This Week in Middle Grade — Week of April 13, 2026

The Twits by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake

Published: 2004-06-24

The Twits is a classic tale of mischief and mayhem, as the notorious Mr. and Mrs. Twit concoct a series of mean-spirited pranks and schemes. With its dark humor and whimsical illustrations, this book has become a beloved favorite among Middle Grade readers. As a commentary on the human condition, The Twits offers a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of bullying and the importance of empathy.

Stats: 155856 → 155902 (+46) — The Twits remains a staple in the Middle Grade genre, with a steady and dedicated fan base that continues to drive its popularity.

Pax by Jon Klassen, Sara Pennypacker

Published: 2016-02-02

Pax is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about the bond between a young boy and his pet fox. As the characters navigate the challenges of growing up and letting go, this book offers a nuanced exploration of themes such as loyalty, friendship, and the human condition. With its beautifully crafted prose and poignant illustrations, Pax has become a modern classic in the Middle Grade genre.

Stats: 65574 → 65614 (+40) — Pax continues to attract new readers, with its unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and realistic fiction elements driving its steady growth in popularity.

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity by Brett Helquist, Nicholas Day

Published: 2023-09-05

The Mona Lisa Vanishes is a gripping and informative book that delves into the fascinating history of the world's most famous painting. With its engaging narrative and insightful commentary, this book offers a captivating exploration of art, history, and culture. As a work of nonfiction, The Mona Lisa Vanishes has become a standout title in the Middle Grade genre, appealing to readers who are eager to learn about the world around them.

Stats: 6993 → 7012 (+19) — The Mona Lisa Vanishes is experiencing a notable surge in popularity, with its unique blend of art, history, and mystery elements driving reader interest and engagement.

Projekt 1065: A Novel of World War II by Alan Gratz

Published: 2016-10-11

Projekt 1065 is a thrilling and suspenseful story that explores the complexities of World War II from a unique perspective. With its well-crafted characters and meticulously researched historical context, this book offers a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as loyalty, courage, and the human cost of war. As a work of historical fiction, Projekt 1065 has become a respected and beloved title in the Middle Grade genre.

Stats: 22975 → 22993 (+18) — Projekt 1065 remains a popular choice among Middle Grade readers, with its engaging narrative and historical significance driving its steady and dedicated fan base.

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman

Published: 2024-09-17

When We Flew Away is a poignant and powerful story that explores the life of Anne Frank before she began writing her famous diary. With its beautifully crafted prose and nuanced characterizations, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as hope, resilience, and the human spirit. As a work of historical fiction, When We Flew Away has become a standout title in the Middle Grade genre, appealing to readers who are eager to learn about this important period in history.

Stats: 8019 → 8036 (+17) — When We Flew Away is experiencing a notable surge in popularity, with its engaging narrative and historical significance driving reader interest and engagement.

The Poetry of Car Mechanics by Heidi E.Y. Stemple

Published: 2025-04-15

The Poetry of Car Mechanics is a unique and captivating story that explores the intersection of art and science. With its beautifully crafted prose and poignant themes, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. As a work of contemporary fiction, The Poetry of Car Mechanics has become a notable title in the Middle Grade genre, appealing to readers who are eager to discover new and innovative stories.

Stats: 253 → 256 (+3) — The Poetry of Car Mechanics is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, with its unique blend of poetry and prose elements driving reader interest and engagement.

Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness; North! Or Be Eaten; The Monster in the Hollows; The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson, Joe Sutphin

Published: 2024-06-04

The Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set is a comprehensive and immersive collection of fantasy novels that explore the world of Aerwiar. With its richly detailed world-building and engaging characters, this series has become a beloved favorite among Middle Grade readers. As a work of fantasy fiction, The Wingfeather Saga has become a respected and popular title in the genre, appealing to readers who are eager to discover new and exciting stories.

Stats: 1225 → 1231 (+6) — The Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set is experiencing a notable surge in popularity, with its unique blend of fantasy and adventure elements driving reader interest and engagement.

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri, Daniel Miyares

Published: 2023-03-07

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams is a thrilling and imaginative story that explores the adventures of a young monk and his guardian. With its richly detailed world-building and engaging characters, this book offers a captivating exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the power of storytelling. As a work of historical fiction, The Many Assassinations of Samir has become a notable title in the Middle Grade genre, appealing to readers who are eager to discover new and exciting stories.

Stats: 3057 → 3068 (+11) — The Many Assassinations of Samir is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, with its unique blend of historical and fantastical elements driving reader interest and engagement.

Beneath the Swirling Sky by Vivienne To, Carolyn Leiloglou

Published: 2023-09-12

Beneath the Swirling Sky is a beautifully crafted and imaginative story that explores the intersection of art and magic. With its richly detailed world-building and engaging characters, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the power of creativity. As a work of fantasy fiction, Beneath the Swirling Sky has become a notable title in the Middle Grade genre, appealing to readers who are eager to discover new and exciting stories.

Stats: 925 → 929 (+4) — Beneath the Swirling Sky is experiencing a notable surge in popularity, with its unique blend of art and fantasy elements driving reader interest and engagement.