Emily Franklin Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Emily Franklin

Emily Franklin is an incredibly versatile writer who moves effortlessly between adult historical fiction, contemporary young adult (YA) novels, collaborative teen fiction, and award-winning poetry. Because her work spans multiple genres, the best starting point depends entirely on your reading preferences:

• For Historical Fiction Lovers: Start with The Lioness of Boston (2023). This critically acclaimed novel brings to life the trailblazing Gilded Age art patron Isabella Stewart Gardner. It is the perfect entry point for adult readers looking for rich character studies and immersive historical settings.
• For Classic YA Romance Fans: Start with The Principles of Love (2005). This is the first book in her beloved seven-part contemporary series following teen protagonist Love Bukowski, offering plenty of witty dialogue, prep-school drama, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments.
• For Cozy, Character-Driven Drama: Start with Balancing Acts (2007), the opening novel of the Chalet Girls trilogy. Set in a snowy Vermont ski chalet, it follows the lives and relationships of the young women working there.
• For Collaboratively Written YA Standalones: Start with The Half-Life of Planets (2010), co-authored with Brendan Halpin. Told in alternating perspectives, it is a highly praised, neurodiverse-friendly story about two teenagers navigating an unlikely summer romance.

The Principles of Love Series

Spanning seven books published between 2005 and 2008, the Principles of Love series remains one of Emily Franklin's most popular YA achievements. The series focuses on Love Bukowski, a witty teen who shares her name with the emotion she is trying to figure out. Set against the backdrop of a demanding boarding school environment, the books capture the essence of mid-2000s teen life with a fast-paced, dialogue-rich style reminiscent of Gilmore Girls.

Publication & Chronological Order

Since the series follows Love's ongoing personal and romantic evolution over her school years, readers should strictly follow the publication order. Reading them out of order will spoil major character developments, breakups, and family discoveries.

1. The Principles of Love (2005) - Love Bukowski is introduced as she navigates prep school, family quirks, and her first major crush.
2. Piece, Love, and Happiness (2005) - Love deals with summer adjustments, shifting friendships, and new romantic complications.
3. Love From London (2006) - The drama travels across the pond as Love spends time in England, expanding her horizons and testing her relationships.
4. All You Need is Love (2006) - Back home, Love faces mounting pressure from school, family expectations, and romantic choices.
5. Summer of Love (2007) - Another summer brings new jobs, new faces, and deeper emotional growth.
6. Labor of Love (2007) - Love continues to find her footing while managing academic stress and interpersonal dynamics.
7. Lessons in Love (2008) - The final chapter in Love's high school journey, wrapping up her major growth arcs.

The Chalet Girls Series

If you are looking for a shorter, atmospheric series, the Chalet Girls trilogy is a delightful read. It follows a group of young women working and living together at a ski resort chalet in Vermont. The books combine cozy winter aesthetics with coming-of-age relationship drama and career choices.

Recommended Reading Order

Like the Principles of Love, these books build upon the relationships established in the first volume, making publication order the best path forward.

1. Balancing Acts (2007)
2. Slippery Slopes (2007)
3. Off the Trails (2008)

Collaborative Young Adult Standalones

Emily Franklin has a successful history of co-authoring YA novels with fellow author Brendan Halpin. These books are standalones and can be read in any order, though reading them in order of publication shows how their collaborative storytelling style evolved. They are highly recommended for readers who enjoy dual-perspective narratives and contemporary teen issues.

• The Half-Life of Planets (2010) - Tells the alternating stories of Liana, a self-proclaimed "kissing addict" aspiring scientist, and Hank, a music-obsessed teen with Asperger's syndrome. They form an unexpected connection over the summer.
• Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance (2011) - A fun, media-savvy story about two teen television stars who play a couple on-screen, secretly dislike each other in real life, but are forced to fake a real-life romance for public relations purposes.
• Tessa Masterson Will Go to Prom (2012) - A poignant, timely novel about friendship, sexuality, and small-town dynamics. When Tessa comes out as a lesbian and decides to go to prom, her long-time best friend Luke is caught in the middle of a town controversy.

Acclaimed Standalone Novels & Historical Fiction

For adult readers and fans of standalone fiction, Franklin has written several notable books. These require no background reading and can be enjoyed completely on their own:

• Liner Notes (2003) - Franklin's debut adult novel, which explores the complex, sometimes messy relationships between mothers and daughters, set against the backdrop of a road trip.
• The Girls' Almanac (2006) - A novel focusing on female friendships, identity, and the transitions of early adulthood.
• The Other Half of Me (2007) - A YA standalone centering on Jenny Fitzgerald, a teen who was conceived via a sperm donor and goes on a quest to discover her biological roots and half-siblings.
• At Face Value (2008) - A modern teen retelling of the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, dealing with self-image, identity, and finding one's true voice.
• Last Night at the Circle Cinema (2015) - A nostalgic, emotional YA novel following a group of four high school friends whose tight-knit circle begins to fracture during their senior year.
• The Lioness of Boston (2023) - A rich historical novel depicting Isabella Stewart Gardner's journey from a misunderstood Gilded Age newcomer to one of Boston's most influential and eccentric art patrons.
• Love & Other Monsters (2026) - A historical fiction novel focusing on Claire Clairmont, the stepsister of Mary Shelley, capturing the emotional and creative storm of the famous summer of 1816 when Frankenstein was conceived.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Emily Franklin's books, keep these helpful tips in mind. First, her YA novels are characterized by highly realistic, fast-paced dialogue and characters who are passionate about their niche interests (such as planetary science, music history, or art). Second, while her YA books often touch on romance, they are fundamentally coming-of-age stories focused on identity, neurodiversity, sexuality, and family dynamics rather than simple love stories. Finally, if you transition to her adult historical fiction, expect a shift from contemporary humor to highly lyrical, atmospheric prose that is deeply grounded in real-world history and research.