The Judy Moody book series, written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, follows the hilarious adventures of a third-grade girl with a big personality and even bigger moods.
From school projects to solving mysteries, Judy’s world is full of fun, friends, and unexpected surprises. If you’re looking to read the series from start to finish, this guide lists all the Judy Moody books in order so you can enjoy her journey just the way it was meant to be read!
1. Judy Moody Was in a Mood
| Release | 2000 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Was in a Mood (2000) is the first book in the series about the quirky and unpredictable Judy Moody. Starting third grade is no small deal, and Judy is not in the mood for school — especially not for making a “Me” collage.
But with her big imagination, creative spirit, and a little help from her little brother Stink, Judy finds her own unique way to express herself. Full of humor and personality, this book perfectly captures the highs and lows of childhood moods.
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
| Release | 2000 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Gets Famous! (2000) is the second book in the series. Third-grader Judy Moody becomes envious when her classmate, Jessica Finch, gains recognition by winning a spelling bee and having her photo featured on the front page of the newspaper.
Determined to achieve fame herself, Judy embarks on various endeavors to make a name for herself, leading to humorous and unexpected outcomes. This lighthearted story explores themes of ambition, jealousy, and self-discovery, capturing the spirited and relatable personality of Judy Moody.
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
| Release | 2002 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Saves the World! (2002), the third book in the series, Judy becomes passionate about environmental conservation after learning about rainforest destruction and endangered species in her class.
Determined to make a difference, she tackles challenges at home and school, including persuading her family to improve recycling habits and completing a school project on a rare beetle.
Despite facing setbacks, Judy’s enthusiasm leads her class to raise funds to plant trees in the rainforest, illustrating how individual actions can contribute to global change.
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
| Release | 2003 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Predicts the Future (2003), the fourth installment in the series, Judy Moody discovers a mood ring in her seventh bowl of cereal one morning. Believing in its “Extra Special Powers,” she becomes convinced she can predict the future.
Her forecasts range from the return of her class’s mascot to her teacher, Mr. Todd, receiving a special award. However, when some predictions don’t come true, Judy learns valuable lessons about the unpredictability of life and the importance of accepting uncertainty.
5. Judy Moody, M.D.: The Doctor is In!
| Release | 2004 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody, M.D.: The Doctor Is In! (2004), the fifth installment of the series, Judy Moody is thrilled when her class begins a unit on the human body.
Aspiring to emulate Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor, Judy immerses herself in medical projects, including show-and-tell with rare specimens, a live “operation,” and a cloning experiment that leads to unexpected outcomes.
However, when she contracts the mumps from her younger brother, Stink, Judy experiences being a patient firsthand, learning valuable lessons about empathy and health.
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
| Release | 2005 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Declares Independence (2005), the sixth book in the series, sees Judy Moody inspired by a family trip to Boston, where she learns about the American Revolution and meets Tori, a girl from England.
Motivated by her newfound knowledge, Judy creates her own Declaration of Independence, seeking freedoms like more allowance and less parental control. Her humorous attempts to gain independence, including organizing a bathtub Boston Tea Party, lead to amusing situations.
Ultimately, Judy learns that true independence comes with responsibility, especially when she must care for her brother, Stink, during a crisis.
7. Judy Moody: Around the World in 8.5 Days
| Release | 2006 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Around the World in 8 1/2 Days (2006) the seventh book in the series, has Judy Moody’s class embark on a global adventure, studying various countries and cultures.
When Judy’s group draws Italy for their project, they dream of pasta, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Tarantella dance. However, Judy’s budding friendship with Amy Namey, a fellow student and aspiring reporter, leads to tension with her longtime friends, Rocky and Frank.
Through humorous and heartfelt experiences, Judy learns valuable lessons about balancing old friendships with new ones.
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
| Release | 2008 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody Goes to College (2008), the eighth book in the series, sees third-grader Judy Moody’s math skills prompt her parents to hire a college student, Chloe, as her tutor. Immersed in Chloe’s vibrant college life,
Judy adopts new slang, fashion, and attitudes, leading to tension with her friends. Through humorous trials, Judy discovers that embracing learning and staying true to oneself are key to balancing school, friendships, and newfound interests.
9. Judy Moody, Girl Detective
| Release | 2010 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody, Girl Detective (2010), the ninth book in the series, third-grader Judy Moody embraces her inner sleuth, inspired by her admiration for Nancy Drew.
When Mr. Chips, a police dog-in-training, goes missing, Judy forms a detective agency with her friends—Frank (Agent Dills Pickle), Rocky (Agent Spuds Houdini), and her younger brother, Stink (Agent James Madagascar).
They embark on a mission to unravel the mystery, encountering red herrings and amusing situations along the way. Through their investigation, they discover that the case is more puzzling than they initially thought, leading to unexpected and humorous conclusions.
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
| Release | 2011 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer (2011), the tenth book in the series, sees Judy face a summer filled with unexpected changes. Her parents head to California, leaving Judy and her brother, Stink, with their Aunt Opal, who is known for her eccentric ways.
To make the most of her vacation, Judy embarks on a quest to earn “thrill points” by seeking out thrilling adventures. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her creativity and resilience, ultimately transforming her summer into an unforgettable experience.
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm
| Release | 2012 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm (2012), the eleventh book in the series, Judy Moody believes her grandmother’s lucky penny is bringing her a streak of good fortune. She experiences a series of wins, from arcade games to bowling and spelling contests.
However, when an unfortunate mishap causes her lucky penny to be lost, Judy’s luck takes a downturn. This leads to a series of misadventures, including a trip to Washington, D.C., where she faces unexpected challenges.
Through these experiences, Judy learns about the unpredictable nature of luck and the importance of perseverance.
12. Judy Moody, Mood Martian
| Release | 2014 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody, Mood Martian (2014), the twelfth book in the series, sees Judy participating in her school’s Backwards Day as she challenges herself to maintain an upbeat attitude for an entire week. She adopts a positive demeanor, tidies her room, and is unusually kind to her brother, Stink.
Her friends become concerned about this uncharacteristic behavior, suspecting she might have been replaced by an imposter.
Throughout the week, Judy explores finger knitting as a way to manage her moods, leading to humorous situations. This story delves into themes of self-improvement, the complexities of personal change, and the value of authenticity.
13. Judy Moody and the Bucket List
| Release | 2018 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody, Mood Martian (2018), the thirteenth book in the series, has Judy participating in her school’s Backwards Day and challenges herself to maintain an upbeat attitude for an entire week. She adopts a positive demeanor, tidies her room, and is unusually kind to her brother, Stink.
Her friends become concerned about this uncharacteristic behavior, suspecting she might have been replaced by an imposter. Throughout the week, Judy explores finger knitting as a way to manage her moods, leading to humorous situations.
This story delves into themes of self-improvement, the complexities of personal change, and the value of authenticity.
14. Judy Moody in a Monday Mood
| Release | 2022 |
| Author | Megan McDonald |
Judy Moody: In a Monday Mood (2022), the fourteenth installment of the series, Judy faces the Monday blues as she returns to her routine at school. However, her teacher, Mr. Todd, enlivens the day by celebrating Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, inspiring Judy to find joy in everyday moments.
Motivated, she and her friends decide to turn each day of the week into a unique celebration, embracing quirky holidays like National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day and Dress Up a Vegetable Day. Through these creative festivities, Judy learns that with a little imagination, any day can become special.