Read Emily The Strange Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 21, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

In a literary landscape dominated by cheerful protagonists and conventional coming-of-age stories, Emily The Strange emerges as a darkly whimsical and refreshingly unconventional series. At first glance, Emily’s world-filled with black cats, enigmatic adventures, and a staunchly independent worldview-may seem quirky or even macabre. Yet beneath the gothic exterior lies a clever, thoughtful exploration of identity, creativity, and the power of embracing individuality. These books are not just stories; they are invitations to challenge norms, think differently, and find delight in the unusual. For readers who have ever felt out of step with mainstream culture, Emily’s tales resonate with a rare authenticity, offering both escapism and empowerment in equal measure.

List Of Emily The Strange Books In Order

More On Emily The Strange Books In Chronological Order

1. Emily the Strange (2000)

This is the one that started it all! *Emily the Strange* is a graphic novel that introduced us to the iconic, sardonic, and mysterious Emily. She’s a 13-year-old girl who’s into weirdness, mischief, and deep thoughts about existence-while rocking her signature black outfit and cat pals. It’s a little quirky, a lot dark, and, frankly, an absolute blast for fans of gothic humor. This book is where we learn about Emily’s bizarre world and her love for the unusual, setting the stage for the weirdness that would follow!

2. The Lost Days of Emily the Strange (2003)

In *The Lost Days*, Emily has lost her memories. A bit of a twist on the usual, right? She wakes up in a place she doesn’t recognize with no recollection of who she is or how she got there. As she goes on a journey to piece together her past, it’s packed with adventure, cryptic clues, and of course, lots of dark humor. If you like your stories with a side of mystery and a dash of gothic style, this book dives deeper into Emily’s quirky, unpredictable life.

3. Emily the Strange: Dark Times (2006)

Things take a darker turn in *Dark Times* as Emily is faced with a series of increasingly strange and unsettling events. The book explores the more sinister aspects of her world-it’s all about the bizarre challenges and supernatural puzzles she encounters. It has that eerie, otherworldly feel while still holding onto the humorous, oddball nature that made Emily such a captivating character. It’s perfect if you want more of the unusual things that haunt her world, and there’s no shortage of her unique charm.

4. Emily the Strange: The 13th Hour (2009)

This one gets even more trippy. *The 13th Hour* dives into Emily’s battle against time itself. It’s all about her trying to figure out how to deal with a fractured timeline that keeps messing with her life. There’s mystery, time travel, and, of course, lots of strange events. Emily has to think outside the box in a big way as she tries to solve the riddle of the 13th hour. If you’re into time-bending adventures with that signature Emily flair, this one’s for you.

5. Emily the Strange: The Secret Book of Strange (2011)

Okay, this one is a little different. *The Secret Book of Strange* is more of a scrapbook, a collection of Emily’s strange thoughts, ideas, and random observations. It’s packed with doodles, odd musings, and moments of her very unique wisdom. If you love getting lost in Emily’s world and exploring all of her quirky bits of wisdom, this book is like a treasure chest of the strange stuff she’s always thinking about. It’s perfect for fans who just can’t get enough of Emily’s unique perspective on the world.

6. Emily the Strange: Stranger and Stranger (2012)

In *Stranger and Stranger*, Emily takes on more intense mysteries while dealing with her ever-expanding, mind-boggling world. Things get wilder as she faces her strange destiny and unearths some really crazy secrets. It’s like a rollercoaster of creepy, odd, and brilliant events. The further Emily goes, the deeper into the weirdness she dives, all while maintaining her signature attitude. For anyone who loves Emily’s brand of chaos and irreverence, this one takes the strange to new heights.

7. Emily the Strange: The Big Black (2014)

If you thought things couldn’t get any more weird, *The Big Black* proves you wrong. Emily’s mysterious world expands even further as she faces unknown forces that challenge the fabric of her very existence. There’s a cosmic, larger-than-life threat lurking, and Emily has to step up in ways that make her journey feel bigger and more impactful than ever before. This one really takes you to the heart of what makes Emily tick-and the depths of the strange world she inhabits. Expect the usual blend of cleverness, spookiness, and tons of attitude.

