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'The Illustrated Mum' by Jacqueline Wilson is a poignant and intense story that delves into the lives of two young sisters coping with their single mother who has mental health issues, particularly bipolar disorder. The book sensitively portrays the struggles of living with someone who has a mental illness, addressing heavy topics such as emotional abuse, neglect, and the challenges of growing up with a parent who is mentally ill. The writing style of Jacqueline Wilson is described as impactful, realistic, and honest, offering a raw portrayal of mental health issues while maintaining a light and easy style that appeals to both younger and adult readers.

If you liked The Illustrated Mum, here are the top 36 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson
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    'Lola Rose' tells the story of a young girl named Jayni, who, along with her mother and younger brother, escapes their abusive father. They adopt new identities to hide from their past and navigate the challenges of their new life. The plot delves into the emotional turmoil of domestic violence and the struggles faced by children in dysfunctional households. The writing style combines elements of drama and hope, making the characters relatable and their experiences poignant, particularly for young readers.

    Throughout the narrative, Jayni, who chooses the name Lola Rose, emerges as a strong and brave character. The story captures her fears and the harsh realities of her life, including her mother's illness and the responsibilities thrust upon her at such a young age. The author’s signature blend of humor and heartfelt reflection adds depth to the story, allowing readers to connect with Lola Rose’s fears and resilience in the face of adversity.

    My mum won. She did, really. OK, she didn't win the jackpot. We don't live in a great big mansion. I wouldn't want to even if Mum had won mega-millions. I'd hate to live in a big house with heaps of r...

  2. #2

    The Story of Tracy Beaker - Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson
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    Tracy Beaker is a young girl living in a children's home, dreaming of her famous actress mother coming to take her on adventures. In the meantime, she writes her autobiography, detailing her experiences in foster homes, her friendships, and rivalries. The story is told from Tracy's perspective, filled with humor and realism, drawing readers in to empathize with her journey through the challenges of growing up in care.

    Tracy Beaker's story is a relatable and heartwarming tale that resonates with readers of all ages. The well-developed characters, including Tracy's friends and foes, add depth to the narrative, leaving readers eager for more as they wonder about Tracy's future with her potential adoptive parent, Cam. Jacqueline Wilson's writing style, complemented by Nick Sharratt's illustrations, brings Tracy's world to life in a way that is both engaging and emotionally satisfying.

    “Now look, Tracy,” said Elaine. “This is your own special book about you, something that you're going to keep forever. You don't want to spoil it by writing all sorts of silly, smart-alecky, rude thin...

  3. #3

    Dustbin Baby by Jacqueline Wilson
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    'Dustbin Baby' by Jacqueline Wilson tells the story of April, who was abandoned as a baby and now at the age of 14, is determined to find out more about her past. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, April embarks on a journey to uncover her origins and reconnect with her birth mother. The writing style is engaging and easy to read, capturing the emotions and thoughts of a young protagonist navigating through difficult themes such as abandonment, identity, and family relationships.

    I ALWAYS HATE my birthdays. I don’t tell anyone that. Cathy and Hannah would think me seriously weird. I try so hard to fit in with them so they’ll stay friends with me. Sometimes I try too hard and I...

  4. #4

    The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson
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    "The Suitcase Kid" by Jacqueline Wilson follows the story of Andy, a young girl whose parents have divorced, leading her to split her time between her mother's new family and her father's new family. Andy struggles with adjusting to her new life, dealing with step siblings who mistreat her, and feeling like she doesn't belong in either household. Throughout the book, Andy finds solace in her toy rabbit Radish, as she navigates the challenges of divorce, blended families, and the desire to reunite her parents.

    Wilson's writing style sensitively addresses common childhood problems such as divorce, family dynamics, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging. The story unfolds through Andy's perspective, capturing her emotions, challenges, and growth as she copes with the changes in her life and tries to make sense of her new reality.

    MY NAME IS Andrea West but I mostly get called Andy. My sly little stepsister Katie calls me Andy Pandy. Everyone just thinks she’s being cute. Katie specializes in cute. We are exactly the same age –...

