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In honour of Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, we highlight 11 amazing adaptations of her work that are perfect for the young readers of our diverse world.
I begin this new series with a very personal curation: a collection of book adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels for young readers – from toddlers to young adults. I have been a fan of Austen and her works since I was fourteen years old. I read all of her books within a year of discovering them and although I cannot say I understood even half of her brilliance back then, I did realise that there is much more to her work than just a bunch of people going to each other’s houses.
Austen has great talent for creating captivating characters that make her readers laugh, swoon, and gasp in shock at their actions even 200 years after she first wrote them. After I read all her original books, I soon started to look for books, films and other media based on Austen’s life and her novels because I just couldn’t get enough of them. And what a world of gems!
To celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday anniversary in 2025, I have compiled a collection of books inspired by her that highlight how many creative writers have engaged with her content and made it accessible for a diverse, young audience.
The books I have selected highlight the versatility and relevance of classic literature for modern young readers. The ones for toddlers serve as early reading material that is not only enjoyable for the little readers but also for the mediators who might be able to connect to Austen’s original works and see the comedy. The middle grade books are amazing for emerging readers, helping them practice their reading skills by engaging with a captivating story. And the YA books are amazing works that highlight the brilliance of Austen’s novels and their potential to be relevant for contemporary readers. It has been very difficult for me to select only eight YA books because there are so many great ones out there. I have limited my curation to texts that take a queer or otherwise diverse and inclusive spin on Austen’s original works. For me, this shows that her stories offer amazing material that can engage contemporary readers.
The books I have selected highlight the versatility and relevance of classic literature for modern young readers.
Austen for the youngest readers and emerging fans
Cosy Classics: Emma by Jack and Holman Wang
A well-made board book adaptation of Austen’s Emma for babies and toddlers. It is illustrated with twelve pictures of handmade felt figures. Even though the authors decided to use only one word per page and image, the story is recognisable to the adult reader and the child gets to practice connecting words such as farmer to beautifully rendered images.
Chronicle Books, 2023, 24 pages
Jane Austen. Little People, Big Dreams by María Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Katie Wilson
A picture book biography of Jane Austen, perfect for children aged three to seven. The beautiful illustrations support the easy-to-read text and a double-page of more detailed information about Austen in the end of the book can satisfy the curiosity of more advanced readers.
Quarto Publishing PLC, 2018, 32 pages
Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery by Julia Golding
A thrilling mystery for middle grade readers, aged ten to thirteen. The first book of Golding’s series takes the reader to 1789, where smart and quirky thirteen year old Jane Austen investigates the ghostly monk of Southmoor Abbey.
Lion Fiction, 2021, 192 pages
Riveting Retellings for Young Adults
Pride by Ibi Zoboi
A vibrant YA adaptation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set in modern day Brooklyn, featuring all characters of colour. Also available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian, and as an English eBook and audiobook.
Versify, 2018, 304 pages
Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass
A heartfelt and creative YA novel about music and second chances set in Tobago, inspired by Austen’s Persuasion. Dass writes about second chances and family responsibility in a lovely and rhythmic style that matches the setting of her novel perfectly. Also available in Spanish and Russian, and as an English eBook and audiobook.
Clarion Books, 2021, 352 pages
Jane Austen Murder Mysteries by Tirzah Price
A funny, creative and queer murder mystery series for young adults based on Austen’s novels, full of unexpected twists and turns. Price expertly rewrote Austen’s novels into thrilling mysteries with captivating characters. Also available as audio books.
Storytide, 2021, 2022, 2023
Northranger by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Bre Indigo
This contemporary graphic novel, based on Austen’s Northanger Abbey, stars a queer Latino boy living on a ranch in Texas. He uses horror movies to escape reality until he is faced with a real life mystery. It’s the perfect read for lovers of YA horror and queer cowboys. Also available as an English eBook.
HarperAlley, 2023, 240 pages
Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta
A Bridgerton flavoured YA adaptation of Austen’s Sense and Sensibility set in the contemporary US with well-written queer and POC representation. Also available as an English eBook.
Scholastic Press, 2023, 320 pages
Pride and Prejudice in Space by Alexis Lampley
An extensively and beautifully illustrated sci-fi retelling for young adult and adult readers. This adaptation charms its readers by staying as close to the original plot as possible while adding spaceships and vibrant illustrations.
NerdyInk, 2024, 504 pages
Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley
A fun and earnest YA adaptation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set in the Asian community of San Francisco. Also available as an eBook.
Third State Books, 2024, 288 pages
Most Ardently: a Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa
Set in 1812, this charming graphic novel retells Austen’s Pride and Prejudice from the perspective of a young trans boy. Also available in Spanish and as an English eBook and audiobook.
Feiwel & Friends, 2024, 304 pages
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