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Mallory — by Laurie B. Friedman
Mallory Series in Order: 28 books
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Mallory on the Move
Book - 1
Audisee eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! When eight-and-a-half-year-old Mallory McDonald's parents tell her that they are moving, she's mad -- really mad! It's not fair!...
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Back to School, Mallory
Book - 2
Summer is over and that can only mean one thing for eight-year-old Mallory McDonald (like the restaurant, but no relation) -- she has to go back to school. But not just any school, a new school with all new kids in it. To make matters worse, her mom ...
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Mallory Vs. Max
Book - 3
A new pet throws little Mallory's world into chaos in this adventure for young readers."Mallory is an appealing character who deserves a place alongside Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Amber Brown, and Clarice Bean." -- School Library JournalSpunky, eig...
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Happy Birthday, Mallory!
Book - 4
Mallory McDonald is turning nine! And she is ready to celebrate getting the past year over -- one troubled with moving, starting a new school, making new friends, and sibling rivalry. Mallory wants her ninth birthday to be extra special. So instead o...
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In Business with Mallory
Book - 5
Enterprising young Mallory learns about money, business, and success in this fun adventure for young readers."Mallory is an appealing character who deserves a place alongside Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Amber Brown, and Clarice Bean." -- School Libr...
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Heart to Heart with Mallory
Book - 6
Valentine's Day is approaching and everyone seems to be crazed with love -- except for Mallory. She's been invited to a Valentine's party next door and rumor has it that her next-door neighbor's dad is going to propose to her best friend's mom. What ...
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Mallory on Board
Book - 7
Bon Voyage! Mallory and her family and friends are setting sail on a cruise. But poor Mallory feels like she's sunk and she hasn't even set sail yet. Her two best friends' parents are getting married and even though Mallory is trying her best to be h...
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Honestly, Mallory!
Book - 8
Everyone seems to know what they want to be for Career Day at school -- that is, everyone except Mallory. She can't seem to find anything she's good at. When she finally decides to be a fashion designer, some of her classmates laugh at her. And then,...
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Campfire Mallory
Book - 9
It's summertime and the Wish Pond Road gang is getting ready to go to Camp Blue Lake. Mallory's not so sure she wants to go. What if she gets homesick or none of the other kids like her? Her best friends, Mary Ann and Joey, convince her how fun it wi...
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Step Fourth, Mallory!
Book - 10
It's a new school year for Mallory and everything's perfect! She has a new computer, a pair of just-right back-to-school shoes, and her best friend, Mary Ann, is in her class. But somehow things go from perfectly good to perfectly bad. Mallory's firs...
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Red, White & True Blue Mallory
Book - 11
Mallory is in Washington, D.C., with her fourth grade class. She can't wait to see the famous monuments and museums. But from the moment she sets foot in the nation's capital, there's one thing she doesn't see much of . . . her best friend. Mary Ann ...
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Happy New Year, Mallory!
Book - 12
It's New Year's Eve and Mallory can't wait to celebrate! Her camp friends are coming to Fern Falls and she and Mary Ann have planned out every last detail for a perfect winter reunion and New Year's Eve party. But what Mallory hadn't planned on is ge...
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Mallory Goes Green!
Book - 13
Mallory wonders if she can persuade others to protect the environment without losing friends in this charming illustrated tale."In her thirteenth adventure, Mallory is, as always, a realistically flawed, likable heroine whose earnestness will appeal ...
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Mallory in the Spotlight
Book - 14
The world is a stage for Mallory McDonald!When Mallory tries out for a part in the school play and gets the lead, she is super excited. But not everyone shares her enthusiasm, especially her best friend Mary Ann. In fact, the more excited Mallory get...
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Mallory's Guide to Boys, Brothers, Dads, and Dogs
Book - 15
Mallory McDonald has four big problems.Problem #1: The boy she likes doesn't like her back. Problem #2: Her brother is mad at her. Problem #3: Her dad is upset about her math grade. Problem #4: Her brother's dog won't leave her alone,...
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Mallory's Super Sleepover
Book - 16
Mallory is turning 10, and she's planning a super sleepover! To celebrate her tenth birthday, Mallory wants to have the most super sleepover celebration ever! Mallory plans out everything to the last detail. As long as she promises not to let the fun...
