Order of Austin Family Books
The Austin Family series features beloved young adult Christian fiction novels and children's books by acclaimed American author Madeleine L'Engle. At the heart of these stories is the Austin family - two parents and four children sharing their bustling home with two dogs, several cats, and a steady stream of visitors who drop by regularly.
L'Engle launched this cherished series in 1960 with Meet the Austins, going on to write eight books total before wrapping up the series with A Full House, a children's Christmas story published in 1999. The collection encompasses the main Austin Family Chronicles (Meet the Austins, The Moon by Night, The Young Unicorns, A Ring of Endless Light, and Troubling a Star) alongside three additional children's books. Dedicated fans should also seek out Miracle on 10th Street and Other Christmas Writings from 1998. The books are listed below in publication order, which also follows the chronological sequence of events.
Series Overview: Meet the Austins, the opening volume of L'Engle's Austin Family Chronicles, finds the Austin family enjoying their peaceful existence until tragedy strikes when a close family friend dies in a plane crash. The compassionate Austins welcome the friend's orphaned daughter, Maggy Hamilton, into their home. While all four Austin children make genuine efforts to embrace their new family member, young Vicky struggles with conflicted feelings. Though she knows she should sympathize with Maggy's loss, Vicky finds herself frustrated by the girl's volatile temperament, spoiled behavior, nighttime screaming fits, and the general upheaval she brings to their once-harmonious household. The question remains whether the family can restore their former peace.