  5. #5

    Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson
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    "Double Act" by Jacqueline Wilson revolves around identical twins Ruby and Garnet who are dealing with the loss of their mother and the introduction of their father's new girlfriend, Rose. The twins struggle with the changes in their family dynamics, with Ruby determined to get rid of Rose and Garnet torn between pleasing her sister and accepting the new relationship. The story also touches on themes of sibling rivalry, acceptance, and the challenges of growing up and finding one's own identity. The writing style seems to focus on portraying the twins' differing personalities and the emotional struggles they face in a relatable manner.


  6. #6

    Vicky Angel by Jacqueline Wilson
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    Vicky Angel by Jacqueline Wilson is a poignant story about Jade, who is struggling with grief and guilt after the death of her best friend Vicky. The novel explores themes of loss, friendship, and the impact of death on young minds. Through Jade's journey, readers witness her coping with the domineering presence of Vicky's ghost and navigating the complexities of survivor's guilt. The writing style captures the emotional turmoil of Jade, providing a realistic portrayal of the grieving process and the challenges faced by young individuals dealing with loss.

    In Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson skillfully delves into the themes of guilt and bereavement, creating a moving and thought-provoking narrative. The book addresses tough topics such as suicide, grief, and mental health in a sensitive manner, offering a compelling and relatable story for readers. Wilson's storytelling draws readers into Jade's world, as she grapples with the haunting presence of Vicky's ghost and struggles to come to terms with her friend's tragic death.

    Vicky's my best friend. We're closer than sisters. They call us the Twins at school because we're so inseparable. We've been best friends ever since we were at nursery school together and I crept up t...

  7. #7

    Love Lessons by Jacqueline Wilson
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    'Love Lessons' by Jacqueline Wilson tells the story of Prudence, a 14-year-old girl who has been homeschooled in a strict and isolated environment by her father. When her father has a stroke, Prudence is forced to attend a public school where she develops a crush on her art teacher, Mr. Raxberry. explores the inappropriate relationship that develops between Prudence and Mr. Raxberry, highlighting the complexities of teenage emotions and the consequences of such relationships.

    The writing style of 'Love Lessons' is described as engaging and thought-provoking, delving into themes of love, isolation, and family dynamics. The plot revolves around the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly Prudence, as she navigates her feelings for her teacher and the impact it has on her relationships with her family and peers.

    I know lots of teenage girls say that but they don’t really mean it. Well, I don’t think they do. I don’t really know any other teenage girls. That’s one of the reasons why I hate Dad. He keeps me a v...

  8. #8

    The Mum-Minder by Jacqueline Wilson
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    The Mum-Minder by Jacqueline Wilson is a heartwarming story about Sadie, an 8-year-old girl whose mother falls ill, leaving Sadie to take care of her younger siblings and the children her mother usually looks after as a childminder. The book follows Sadie's journey as she steps up to the challenge of caring for the little ones, learning about responsibility, and finding her own strength. The plot unfolds with various adventures and challenges that Sadie faces while trying to balance her new responsibilities with her own desires and dreams. The writing style captures the innocence and determination of Sadie, making it a captivating read for children.


  9. #9
    Hetty Feather
    Book 1 in the series:Hetty Feather

    Hetty Feather - Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson
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    'Hetty Feather' by Jacqueline Wilson follows the exciting journey of Hetty as she searches for her real mother, Ida. The plot is filled with emotional moments, surprising revelations, and detailed descriptions that captivate the readers. is set in the late 1800s and portrays the life of children in English orphanages, shedding light on the hardships and adventures Hetty faces as she navigates through her past and present. The writing style is fast-paced, mature, and engaging, appealing to readers of various age groups and keeping them hooked until the very end.


  10. #10

    The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson
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    The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Elsa and her family who become homeless and are forced to live in a bed and breakfast hotel. Despite the challenging circumstances, Elsa's witty and good-natured personality shines through as she navigates through this difficult time with humor and resilience. The book touches on themes of family, homelessness, and finding joy in the midst of adversity, making it a relatable and engaging read for children in the 7-10 age group.


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