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Oh Boy, Mallory
Book - 17
Mallory has a new diary, and big news to write in it: a cute fifth-grade boy LIKES her! The only problem: Mallory's friends are more excited about it than she is. Mallory's not sure what to do, what to say on the phone, or even how she feels. Her bes...
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Mallory McDonald, Super Snoop
Book - 18
Mallory is on a mission. Max, her brother, is spending all his time with his girlfriend and won't allow Mallory around for ANY of it. Mallory wants to know what's going on when they're together. Are Max and Winnie hatching secret plans? Are they caus...
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Mallory and Mary Ann Take New York
Book - 19
START SPREADING THE NEWS ... Mallory and Mary Ann are headed to New York. They've got sights to see! The Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty. Times Square. Central Park. But they also have a problem to solve. Only one of them is invited to a...
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Play It Again, Mallory
Book - 20
Mallory is excited about the six-week arts electives program at Fern Falls Elementary -- until she gets stuck in her last-choice class, band. To make matters worse, she is assigned to the tuba, and when she plays, it sounds more like passing gas than...
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Three's Company, Mallory!
Book - 21
Some simple math: one + one + one = one too many! From the day they were born, Mary Ann and Mallory have been best friends. They've always been a two-some. But now, there's a new girl in town, and what used to be just the two of them has turned into ...
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Mallory McDonald, Baby Expert
Book - 22
There's a new baby on Wish Pond Road, and Mallory has had all the baby talk she can take! Mallory wants to be excited about Mary Ann and Joey's new brother, Charlie. But she can't help wondering what life will be like now that there's a baby around. ...
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Game Time, Mallory!
Book - 23
Mallory is excited to participate in a new girls' basketball league, although she has never played and her best friends are not interested, but as the worst player on her team she realizes she has a lot to learn. ...
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Change Is in the Air, Mallory
Book - 24
Everything in Mallory McDonald's life is changing! Fourth grade is over and summer is off to a shaky start. The Winstons are moving from Wish Pond Road to a bigger house across town, so Mallory's best friends, Mary Ann and Joey, won't be living next ...
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On the Road with Mallory
Book - 25
Mallory has a new journal, just in time for her family's vacation to the Grand Canyon. She can't wait for the road trip -- until it turns out that her cousin, Kate, is coming along. Kate would rather read a list of "fun facts" than have actual fun at...
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High Five, Mallory!
Book - 26
Mallory is excited to start fifth grade. She just got a cell phone, and Mary Ann's in her class. What could go wrong? For one thing, she gets off on the wrong foot with her new teacher. For another, Mary Ann seems to be avoiding her and spendin...
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Mallory McDonald, Super Sitter
Book - 27
Mallory's new neighbors, the Goldmans, have twin five-year-old boys who need babysitters. Mrs. Goldman hires Mallory and her friend Chloe Jennifer to watch the boys while she works from home. Mallory can't wait! The boys are adorable, so this job wil...
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Mallory Makes a Difference
Book - 28
Mallory has just had the worst Halloween ever, and she's determined to make the next holiday better. She decides the best way to make Thanksgiving a success is to do something that makes other people happy, not just herself. So she starts a food driv...
Series Premise
The series follows Mallory McDonald, a lively, imaginative third-grader (later fourth-grader) who faces typical kid-sized challenges with big emotions, creative ideas, and a tendency to get into funny predicaments. The premise is simple and relatable: Mallory navigates everyday life—school, family changes, friendships, holidays, pets, and personal goals—while learning lessons about patience, honesty, kindness, and resilience.
The series begins with Mallory on the Move when Mallory's parents announce a family move from their old house to a new one on Wish Pond Road. Mallory is upset about leaving her familiar life, room, and best friend, but gradually adjusts with the help of her family, new neighbors, and her own optimism. Subsequent books follow her through typical childhood milestones and small dramas:
- Starting at Fern Falls Elementary.
- Dealing with a new baby brother (Max).
- Making and keeping friends (especially best friend Mary Ann).
