Avatar: The Last Airbender, Books in Order
By Lily | Published 4 November 2022 | Book titles and covers are affiliate links.
As a parent, one of the best gifts you can give your child is the love of reading. And what better way to do that than with a book series that's beloved by millions of fans worldwide? We're talking about the Avatar franchise, specifically the Last Airbender series, which has spawned numerous print publications, including graphic novels, comic books, and short stories.
In this article, we'll provide a simple guide to help you navigate the world of Avatar books in order, so you can introduce your kids to the adventures of Aang, Katara, Sokka, and the rest of Team Avatar.
Before we dive into the world of Avatar books, let's take a quick look at the original show that started it all. Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated television series that originally aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008.
The show takes place in a fictional world where certain people, known as "benders," have the ability to control one of the four elements: water, earth, fire, or air. The series follows the adventures of a young boy named Aang, who is the last surviving Airbender and also the Avatar, a person who is able to manipulate all four elements and is responsible for maintaining balance in the world. Along with his friends Katara, Sokka, and later Toph and Zuko, Aang travels across the Four Nations to defeat the Fire Lord and end the Hundred Year War.
The show quickly gained a devoted fan base and has since spawned a variety of print publications, including books, comics, and graphic novels. These publications expand on the events of the original show, providing additional background information and new stories featuring beloved characters.
The Television Series That Started it All
Avatar: The Last Airbender Books in Order
If your child is interested in reading the Avatar: The Last Airbender books, it's important to know that there are many different options available. Here is a simple guide to help you navigate the various series and determine the reading order:
The Last Airbender Series of Graphic Novels
The Last Airbender series of graphic novels is a direct sequel to the original show and continues the story of Aang and his friends after the end of the original show. The graphic novels are published by Dark Horse Comics and written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by the original show's co-creator Bryan Konietzko, as well as other talented artists.
The Last Airbender series is divided into three different trilogies, each of which comes in its own hardcover edition:
The Promise Trilogy:
The first graphic novel trilogy, which takes place immediately after the end of the original show and deals with the aftermath of the Hundred Year War and the newly established Harmony Restoration Movement. It follows Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph as they work to rebuild the world and restore balance.
The Search Trilogy:
The second graphic novel trilogy follows the gang as they search for Zuko's long-lost mother, who disappeared before the events of the original show.
The Rift Trilogy:
The third graphic novel trilogy takes place a few years after the end of the original show. Aang and his friends investigate strange occurrences and explore the growing tension between the spirit world and the human world.
The Legend of Korra Comics
The Legend of Korra is the sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender and takes place 70 years after the events of the original show. The Legend of Korra comics, written by Michael Dante DiMartino and drawn by various artists, continues the story of Korra, the new Avatar, as she faces new challenges and villains. The comics are published by Dark Horse Comics and include: The Legend of Korra is a sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender that takes place 70 years after the events of the original show. The Legend of Korra comics continues the story of Korra, the new Avatar, and her friends as they navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The Legend of Korra is a sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender that takes place 70 years after the events of the original show. The Legend of Korra comics continues the story of Korra, the new Avatar, and her friends as they navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars (Trilogy):
The first graphic novel trilogy, which deals with the aftermath of the series finale and Korra's struggle to reconcile the spirit world and the human world in Republic City.
The Legend of Korra, Ruins of the Empire (Trilogy):
The second graphic novel trilogy, which follows Korra and her friends as they help the Earth Kingdom recover from the aftermath of Kuvira's reign.
The Legend of Korra, Patterns in Time:
Your favorite characters from Team Avatar and beyond are here in this collection of stories, from the heartwarming to the hilarious. Join Korra, Asami, Mako, Bolin, Tenzin, and more familiar faces from The Legend of Korra, featured in stories specially crafted by a bevy of talented comics creators! Be sure to add these all-new stories to your Avatar Legends library!
Avatar: The Last Airbender- Smoke and Shadow
TThe Fire Nation is threatened by a prophecy told by the Kemurikage--mysterious figures thought only to exist in legend--remove Zuko from the throne or the country will perish! The official continuation of Airbender from its creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko!
* The perfect companion to The Legend of Korra!
Smoke and Shadow, Part One:
Avatar Aang and his friends escort Zuko and his family back to the capitol completely unaware of the looming threat growing in the city. Unrest is brewing as the New Ozai Society prepares to make its move against the crown, and children begin to go missing from their homes under mysterious circumstances!
Smoke and Shadow, Part Two:
With the disappearances of children in the Fire Nation capital, Avatar Aang and his friends are doing everything they can to find out who—or what—is responsible.
