This children’s article, Who was Jane Austen? A kids’ guide to the famous novelist, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore the life and books of one of the most famous authors in English literature. Written by Mark Pulley, an experienced teacher and writer.
Jane Austen’s early life
Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in the village of Steventon, Hampshire, England. She grew up in a lively family with six brothers and one sister. Books, plays, and stories were a big part of family life, and Jane started writing when she was a teenager.
Although women had fewer chances to publish books at the time, Jane’s family supported her love of writing. She often wrote funny sketches and small plays for her family to enjoy.
Becoming an author
Jane’s first novels were published without her name on the cover – they only said “By a Lady.” Her first major success was Sense and Sensibility in 1811, followed by Pride and Prejudice in 1813. Readers loved her witty characters and stories about love, family, and society.
Even though Jane only lived to be 41, she wrote six novels that are still read all over the world today. Her books are known for their clever humour, strong female characters, and sharp observations about people.
Life in the Georgian era
Jane Austen lived during the Georgian period, a time when England was changing quickly. There were wars with France, new fashions, and new ideas about class and society. Her novels show what everyday life was like, especially for women, during that time.
She never married, but she wrote about love, friendship, and family with great insight. That’s one reason her books still feel so real, even two centuries later.
Lasting legacy
Jane Austen died in 1817 in Winchester, England, but her stories live on. Today, her books are studied in schools, adapted into films and television shows, and loved by millions of readers worldwide.
From the small parsonage in Hampshire where she grew up to the shelves of libraries across the globe, Jane Austen’s words continue to inspire and entertain.
Article vocabulary list
- Novelist – someone who writes novels (long stories)
- Manuscript – a handwritten or early version of a book
- Publish – to print and sell a book for the public
- Georgian period – the time in British history when kings named George ruled (1714–1830)
- Witty – funny and clever at the same time
- Society – the people, rules, and customs of a community
- Legacy – something valuable left behind after someone has died
- Adapted – changed into a different form, like a film or play
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When and where was Jane Austen born?
a) 1813 in London
b) 1775 in Hampshire
c) 1800 in Bath
Answer: b) 1775 in Hampshire
2. What was the title of Jane Austen’s first published novel?
a) Pride and Prejudice
b) Sense and Sensibility
c) Emma
Answer: b) Sense and Sensibility
3. How were Jane’s early books published?
a) Under her own name
b) Without any author’s name
c) With the words “By a Lady”
Answer: c) With the words “By a Lady”
4. How many novels did Jane Austen complete?
a) Six
b) Ten
c) Three
Answer: a) Six
5. What time in history did Jane Austen live through?
a) The Georgian period
b) The Tudor period
c) The Victorian period
Answer: a) The Georgian period
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
