Where to Start with Blair Thornburgh
Because Blair Thornburgh's bibliography spans young adult contemporary romance, educational picture books, and practical non-fiction pocket guides, there is no single, chronological storyline to follow. Every book she has written is a standalone work, giving you the freedom to choose your starting point based on your age and interests.
If you are a fan of contemporary YA fiction, the best place to start is with Ordinary Girls (2019). This novel showcases Thornburgh's signature blend of sharp wit, realistic sister dynamics, and contemporary romance. If you are looking for a lighter, music-themed romantic comedy, start with her debut novel, Who’s That Girl (2017). For younger readers or parents looking for storybooks, Skulls! (2019) is a brilliant, humorous, and non-spooky entry point.
Young Adult Novels: Publication Order and Descriptions
Thornburgh's YA novels are entirely independent of one another, meaning they can be read in any order. However, reading them in publication order shows how she developed her style of contemporary realism and literary adaptations:
- Who's That Girl (2017) – A breezy YA romantic comedy about Nattie McCullough, an ordinary high school junior whose life is turned upside down when a famous former classmate writes a hit pop song about her. It explores themes of identity, social media fame, and high school romance.
- Ordinary Girls (2019) – A modern-day reimagining of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility set in suburban Philadelphia. The novel centers on two starkly different sisters, Plum and Ginny, as they navigate family financial ruin, school rivalries, and first love.
Picture Books and Pop Culture Adaptations
Thornburgh has written and contributed to several highly regarded illustrated books for children:
- Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (2015) – A collaborative picture book adaptation of the iconic holiday film, featuring text adapted by Jason Rekulak, Rick Chillot, and Blair Thornburgh, with illustrations by Kim Smith.
- Skulls! (2019) – A quirky, fun, and educational picture book illustrated by Scott Campbell that teaches kids to appreciate the human skull as a vital and cool part of their bodies, rather than something scary.
- Second Banana (2020) – A charming story illustrated by Kate Berube about a young girl who is cast as the "second banana" in her school play and discovers the joy of embracing and excelling in a supporting role.
Non-Fiction Works
Before publishing her debut novel, Thornburgh authored a practical guide for students transitioning to university life:
- Stuff Every College Student Should Know (2014) – Published as part of Quirk Books' pocket-sized "Stuff Every..." reference series, this book offers humorous and practical tips on surviving college, handling roommates, doing laundry, and studying.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
The Philadelphia Setting: Thornburgh grew up in the Philadelphia area, and her contemporary novels are deeply rooted in the culture and geography of suburban Pennsylvania. Her books capture the authentic rhythm of East Coast suburban life, adding layers of realism to her stories.
Medieval Studies Influence: Thornburgh earned a BA in Medieval Studies from the University of Chicago. Her background in translating old texts and studying courtly love heavily influences the sharp, literary dialogue and structural integrity of her modern adaptations.
Publishing Background: Prior to writing full-time, Thornburgh worked as an editor at Quirk Books. This editorial experience gave her a keen sense of pacing and a deep understanding of young adult reader expectations, which is evident in the tight plotting of her books.