Aang and Zuko must work together to keep the peace, but the emergence of the New Ozai Society, and the appearance of the mysterious Kemurikage of legend, may prove to be too much even for the Avatar when the true culprit of the kidnappings is revealed!
Smoke and Shadow, Part Three:
Children are disappearing in the Fire Nation capital! Avatar Aang and his friends are doing everything in their power to save them—but will it be enough?
And worse, when Azula—the mad sister of Fire Lord Zuko—appears on the scene, Zuko locks down the city to catch her, igniting fear and riots in the streets! Will Zuko follow in his evil father’s footsteps in order to save those he holds dear?
Team Avatar Tales
Team Avatar Tales is a collection of short stories that take place throughout the events of the original show. These stories provide additional background information about the characters and their experiences. The stories in Team Avatar Tales are written and illustrated by a variety of different creators, including Faith Erin Hicks and Michael Dante DiMartino.
This anthology from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender features all your favorite characters, brought to life by a cast of all-star creators! Journey along with Team Avatar as they rescue a pumpkin farmer waylaid by monsters, go undercover in the Fire Nation, help an old rival with a hair-raising problem, and reflect on what it means to save the world. Featuring the work of Gene Luen Yang (Avatar: The Last Airbender--North and South), Faith Erin Hicks (The Nameless City), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Ron Koertge (Vampire Planet), Dave Scheidt (Dreamworks Trolls, Wrapped Up), Sara Goetter (Dungeon Critters, Boozle), and more, this anthology features stories both hilarious and heartwarming.
This volume also includes the short stories, "Rebound", "Shells", and "Sisters", previously released for Free Comic Book Day and never before collected!
Standalone Graphic Novels and Short Stories
Aside from the main graphic novel trilogies, there are also standalone graphic novels and short stories set in the Avatar universe. These are worth reading for fans of Avatar who want to dive deeper into the world and characters. Three stand alone graphic novels that spotlight fan favorite characters from the original animated series, collected for the first time in one boxed set with original box art!
Continue the adventure of the beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series with adventures written by Faith Erin Hicks (The Nameless City, Pumpkinheads) and drawn by Peter Wartman (Stonebreaker), with colors by Adele Matera and letters by ComiCraft’s Jimmy Betancourt, in collaboration with original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko’s Avatar Studios!
Katara and the Pirate’s Silver
In Katara and the Pirate's Silver, Katara has to embrace her tougher side and join a pirate crew to escape the Fire Nation. When Team Avatar is suddenly ambushed by the Fire Nation, Katara gets separated from the group. Unable to rendezvous with Aang, Toph, and Sokka, Katara must avoid capture by aligning herself with some unlikely allies! The normally sweet and sensitive Katara will need to explore her tougher side if she's going to reunite with the rest of Team Avatar....
Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy
Toph embraces her new role as teacher to some skeptical new students in Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy. A standalone graphic novel written by Faith Erin Hicks and illustrated by Peter Wartman, which follows Toph as she starts her own metal bending academy and trains new recruits. Things are looking bright at the Beifong Metalbending Academy! But after all the adventures Toph's had with Aang, Sokka, Zuko, and Katara, the whole thing feels a bit dull. Luckily, Sokka and Suki come to visit and reintroduce some familiar faces from their wandering days. And while out and about to celebrate, Toph discovers something that just might put the sparkle back in her eye...
Avatar: the Last Airbender - Suki, Alone
And Suki’s time in the Boiling Rock prison provides a painful lesson that will ultimately strengthen her faith in her friends in Avatar: The Last Airbender--Suki, Alone.
Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Kyoshi Novels (Chronicles of the Avatar)
Chronicles of the Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi (Book 1)
A novel written by F. C. Yee, this story takes place 400 years before the events of the original show. The book follows the story of Kyoshi, the Avatar who preceded Aang, and explores her early years and rise to power. The novel is a great way to learn more about the history of the Avatar world and introduces new characters and locations. The Rise of Kyoshi delves into the origin story of Kyoshi, the Earth Kingdom–born Avatar. The longest-living Avatar in this beloved world’s history, Kyoshi established the brave and respected Kyoshi Warriors, but also founded the secretive Dai Li, which led to the corruption, decline, and fall of her own nation.
Chronicles of the Avatar: The Shadow of Kyoshi (Book 2)
A sequel to F. C. Yee's The Rise of Kyoshi, which tells the story of Kyoshi, the longest-living Avatar, and her battle against a new threat to the Four Nations. In The Shadow of Kyoshi, Kyoshi’s place as the true Avatar has finally been cemented—but at a heavy cost. Kyoshi voyages across the Four Nations, struggling to keep the peace; but while her reputation grows, a mysterious threat emerges from the Spirit World.
