Tracy Beakers returns: The Jacqueline Wilson books to read before the new series airs

First published in 1991, exactly 30 years ago, The Story of Tracy Beaker is what brought this then relatively unknown author to the masses. A fictional, autobiographical account of a young girl named Tracy Beaker, who lives in a care home she calls The Dumping Ground, the book follows her life there and her relationship with her foster mum, Cam. Best remembered for dealing with serious issues such as parental neglect, Wilson's careful approach to the emotional and unsettling realities that some children go through is admirable. With the signature illustrations by Nick Sharratt, this title is instantly recognisable, and certainly one to add to your collection – if it doesn't still have pride of place on your bookshelf, of course.

We've got this novel to thank for bringing Beaker back. My Mum Tracy Beaker is told from the perspective of her daughter Jess, and outlines Tracy's life as a struggling single parent. Touching on issues such as tackling change, growing up, and mother-daughter relationships, it's filled with the inevitable ups and downs you'd expect from your much-loved old friend, Beaker.

One of Wilson’s darker novels suited to older children (aged 10 and above), The Illustrated Mum tells the story of two young girls, Star and Dolphin, as they cope with their mother’s manic depression. While Dolphin idolises her tattoo-covered mum Marigold, Star is less pleased with her behaviour. Deeply moving, this story encourages you to think about the good and bad aspects of family life.

As the title suggests, this tells the story of two best friends, Gemma and Alice, who share the same birthday. When Alice moves away, Gemma is left feeling distraught at the thought that her best friend might find someone else. Best Friends depicts how children deal with the sadness they experience when they lose someone close to them. 

This book is written from the perspective of two identical twins, Ruby and Garnet, whose mother died when they were seven-years-old. It tells the story of their father meeting a woman, Rose, who becomes their stepmother, and how the lives of Ruby and Garnet change as they become teenagers.