Where to Start Reading Craig Silvey
Craig Silvey is one of Australia's most celebrated contemporary storytellers, writing books that range from gritty, deeply moving young adult/adult crossover fiction to whimsical, heartwarming tales for younger readers. Because most of his works are standalones, deciding where to start depends entirely on your reading preferences:
- For Adult and Young Adult Readers: Start with Jasper Jones (2009). Often called Australia’s To Kill a Mockingbird, it is his breakout masterpiece and a staple of high school curricula. If you prefer a contemporary drama with a strong focus on identity, empathy, and resilience, start with Honeybee (2020).
- For Middle Grade and Younger Readers: Start with Runt (2022) — published in the US as The Underdogs of Upson Downs. It is a heartwarming story about a girl and her extraordinarily talented rescue dog, and is the perfect entry point for younger bookworms.
The Runt / Underdogs of Upson Downs Series
For the first time in his career, Craig Silvey has expanded a novel into a recurring series. Set in the quirky, drought-stricken rural town of Upson Downs, this series follows the adventures of eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her dog, Runt. Note that in the United States, the first book was retitled to avoid confusion with other works.
- Runt (2022) / published in the US as The Underdogs of Upson Downs (2024) – Annie Shearer enters her rescue dog, Runt, into a prestigious London dog agility championship in a desperate bid to earn enough prize money to save her family's farm from a greedy local landowner.
- Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping (2025) – Six weeks after their London triumph, Upson Downs is preparing for a new "Tournament of Champions." When Runt is suddenly kidnapped, Annie and her brother Max, a budding investigative reporter, must solve a ransom mystery to get him back.
The Rhubarb and Warren Connection
While Silvey’s debut novel is an adult fiction piece and he also wrote a children's picture book, they share a delightful character crossover. If you love discovering easter eggs within an author's bibliography, pay attention to these two titles:
- Rhubarb (2004) – Silvey’s debut novel is a whimsical, Fremantle-set story featuring Eleanor, a blind woman, Toby, a reclusive cellist, and Warren, Eleanor's highly opinionated, anxious guide dog.
- The World According to Warren (2007) – A children's picture book that shifts the spotlight entirely to Warren the guide dog, retelling his perspective on the world, his duties, and his relationship with Eleanor.
Craig Silvey Books in Publication Order
If you want to watch Silvey’s narrative voice evolve from quirky indie fiction to world-renowned classic literature, reading in order of publication is a rewarding experience. Here is the complete list of his books:
1. Rhubarb (2004)
His debut novel, written when Silvey was just 19 years old, is a lyrical, warm, and highly original love story set in Western Australia, introducing readers to his trademark blend of humor and emotional depth.
2. The World According to Warren (2007)
An illustrated children's picture book centering on the daily life and struggles of Warren, the anxious guide dog from Silvey's debut novel.
3. Jasper Jones (2009)
A Southern Gothic-inspired mystery set in 1965 in the fictional town of Corrigan. When local outcast Jasper Jones leads young Charlie Bucktin to a tragic discovery in the woods, the two embark on a secret investigation that exposes the town's racism and hypocrisy.
4. The Amber Amulet (2012)
A charming, illustrated novella about Liam Mackenzie, a twelve-year-old who patrols his suburban neighborhood disguised as the superhero "The Masked Avenger," armed with energy-channeling minerals.
5. Honeybee (2020)
A compassionate, deeply empathetic novel about Sam Watson, a transgender teenager who forms an unlikely, life-saving friendship with an elderly neighbor named Vic on a bridge late one night.
6. Runt (2022) / The Underdogs of Upson Downs (2024)
A beloved middle-grade novel that follows the bond between a quiet girl and her clever stray dog as they try to save their town.
7. Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping (2025)
The fast-paced sequel to the award-winning children's novel, following Annie and Max on a rescue mission to find their stolen champion pet.
Adaptations and Screenplays
In addition to writing novels, Craig Silvey is a talented screenwriter who frequently adapts his own books for the stage and screen:
- Jasper Jones (Stage & Screen): The novel was adapted into a celebrated stage play by Kate Mulvany, and a 2017 feature film directed by Rachel Perkins, for which Silvey co-wrote the screenplay.
- The Amber Amulet (Short Film): Adapted into an award-winning short film in 2013, directed by Matthew Moore.
- Runt (2024 Film): Silvey wrote the screenplay for the major Australian family film adaptation of Runt, which was filmed in Western Australia and starred Lily LaTorre, Jai Courtney, and Celeste Barber.
What to Know Before You Start
Silvey's books are deeply rooted in the landscapes of Western Australia, from the coastal streets of Fremantle to the dry farmlands of the Wheatbelt. While his works deal with heavy, complex themes—including racism, systemic injustice, transgender youth struggles, suicide, and isolation—they are consistently balanced by a gentle, redemptive humor and a deep belief in human kindness. Keep this in mind if you are choosing a book for younger readers; while Runt is perfectly suited for children, Jasper Jones and Honeybee contain mature themes best suited for teenagers and adults.