Chronicles of the Avatar: The Dawn of Yangchen (Book 3)
This propulsive third installment in the Chronicles of the Avatar series illuminates Avatar Yangchen’s journey from uncertain young woman to revered leader.
Chronicles of the Avatar: The Legacy of Yangchen (Book 4)
This propulsive third installment in the Chronicles of the Avatar series illuminates Avatar Yangchen’s journey from uncertain young woman to revered leader.
Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Earth Kingdom Chronicles
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles: The Tale of Aang
From Avatar: The Last Airbender, I'm Aang--and this is the tale of my journey through the Earth Kingdom. I traveled there with my friends Katara and Sokka to find an Earthbending teacher. I'm not sure why, but we ran into trouble almost everywhere we went. We got chased by Prince Zuko's sister, Azula, and got caught in a sinking library. Did I mention that Appa got kidnapped by Sandbenders? There were definitely some scary moments... but I can't complain about getting stuck in the Cave of Two Lovers with Katara! All in a day's work for the Avatar, right?
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles: The Tale of Azula
From Avatar: The Last Airbender, I'm Toph. After my father found out that I'd been competing in Earthbending tournaments, he put me under constant surveillance! So I left home. Now I'm traveling through the Earth Kingdom with Aang--he's the Avatar--and his friends Katara and Sokka, on Aang's sky bison, Appa. I'm teaching Earthbending to Aang, and man, do I have my work cut out for me! Even though we've had our differences, it's kind of nice knowing these guys will always have my back and point me in the right direction when I can't feel which way to go.
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles: The Tale of Toph
From Avatar: The Last Airbender, I'm Toph. After my father found out that I'd been competing in Earthbending tournaments, he put me under constant surveillance! So I left home. Now I'm traveling through the Earth Kingdom with Aang--he's the Avatar--and his friends Katara and Sokka, on Aang's sky bison, Appa. I'm teaching Earthbending to Aang, and man, do I have my work cut out for me! Even though we've had our differences, it's kind of nice knowing these guys will always have my back and point me in the right direction when I can't feel which way to go.
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles: The Tale of Sokka
From Avatar: The Last Airbender, I am Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, and I'm the "plan guy" for Team Avatar! Even though I am not a bender, I'm still an awesome fighter with my trusty boomerang. The Avatar and my sister Katara are depending on me to get them safely through the Earth kingdom, and it has not been easy. I've had to deal with fierce badger-moles, an evil Fire Nation princess, and an Earth King who refuses to acknowledge that there is a war going on! Still, I'm giving it my best shot. After all, the fate of the world is in our hands.
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles: The Tale of Zuko
From Avatar: The Last Airbender, I am Prince Zuko. After being betrayed by my wicked sister, Azula, Uncle Iroh and I have sought new lives in the Earth Kingdom. It is humbling to wander as a refugee, but it has also opened my eyes to the pain the Fire Nation has inflicted on the world--as well as on me. On one hand I am proud to be a prince of the Fire Nation, but on the other hand I feel very ashamed. What is my destiny? Is it to turn my back on the Fire Nation and start anew, or is it to restore my honor and earn back my rightful place as the future Fire Lord? I have yet to find out.
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles: The Tale of Katara
From Avatar: The Last Airbender, I'm Katara. I'm traveling through the Earth Kingdom with my brother, Sokka, and Aang, the Avatar. After Aang and I studied Waterbending at the North Pole, we set off to find him an Earthbending teacher. The journey has been kind of rough on all of us. I'm having trouble getting along with Aang's new Earthbending teacher, Toph; Aang's struggling with his Earthbending lessons; and we're being chased not only by Prince Zuko, but his sister, Princess Azula, too! But I know we'll make it through this, as long as we all stick together!
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Lost Adventures
A collection of short stories that take place during the events of the TV series, including "Sokka's Poem" and "Bitter Work". These stories were originally published in Nickelodeon Magazine and other sources and were later collected into a single volume. This volume collects the long-out-of-print, fan-favorite comics previously published in Nickelodeon Magazine and with the Airbender DVDs, plus over 70 brand-new comics pages. That's over 26 stories set in Airbender continuity, by a host of top-notch talent, many of whom worked on the original animated series itself.
Avatar's Return: A standalone graphic novel that takes place after the events of the TV series and follows Aang as he tries to rebuild the Air Nation.
- Free Comic Book Day 2011: A short story that takes place after the events of the TV series and features Aang and Zuko trying to stop the New Ozai Society from taking over the Fire Nation.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Art of the Animated Series: This book features concept art, sketches, and commentary from the creative team behind the original show.
- The Earth Kingdom Chronicles and The Fire Nation Colonies: These two series of short stories are written by a variety of authors and explore different aspects of the Avatar world.