Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
Because all of E.B. Vickers' (Elaine Vickers) fiction works are standalones, you do not need to worry about a rigid chronological timeline or missing crucial character arcs between books. Instead, your starting point depends entirely on the age group and genre you want to explore:
- For Young Adult Suspense & Thrillers (written as E.B. Vickers): Start with her debut YA novel, Fadeaway (2021). It is an emotional, multi-perspective mystery that tackle hard-hitting real-world issues, making it the perfect introduction to her suspenseful style. You can follow this immediately with her second thriller, Where There's Smoke (2023).
- For Heartfelt Middle-Grade Fiction (written as Elaine Vickers): Start with her award-nominated debut middle-grade book, Like Magic (2016), which beautifully captures the power of library spaces and unexpected friendships. For a sport-centered story, pick up Half Moon Summer (2023) or her latest, The Sweet Spot (2026).
- For Whimsical Children's Picture Books (written as Elaine Vickers): Begin with the popular, cozy book Thankful (2021), illustrated by Kirasol S., or the science-themed Mae and Gerty and the Matter with Matter (2023).
E.B. Vickers Young Adult Novels in Publication Order
Writing under the initials E.B. Vickers, the author crafts contemporary suspense novels for teenagers and older readers. These books are published by Knopf Books for Young Readers and deal with deep psychological themes, addiction, and survival:
- Fadeaway (2021): When a celebrated high school basketball star, Jake Foster, goes missing right after leading his team to a championship victory, his small town is thrown into chaos. The narrative is structured through multiple perspectives—including prose, transcripts, and poignant verse written from the viewpoint of Jake's younger brother—unraveling secrets about pressure, expectations, and opioid addiction.
- Where There's Smoke (2023): This fast-paced YA thriller follows eighteen-year-old Calli, who is left isolated and grieving in her remote home after her father's death. Her quiet existence is shattered when a bruised, mute girl suddenly appears on her property. Calli must decide whom to trust as dangerous secrets from the surrounding woods catch up to them, exploring themes of trauma, survival, and domestic abuse.
Elaine Vickers Middle-Grade Novels in Publication Order
When writing for middle-grade audiences (typically ages 8–12), the author publishes under her full name, Elaine Vickers. These novels focus heavily on themes of belonging, family shifts, and growing up:
- Like Magic (2016): The story follows three ten-year-old girls—Grace, Jada, and Malia—who do not know each other but are connected through their visits to the same public library and a mysterious treasure box. It is a warm story about navigating change and finding connection.
- Paper Chains (2017): This companionable middle-grade novel explores the lives of best friends Ana and Katie as they deal with family secrets, adoption, and the fears of growing apart.
- Half Moon Summer (2023): Set in the striking desert landscape of southern Utah, this novel follows two twelve-year-olds, Drew and Mia, who form an unlikely friendship and support each other through family trials while training for a local half-marathon.
- The Sweet Spot (2026): Published by Peachtree, this sports-centric story follows twelve-year-old Trip. Trip's summer plans revolve around winning the Little League championship, but his world is upended when his father is deployed overseas and subsequently injured. Through his interactions with new teammate Sam, Trip learns to balance his competitive drive with empathy and family duty.
Elaine Vickers Picture Books in Publication Order
For younger readers, Elaine Vickers writes lyrical and comforting picture books that often incorporate themes of gratitude, memories, and her professional passion for science:
- Thankful (2021): A gentle story that prompts children to write down what they are grateful for on paper chains, celebrating simple daily pleasures.
- How to Make a Memory (2023): Illustrated by Sarah K. Turner, this picture book explores how we capture and hold onto the moments that shape our lives.
- Mae and Gerty and the Matter with Matter (2023): Illustrated by Joanna Duong, this story follows two sisters and incorporates the author's chemistry background, showing young readers that science is about curiosity and asking questions.
- Heartfelt (2025): Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill, this cozy picture book highlights how small, intentional acts of kindness can ripple out to change a community.
What to Know Before You Start
Readers should note that there is a distinct tone shift between the two names. E.B. Vickers books (Young Adult) are intense, tackling heavy real-world issues like the opioid crisis and domestic abuse in suspenseful, puzzle-like structures. In contrast, the Elaine Vickers books (Middle Grade and Picture Books) are gentle, lyrical, and focused on warmth and emotional growth. Despite these differences, both formats share the author's signature emotional depth and focus on human connection. Additionally, her experience as a college chemistry professor at Southern Utah University occasionally shines through her children's science literature, making her picture books excellent educational companions.