Children's books in order

Pearl S. Buck's children's books include four titles published across several decades, covering young characters in China, America, and other settings, written with the same care for authentic cultural detail as her adult fiction.
Series · Children's Literature · Historical Fiction

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 The Young Revolutionist 1932 Pearl S. Buck Buy
2 The Big Fight 1964 Pearl S. Buck N/A
3 Little Fox in the Middle 1966 Pearl S. Buck Buy
4 A Field of Rice 1995 Pearl S. Buck Buy

Pearl S. Buck wrote four children’s books across her career, each standing apart from her adult literary fiction in length and intended audience while carrying the same attention to cultural specificity. The Big Wave (1938) is the best known: it is set in Japan and follows a child through the destruction of his coastal community by a massive wave. The book addresses grief and rebuilding without softening either.

The Young Revolutionist (1932) and A Field of Rice (1995) are set in Asian contexts and reflect Buck’s sustained engagement with the cultures she knew from her early years. Little Fox in the Middle (1966) is a shorter, lighter entry, aimed at younger readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Children's series?

There are four books in the Children’s series, published between 1932 and 1995.

What is the first book in the Children's series?

The first book in the Children’s series is The Young Revolutionist, published in 1932.

What is The Big Wave about?

The Big Wave (1938) is set in Japan and follows a boy whose fishing village is destroyed by a tsunami. It is one of Buck’s most read children’s titles and addresses themes of loss, courage, and community.

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