This Week in Childrens — Week of June 22, 2026

Childrens Book of the Week

First Crush by Cassandra Calin

Published: May 5, 2026

This week, First Crush burst onto the scene with a remarkable initial performance, registering 971 ratings in just two days. This marks a significant growth of 2.5% from last week's tally of 947, establishing it as the #1 trending Children's book on Goodreads, based on its debut on the charts.

Compared to similarly timed new releases, First Crush far outperformed Forbidden Mountain, which only added 9 ratings to reach 328 this week. The initial reception for First Crush signals a strong interest in contemporary middle-grade experiences intertwined with humor and relatable experiences of adolescence.

Given the popularity of graphic novels, especially those addressing themes of growing up, the author Cassandra Calin’s established fan base from her previous works—especially The New Girl, a bestseller—likely contributed to this book's vibrant launch. Furthermore, the combination of humor and relatable teenage dilemmas could drive its appeal among middle-grade audiences.

Stats: 947 → 971 (+24)

Also Trending in Childrens

Forbidden Mountain by Brandon Mull

Published: April 14, 2026

This debut fantasy novel added 9 ratings this week, reaching a total of 328. While its growth rate of 2.8% remains modest compared to others, the book’s engaging blend of adventure and grounded characters could appeal to middle-grade readers seeking their next outdoor escapade.

Stats: 319 → 328 (+9)

Mixed Feelings: A Graphic Novel by Shadia Amin, Sara Amini

Published: April 7, 2026

Mixed Feelings saw a notable jump of 18 ratings, achieving a total of 343. With a growth rate of 5.5%, it highlights a strong interest in graphic memoirs that delve into relatable middle school experiences, suggesting a reader base eager for humor and candid storytelling.

Stats: 325 → 343 (+18)

Karen's Surprise by Ann M. Martin, Shauna J. Grant

Published: May 5, 2026

With an addition of 9 ratings, bringing its total to 237, Karen's Surprise maintained a steady presence in the charts. The familiarity of characters from the Baby-Sitters Club series may be helping to sustain engagement among fans.

Stats: 228 → 237 (+9)

Opting Out by Maia Kobabe, Lucky Srikumar

Published: May 5, 2026

Opting Out had a solid gain of 8 ratings, totaling 181 this week. Addressing themes of identity and belonging may be resonating particularly well with a diverse audience, reflecting broader societal interests.

Stats: 173 → 181 (+8)