Last Updated on May 8, 2025
Barbara Kingsolver, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, is renowned for her lyrical prose, rich character studies, and exploration of social justice, environmentalism, and human connections. Born in 1955 in Annapolis, Maryland, and raised in rural Kentucky, Kingsolver’s background in biology (B.S., DePauw University; M.S., University of Arizona) informs her vivid depictions of nature. Since her debut novel The Bean Trees in 1988, she has published 17 fiction and non-fiction books, including the bestselling The Poisonwood Bible and the Pulitzer-winning Demon Copperhead. Her works, translated into over 20 languages, have earned awards like the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. This article lists all of Kingsolver’s books in publication order, with summaries, publication dates and reading guidance.
Why Read Barbara Kingsolver’s Books?
Kingsolver’s novels blend literary fiction with accessible storytelling, tackling themes like family, community, and ecological responsibility. Her series, Greer Family and Taylor Greer, follow interconnected characters across generations, while standalones like The Poisonwood Bible and Demon Copperhead explore historical and cultural complexities. Her non-fiction, including essays and memoirs, offers insights into her activism and rural life. Readers of Annie Proulx or Toni Morrison will appreciate her depth, though some find her political themes heavy-handed. Most works are standalone, but series are best read in order for character arcs. Her books appeal to adults seeking thought-provoking, beautifully crafted stories.
Barbara Kingsolver’s Books in Publication Order
Kingsolver has published 17 books: nine novels (two series, five standalones), three non-fiction books, two essay collections, one poetry collection, one short story collection, and one children’s book. Below is the complete list in publication order, as of May 8, 2025. All fiction is published by HarperCollins unless noted; non-fiction varies by publisher.
Taylor Greer Series (1988–1993)
A two-book series following Taylor Greer, a young woman from Kentucky seeking a new life. Read in order for Taylor’s arc.
- The Bean Trees (March 1988)
Taylor Greer leaves rural Kentucky to avoid poverty and pregnancy. In Tucson, Arizona, she adopts an abandoned Cherokee girl, Turtle, and builds a found family with refugees and locals. A debut praised for its humor and heart, exploring identity and community. - Pigs in Heaven (June 1993)
Taylor and Turtle’s bond is threatened when a Cherokee lawyer questions Turtle’s adoption. Taylor’s road trip to resolve the case delves into Native American rights and family ties. A poignant sequel, winner of the 1994 Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
Standalone Novels (1990–2018)
These five novels are unconnected, each tackling unique settings and themes.
- Animal Dreams (September 1990)
Codi Noline returns to Grace, Arizona, to care for her ailing father. Teaching at a high school and reconnecting with her past, she uncovers environmental threats and her sister’s legacy. A lyrical tale of homecoming and activism. - The Poisonwood Bible (October 1998)
In 1959, Baptist missionary Nathan Price drags his wife, Orleanna, and four daughters to the Belgian Congo. Their struggles with colonialism, faith, and survival unfold over decades. A finalist for the 1999 Pulitzer, this epic is Kingsolver’s most acclaimed work. - Prodigal Summer (October 2000)
Three intertwined stories in Appalachia—a wildlife biologist, a young widow, and an elderly farmer—explore love, nature, and human connection. A lush, sensual novel celebrating biodiversity and relationships. - Flight Behavior (November 2012)
Dellarobia Turnbow, a Tennessee farmwife, discovers monarch butterflies on her land, signaling climate change. Scientists and media descend, upending her life and faith. A 2012 New York Times Notable Book addressing environmental crisis. - Unsheltered (October 2018)
Dual narratives in Vineland, New Jersey: in 2016, Willa Knox faces financial ruin; in the 1870s, teacher Thatcher Greenwood challenges social norms. Their stories of resilience reflect societal shifts. A reflective, timely novel.
Greer Family Series (2009–2022)
A two-book series following the Greer family in Appalachia. Best read in order for thematic connections.
- The Lacuna (November 2009)
Harrison Shepherd, born in 1916 to a Mexican mother and American father, becomes a writer in Mexico, mingling with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. His life, shadowed by McCarthyism, explores identity and art. Winner of the 2010 Women’s Prize for Fiction. - Demon Copperhead (October 2022)
A modern retelling of David Copperfield, set in 1990s Appalachia. Demon, born to a teen mother, navigates foster care, addiction, and poverty with resilience and humor. Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize and Women’s Prize, it’s a modern classic.
Non-Fiction Books (1995–2007)
These three works blend memoir, journalism, and activism, offering personal and ecological insights.
- Holding the Line: Women in the Great Arizona Mine Strike of 1983 (January 1989, ILR Press)
Kingsolver’s first book chronicles women’s roles in a 1983 Arizona copper mine strike, highlighting labor rights and gender dynamics. A journalistic account praised for its empathy. - Last Stand: America’s Virgin Lands (October 2002, National Geographic, with photographer Annie Griffiths Belt)
A tribute to America’s untouched landscapes, with Kingsolver’s essays and Belt’s photos. It advocates for conservation, blending science and poetry. - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life (May 2007, with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver)
Kingsolver and her family spend a year eating locally in Virginia, growing their own food. Part memoir, part manifesto, it’s a bestselling call for sustainable living.