8. Emily the Strange: A Stranger Kid (2019)

In *A Stranger Kid*, Emily finds herself confronted by a new mysterious kid, who, predictably, is anything but ordinary. This new character adds another layer of complexity to the strange world Emily has come to know. There are more weird experiences, cryptic messages, and the ever-present feeling that the world doesn’t quite work the way it’s supposed to. It’s full of Emily’s biting wit, but also challenges her in new ways, pushing her to reconsider what she thinks she knows about her own identity.

Background On Emily The Strange Books

The Emily The Strange series, created by Rob Reger and illustrated by various artists, originated in the early 1990s as a series of art and lifestyle graphics before evolving into a rich literary phenomenon. Emily, the titular character, is a pre-teen girl distinguished by her jet-black hair, sardonic wit, and perpetually unamused expression. She inhabits a world where the mundane is mundane precisely because she refuses to accept it, turning everyday experiences into opportunities for mischief, contemplation, and artistic rebellion.

The books are a unique blend of graphic storytelling, short prose, and visual art, often resembling a diary or scrapbook in format. This structure allows readers to experience Emily’s perspective in an intimate, immersive way. The series also includes standalone stories, collections of Emily’s musings, and illustrated adventures, each offering a slightly different tone-from dark humor to philosophical reflections, all tied together by Emily’s consistent voice and perspective. Over the years, the series has cultivated a devoted following, appealing not only to preteens and teens but also to adult readers who appreciate its clever subversion of conventional norms.

Reading Order Explained

Understanding the reading order of the Emily The Strange books can enhance one’s appreciation of the series, though it is not strictly necessary to follow it. The series has several main storybooks and a number of spin-offs or compilations of Emily’s thoughts and adventures. While the release order is generally recommended for new readers-since it shows the gradual evolution of Emily’s character and the expansion of her universe-the standalone nature of many stories means they can be enjoyed independently without losing much context.

A typical reading path might begin with the first collected book or the original graphic publications, then proceed through subsequent volumes in order of release. Spin-offs and themed compilations can be interspersed or read afterward, depending on interest. This approach allows readers to witness the series’ stylistic development, the deepening complexity of Emily’s world, and the subtle maturation of themes like self-expression, critical thinking, and nonconformity.

What I Like About The Series?

What makes the Emily The Strange series particularly compelling is its perfect balance of dark humor, creativity, and philosophical undertones. Emily herself is an icon of independent thought, challenging social norms with sharp wit and fearless curiosity. Her adventures are never simply about external events-they are reflections on perspective, choice, and the absurdities of everyday life.

I also appreciate the visual artistry embedded in the series. The illustrations are not mere decorations but integral storytelling tools, conveying emotion, tone, and subtext in ways that text alone could not achieve. The design of Emily’s world-gothic, quirky, and meticulously detailed-complements the narrative and enriches the reading experience. Furthermore, the series celebrates individuality without moralizing, offering readers an empowering example of self-assuredness and creativity. Every story is a reminder that being different is not only acceptable but also a source of strength, humor, and insight.

Should You Read Emily The Strange Books In Order?

Reading the Emily The Strange books in order can certainly enhance the experience, especially for readers who want to observe the evolution of Emily as a character and the increasingly sophisticated interplay between text and art. Certain narrative threads, recurring jokes, and evolving artistic styles gain more meaning when approached sequentially.

However, the series’ structure also allows for flexibility. Many of the books are self-contained, meaning new readers can pick up almost any volume and still enjoy Emily’s world without confusion. The choice ultimately depends on your reading goals: if you want to fully appreciate the series’ progression and the subtle nuances that accumulate over time, start at the beginning; if you are more interested in sampling Emily’s wit, style, and aesthetic, jumping in at any point is perfectly viable.