- Facing sibling rivalry, school projects, sleepovers, birthdays, holidays, pets, and family vacations.
- Tackling personal goals like earning money, trying new things, or overcoming fears.
Each book centers on a specific event or problem (e.g., back-to-school jitters, a lost pet, a talent show, a trip to New York, or a family reunion), which Mallory approaches with enthusiasm, occasional frustration, and creative solutions—often involving jokes, lists, or her signature red glasses and journal. The stories emphasize growth through experience, the importance of family and friends, and the idea that change can be exciting even when it's hard.
Mallory Series Characters
Mallory McDonald is the protagonist and narrator: an energetic, imaginative eight-and-a-half-year-old (later nine/ten) with curly red hair, freckles, and signature red glasses. She's optimistic, talkative, joke-loving, and a bit dramatic—always ready with a plan (or ten) but often facing funny setbacks. Her voice is lively and relatable, full of enthusiasm and occasional frustration.
Mom and Dad McDonald are supportive, loving parents: Mom is practical and nurturing; Dad is fun and patient.
Max McDonald is Mallory's younger brother (introduced as a baby, later a toddler): cute but sometimes annoying; he provides sibling rivalry and sweet moments.
Mary Ann is Mallory's best friend (and pen pal after the move): sweet, loyal, and often part of Mallory's schemes.
Joey and Winnie (neighbors/friends): Joey is a boy next door (sometimes a crush or rival); Winnie is another friend who joins adventures.
Grandma and other relatives appear for holidays and visits, adding family warmth.
Setting of the Mallory Series
The series is set in a contemporary, suburban American town—initially an unnamed community, then centered around Wish Pond Road in a cozy neighborhood with houses, yards, and a nearby pond. Mallory's world includes:
- Her family home (first the old one, then the new one with a big yard and her own room).
- Fern Falls Elementary School (classrooms, playground, cafeteria, gym).
- Local spots like parks, libraries, ice cream shops, malls, movie theaters, and community centers.
- Occasional trips (New York City, camp, family vacations, or relatives' homes).
The setting feels safe, familiar, and kid-centered—everyday places where children play, learn, and explore. Seasonal changes (back-to-school, holidays, summer break) and neighborhood events (birthday parties, sleepovers, bike rides) provide variety while keeping the world small and relatable.
Tone & Themes of the Mallory Series
The tone is cheerful, light-hearted, and gently humorous—classic early chapter book fare with warmth and relatability. Friedman's writing is upbeat and encouraging, acknowledging real kid feelings (anger, jealousy, worry, excitement) without dwelling on negativity. Problems are age-appropriate and resolved positively through communication, effort, or a bit of luck, leaving readers with a sense of hope and accomplishment.
Humor comes from Mallory's exaggerated reactions, her endless jokes (she loves telling them), sibling antics, and the predictable chaos of her plans going slightly awry. The mood is optimistic and supportive—Mallory is never truly defeated; she bounces back with energy and a positive spin. There's no dark content, bullying is mild and resolved, and the focus stays on fun, friendship, and family. It's comforting and empowering, ideal for building reading confidence and emotional literacy in young children.
Laurie B. Friedman's Mallory McDonald series shines as a joyful, relatable staple of early chapter books, spanning 28 delightful stories of an energetic girl's everyday triumphs and tumbles. From the big move in Mallory on the Move to school adventures, family milestones, holidays, and friendship quests in later titles like Mallory Makes a Difference, the books capture the messy, wonderful reality of childhood with humor, heart, and gentle lessons about growing up. Mallory—spunky, joke-telling, glasses-wearing, and endlessly optimistic—feels like a real kid readers can root for, while her supportive family and friends provide warmth and security. With short chapters, expressive illustrations, and a positive "you've got this" spirit, the series is perfect for building reading confidence, sparking laughter, and reminding young readers that even when things go wrong, a good attitude (and maybe a joke) can make everything better. If you're looking for cozy, character-rich stories that celebrate the small stuff and the big feelings of being a kid, Mallory McDonald is ready to welcome you to Wish Pond Road—where every day is an adventure, and every problem has a solution (or at least a funny story).
Books in this series fall into the following genres
Genres