Essay Collections (1995–2002)
Two collections of Kingsolver’s essays on culture, politics, and nature.
- High Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now or Never (October 1995)
Twenty-five essays explore family, travel, and social issues, from raising chickens to visiting Japan. A witty, reflective collection named for Tucson’s metaphorical tides. - Small Wonder (April 2002)
Essays written post-9/11 reflect on hope, parenthood, and global responsibility. Includes pieces on war, biodiversity, and personal loss, praised for their compassion.
Poetry Collection (1992)
A single poetry volume blending nature and human experience.
- Another America / Otra América (February 1992, Seal Press)
Bilingual poems in English and Spanish explore borders, identity, and justice, inspired by Kingsolver’s time in Tucson. A lyrical, activist work.
Short Story Collection (1989)
A collection of stories about working-class lives.
- Homeland and Other Stories (May 1989)
Twelve stories set in the Southwest and Midwest feature characters like a coal miner’s daughter and a Native American teacher, grappling with heritage and change. A tender, early work.
Children’s Book (1995)
A picture book for young readers.
- The Best Day the Worst Day: Life with Jane (1995, self-published, with Jane Hillhouse)
Co-authored with her sister-in-law, this book recounts Kingsolver’s life with Jane, blending joy and loss. A rare, personal children’s story.
Reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Books: Tips and Guidance
- Series Order: Read Taylor Greer (The Bean Trees, Pigs in Heaven) in order for Taylor and Turtle’s story. Greer Family (The Lacuna, Demon Copperhead) can be read independently, but publication order enhances thematic links, as Demon Copperhead echoes The Lacuna’s outsider perspective.
- Standalone Novels: The Poisonwood Bible, Prodigal Summer, Flight Behavior, Unsheltered, and Animal Dreams are unconnected and can be read in any order. The Poisonwood Bible is a great starting point for its epic scope.
- Non-Fiction and Other Works: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is ideal for food and sustainability fans, while Holding the Line suits labor history buffs. Essay collections (High Tide in Tucson, Small Wonder) and poetry (Another America) are standalone, and Homeland offers short fiction. The Best Day the Worst Day is rare and best for collectors.
- Content: Novels are literary fiction with mature themes (e.g., colonialism, addiction, poverty) but minimal violence or explicit content, suitable for adults and mature teens. Non-fiction and essays are accessible but intellectual, addressing politics and ecology.
- Starting Point: Try The Bean Trees for a warm, accessible novel, The Poisonwood Bible for a historical epic, or Demon Copperhead for a modern masterpiece. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is a non-fiction entry point.
- Adaptations: No major film adaptations exist, though The Poisonwood Bible and Demon Copperhead have been optioned. Books remain true to Kingsolver’s vision.
Where to Find Barbara Kingsolver’s Books
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by C.J. Critt, Kingsolver herself, and others), and large print through:
- Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, BetterWorldBooks.
- Libraries: Most stock The Poisonwood Bible and Demon Copperhead.
- Digital Platforms: Kindle, Audible, Kobo, Libby, OverDrive.
- Official Website: barbarakingsolver.net for book details, essays, and tour dates.
- Secondhand: ThriftBooks, PangoBooks for used copies ($3–10). Free U.S. shipping on orders over $15.
Follow Kingsolver on Instagram (@barbara_kingsolver) or her newsletter for updates on events or reprints.
Why Barbara Kingsolver’s Books Resonate
Kingsolver’s 17 books, with The Poisonwood Bible earning 600,000+ Goodreads ratings, resonate for their poetic prose and urgent themes. Demon Copperhead, a 2023 Pulitzer winner, is lauded by The New York Times as “a voice-driven triumph” for its Appalachian grit. Her Taylor Greer series charms with its found-family warmth, while The Poisonwood Bible stuns with its postcolonial depth. Fans on X and Goodreads praise her “immersive storytelling,” though some find her activism overt in Flight Behavior. Living in Virginia’s Appalachia with her family, Kingsolver’s biology background and PEN/Bellwether Prize for social justice shape her work. Her establishment of the PEN/Kingsolver Prize for climate fiction reflects her environmental commitment.
Final Thoughts
Barbara Kingsolver’s bibliography, from The Bean Trees (1988) to Demon Copperhead (2022), offers a rich tapestry of literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Start with The Poisonwood Bible for a sweeping historical saga, The Bean Trees for a heartwarming journey, or Demon Copperhead for a contemporary classic. Read Taylor Greer and Greer Family series in order, and explore standalones or non-fiction based on interest. With no new books announced for 2025, now is the perfect time to dive into Kingsolver’s world of nature, justice, and humanity. Her lyrical stories will leave you inspired and reflective.