Do I need to read A Wish in the Dark and The Last Mapmaker in order?

No, they are completely standalone novels set in separate fantasy worlds. You can read either one first without missing any context.

Can I read The Squad without reading The Tryout first?

While The Squad has a self-contained story about eighth grade cheerleading, it is highly recommended to read The Tryout first to fully understand Christina's family background and friendship dynamics.

In what order should I read the Diary of an Ice Princess series?

You should read the series in publication order starting with Snow Place Like Home , as the books follow Lina's ongoing journey adapting to human school and learning to control her powers.

Are the Legends of Lotus Island books connected?

Yes, the series follows a continuous plot starting with The Guardian Test . You must read them in order to understand Plum's training and the unfolding mysteries of Lotus Island.

Is Time After Time connected to the other Best Wishes books?

Yes, they share the premise of a magical wishing bracelet passed from girl to girl. However, each book features a brand new protagonist and setting, so you can read Christina Soontornvat's entry Time After Time on its own.

Christina Soontornvat Books in Order

Where to Start with Christina Soontornvat

Christina Soontornvat is a master storyteller whose books span early chapter series, middle-grade fantasy, graphic novels, and deeply researched non-fiction. Because her books cover such a wide range of ages and genres, the best place for you to start depends entirely on your reading preferences and target age group:

For Middle-Grade Readers (Ages 8-12): Start with the standalone fantasy A Wish in the Dark. It is a stunning, Thai-inspired reimagining of Les Misérables that won a Newbery Honor and serves as the perfect showcase for her rich world-building.
For Graphic Novel Fans: Start with her graphic memoir The Tryout, which captures the bittersweet realities of middle school cheerleading with humor and heart.
For Young Readers (Ages 6-9): Dive into the Diary of an Ice Princess series, beginning with the first book, Snow Place Like Home. It is a wonderful blend of science and magic.
For Real-Life Adventure Lovers: Read All Thirteen, a gripping, meticulously researched non-fiction account of the Thai cave rescue that appeals to both middle-graders and adults.

The Standalone Middle-Grade Novels

Christina Soontornvat is widely celebrated for her rich, standalone Thai-inspired fantasy novels. While they share cultural roots and thematic depth, they are set in entirely different universes and can be read in any order.

A Wish in the Dark (2020): Set in the glowing city of Chattana, this novel follows Pong, a boy born in prison who escapes to seek freedom, and Nok, the prison warden's daughter who hunts him. It explores class divides, light, and darkness.
The Last Mapmaker (2022): A high-seas adventure following twelve-year-old Sai, a mapmaker's assistant who hides a dark secret as she joins a dangerous expedition to chart the legendary Southern Seas.

Early Chapter Book Series

For younger readers starting their chapter book journey, Soontornvat offers two delightful fantasy series. Both should be read in publication order to follow the character growth and ongoing story arcs.

Diary of an Ice Princess

This series follows Princess Lina, a girl who lives in a cloud palace and has wind and weather-controlling powers, but wants nothing more than to attend a regular human school. These books incorporate subtle STEM concepts like meteorology and physics.

Snow Place Like Home (2019)
Frost Friends Forever (2019)
On Thin Ice (2019)
The Big Freeze (2020)
Slush Puppy Love (2020)
Icing on the Snowflake (2020)

Legends of Lotus Island

Perfect for kids transitioning into longer stories, this series combines environmental themes with magic. It centers on Plum, a girl who is chosen to attend the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, where she learns to communicate with animals and protect their natural world.

The Guardian Test (2023)
Into the Shadow Mist (2023)
City of Wishes (2024)
Temple of Secrets (Expected 2026/Upcoming)

Graphic Memoirs and Duologies

Soontornvat has also written acclaimed graphic memoirs and traditional fantasy duologies. These tell linear stories and must be read in order.

The Changelings Duology

This was Christina Soontornvat's debut fantasy series. It follows Izzy, who must venture into the dangerous land of Faerie to rescue her kidnapped sister.

The Changelings (2016)
In a Dark Land (2017)

The Tryout Series (Graphic Novels)

Illustrated by Joanna Cacao, these graphic memoirs are based on the author's real childhood experiences growing up as a Thai-Texan in a small town. They are best read in order, though each book features a self-contained school year.

The Tryout (2022) - Seventh grade cheerleading trials, middle school friendships, and fitting in.
The Squad (2024) - Eighth grade cheerleading, family dynamics, and finding your own voice.

Non-Fiction and Collaborations

For readers interested in true stories or multi-author projects, these works showcase Soontornvat's versatility:

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team (2020): A masterful non-fiction work detailing the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue. Combining interviews, scientific diagrams, and cultural context, it reads like a thriller.
A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth (2022): A biography highlighting the life and resilience of the Asian American war hero and politician.
Best Wishes: Time After Time (2023): The third book in the multi-author series created by Sarah Mlynowski. In this story, a magical bracelet gives Lucy Usathorn a do-over day, trap-ping her in a time loop. While it is part of a larger universe, it can easily be read as a standalone story.