This Week in Childrens — Week of May 18, 2026

The most surprising finding from this week's data is that "Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children" by Mac Barnett added 312 ratings this week, showcasing a 57.99% growth in just one week. This significant increase puts it ahead of other new releases in the Children's genre. Here's what else moved in the world of Children's literature this week.

New Childrens Releases

Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children by Mac Barnett

Published: May 5, 2026

This book has seen a substantial increase in ratings, likely due to its recent release and relevance to the current literary scene. With a growth rate of 57.99%, it outpaces other new releases, demonstrating a strong interest in non-fiction works focused on storytelling for children.

Stats: 538 → 850 (+312)

The Second Life of Snap: A Hopeful Middle Grade Novel about Friendship from a Newbery Medalist, for Kids by Erin Entrada Kelly

Published: May 12, 2026

This novel, with its unique blend of friendship and science fiction elements, has started to gain traction. Its 27.84% growth indicates a positive reception among readers, particularly in the middle-grade category.

Stats: 97 → 124 (+27)

Amari and the Metalwork Menace by B.B. Alston

Published: February 24, 2026

As the fourth book in the Supernatural Investigations series, Amari and the Metalwork Menace continues to attract readers. Its growth, although less dramatic than the top two new releases, signifies a consistent interest in the series and the fantasy genre as a whole.

Stats: 904 → 961 (+57)

Childrens Backlist Risers

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Anna Quindlen, Bill Nighy, Sophie Wilde, Will Poulter, Toheeb Jimoh, Patricia Allison, Bertie Carvel, Leah Harvey, David Gyasi, Rosalind Eleazar, Lulu Raczka, Jessie Buckley, Marisa Abela, Harris Dickinson, Glenn Close, Marianne Jean-baptiste

Published: September 9, 2025

Despite being released recently, Pride and Prejudice has seen significant traction, likely due to its classic status and continued relevance. Its 0.10% growth may seem modest, but given its already high rating count, this represents a substantial number of new readers.

Stats: 4,902,809 → 4,907,657 (+4,848)

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan, مریم حیدری

Published: null

This book's steady performance indicates ongoing interest in the Percy Jackson series. While its growth rate is relatively low at 0.07%, the sheer volume of new ratings underscores the series' enduring popularity.

Stats: 1,397,377 → 1,398,399 (+1,022)

The Takeaway

This week's data reveals that both new releases and backlist titles are driving momentum in the Children's genre. New releases like "Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children" by Mac Barnett are experiencing rapid growth, with a 57.99% increase in ratings. In contrast, backlist titles such as "Pride and Prejudice" continue to attract new readers, albeit at a slower pace. The Pick of the Week goes to "Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children" — not because it's a new release, but because its significant growth outpaces other titles, indicating a strong interest in literary works focused on storytelling for children. Its rapid ascent suggests that readers are eager for fresh perspectives on the importance of storytelling, making it the most interesting story this week based on the numbers.