Start with book #1
Begin with Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things, then continue in order as Alvin's relationships and confidence develop.
Book Series · 6 Books
Alvin Ho Books
In order from Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things to Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions.
Six funny, illustrated chapter books about an anxious second grader who finds courage while navigating school, family, friendship, and new experiences.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Alvin Ho Books
Read the six books in publication order, beginning with Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things. Each book has its own worries and comic mishaps, but Alvin's family relationships, friendships, and growing confidence carry forward.
Sources: Penguin Random House's Alvin Ho series.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Alvin has intense anxiety and is often unable to speak at school, though he is talkative and expressive at home. His fears involve ordinary childhood situations such as making friends, performing in class, camping, family travel, and adjusting to change.
One book centers on a death and funeral, and others include burglars, acupuncture, teasing, and cultural misunderstandings. The stories approach these subjects with humor, a loving family, and adults who help Alvin take manageable steps rather than simply telling him not to worry.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
The first book gives the clearest introduction to Alvin's family, school, and anxiety.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$759
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008
Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things
By Lenore Look, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
A young boy struggles to navigate school and friendships while dealing with his own anxieties and fears.
176 pages· 18,793 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Alvin, a second grader, is terrified of everything from elevators to school, where he remains silent. At home, he's Firecracker Man, a loud superhero. Can Alvin conquer his fears with his family's help and embrace the world outside?
In reading order
Alvin Ho Series
6 books · Published 2008–2014
#1
Sale price
$759
Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008
A young boy struggles to navigate school and friendships while dealing with his own anxieties and fears.
#2
Sale price
$699
Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009
A young boy named Alvin Ho goes on a camping trip with his dad and sister in the Berkshires.
#3
Sale price
$759
Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2010
A boy fears a birthday party. Can he face his anxieties?
#4
Sale price
$759
Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2011
A young boy confronts his fear of loss at a funeral.
#5
Sale price
$759
Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2013
A boy fears becoming a big brother, facing hilarious misunderstandings and anxieties.
Sale price
$759
Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014
A young boy faces his fears on a trip to China.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Alvin Ho series?
There are 6 books in the Alvin Ho series. It began with Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things in 2008, and the newest book, Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions, was published in 2014.
What order should you read the Alvin Ho books in?
Start with Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #6.
What ages are the Alvin Ho books best for?
The series is best for ages 6–10, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Alvin Ho book is the longest?
Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes (Book #3) is the longest book in the series at 22,419 words (192 pages).
Which Alvin Ho book is the shortest?
Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions is the shortest at 17,994 words (176 pages).
The people
The Creatives Behind the Books
The people who bring Alvin Ho to life.
Keep exploring
Similar Series
The Book Uncle trilogy
Ages 7–10
Charlie's Rules
Ages 7–9
Billy Miller
Ages 6–9
Skunk and Badger
Ages 7–11
Quinny & Hopper
Ages 8–11
Stella Batts
Ages 7–9
Ellen & Otis
Ages 7–12
Billy Forrester
Ages 7–10