Phyllis Reynolds Naylor stands out as a prolific and versatile author whose expansive body of work spans over seventy titles, encompassing both fiction and nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults alike. Her literary prowess is recognized through numerous awards, with her books frequently appearing on the American Library Association's Notable Book Lists. Among her many achievements, the novel Shiloh is particularly distinguished, having received the prestigious Newbery Medal.

Naylor's writing often draws from her own life experiences, providing an autobiographical foundation for many of her works. Titles such as To Make a Wee Moon (1969), Revelations (1979), A String of Chances (1982), Unexpected Pleasures (1986), Beetles, Lightly Toasted (1987), and Maudie in the Middle (1988) reflect this personal touch. Maudie in the Middle, co-written with Lura S. Reynolds, showcases her collaborative spirit. The story behind Shiloh is a testament to her creative process, inspired by a personal encounter during a visit to West Virginia. While walking with her husband in the town of Shiloh, they stumbled upon a hungry, frightened dog that stuck with them through their journey. The experience lingered in Naylor's mind, fueling her desire to explore the emotional intricacies of such an encounter. As she eloquently expressed in her Newbery acceptance speech, the incident illustrated how "once you become emotionally involved in a problem, all bets are off. Your perspective changes."

For many young readers, Naylor is perhaps best known for her Alice series, which humorously chronicles the trials and tribulations of a motherless preadolescent girl navigating the complexities of growing up. Titles in this series include The Agony of Alice (1985), Alice in Rapture, Sort Of (1989), and Reluctantly Alice (1991). These stories capture the quintessential adolescent experiences with warmth and humor.

In contrast, others might find their introduction to Naylor through her suspenseful Witch series—Witch’s Sister (1975), Witch Water (1977), and The Witch Herself (1978)—or the York trilogy. The latter, including Shadows on the Wall (1980), Faces in the Water (1981), and Footprints at the Window (1981), transports readers alongside teenager Dan Roberts to fourth-century England, blending historical intrigue with time-travel adventures.

Naylor's work is characterized by her ability to craft believable characters imbued with empathy, coupled with her keen insight into contemporary issues facing adolescents. This unique combination ensures her stories resonate with a diverse readership, capturing the imaginations of both young and old alike.