator who frequently breaks the fourth wall to warn readers about upcoming violence or gore. It is the perfect introduction to the dark humor and heart that define his style.

If you are looking for a standalone read, start with the Newbery Honor-winning The Inquisitor's Tale. It is a beautifully written medieval road-trip story that appeals to readers of all ages. For younger readers (ages 7 to 10), start with The Creature of the Pines, which kicks off the fast-paced, highly collaborative Unicorn Rescue Society series.

1. The Grimm Series (A Tale Dark & Grimm)

This trilogy is what put Adam Gidwitz on the map. He takes the original, uncensored, and often bloody fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and weaves them into a continuous narrative. While each book focuses on different characters, the series should be read in publication order because the narrative voice and themes build upon one another.

• A Tale Dark & Grimm (2010) – Follows Hansel and Gretel as they run away from their own fairy tale to find better parents, wandering through other classic, darker Grimm stories along the way.
• In a Glass Grimmly (2012) – Follows cousins Jack and Jill (along with a three-legged frog) as they embark on a quest involving giants, goblins, and a magical glass.
• The Grimm Conclusion (2013) – Returns to the kingdom of Grimm, following twin siblings Jorinda and Joringel through a series of dark challenges and ultimate redemption.

Note for fans: The trilogy was adapted into a 2021 animated Netflix series. Gidwitz also hosts a companion podcast called Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, which features similar interactive fairy-tale retellings recorded with a live audience of kids.

2. The Operation Kinderspion Duology

This historical fiction duology blends the grim realities of World War II with elements of Jewish folklore and German mythology. Because the first book ends on a major cliffhanger, this duology must be read in chronological order.

• Max in the House of Spies (2024) – Max Bretzfeld, a Jewish boy and radio prodigy, is sent from Nazi Germany to England via the Kindertransport. Determined to return to Berlin to save his parents, he trains to become a British spy. He is accompanied by two invisible spirits: Stein, a Jewish dybbuk, and Berg, a German kobold.
• Max in the Land of Lies (2025) – Max returns to Berlin under deep cover, infiltrating the Nazi radio propaganda machine to carry out his mission while desperately searching for his missing parents.

3. The Unicorn Rescue Society Books

This series is aimed at younger middle-grade readers. The overarching story follows classmates Elliot and Uchenna, along with their eccentric teacher Professor Fauna, as they travel the globe to protect mythical creatures from the greedy Schmoke brothers. Gidwitz created the series and co-writes each book with authors from different cultural backgrounds to ensure authentic representations of regional folklore.

1. The Creature of the Pines (2018) – Written by Adam Gidwitz. (Introduces the Jersey Devil)
2. The Basque Dragon (2018) – Written by Adam Gidwitz and Jesse Casey. (Features the Herensuge)
3. Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot (2018) – Written by Adam Gidwitz and Joseph Bruchac. (Features the Sasquatch)
4. The Chupacabras of the Río Grande (2020) – Written by Adam Gidwitz and David Bowles. (Features the Chupacabra)
5. The Madre de Aguas of Cuba (2020) – Written by Adam Gidwitz and Emma Otheguy. (Features the Madre de Aguas)
6. The Secret of the Himalayas (2021) – Written by Adam Gidwitz and Hena Khan. (Features the Yeti)

4. Standalone Novels and Contributions

The Inquisitor's Tale (2016)

Subtitled Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog, this standalone historical fantasy is set in 1242. Modeled structurally on The Canterbury Tales, it follows a group of travelers at an inn sharing stories about three kids—a peasant girl with visions, a monk-in-training with super-strength, and a young Jewish oblate with the power to heal—and their resurrected greyhound. It won a Newbery Honor and is highly praised for its sensitive handling of faith, prejudice, and friendship.

Star Wars: So You Want to Be a Jedi? (2015)

Gidwitz wrote this official retelling of The Empire Strikes Back as part of a series reimagining the original trilogy for middle-grade readers. Written in the second person, it treats the reader as Luke Skywalker undergoing training with Yoda, making it a unique and interactive standalone experience for Star Wars fans.

Notable Anthologies

Gidwitz has contributed short stories to several middle-grade anthologies. These do not impact the continuity of his main series but are great additions for completionists:

• Who Done It? (2013) – A mystery anthology compiled by Jon Scieszka.
• Guys Read: Terrifying Tales (2015) – A spooky collection edited by Jon Scieszka.
• The Creativity Project (2018) – Edited by Colby Sharp.
• The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth (2020) – Edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson.
• Hope Wins (2022) – Edited by Rose Brock.