Genre Deep Dive

This Week in Middle Grade — Week of June 1, 2026

by Book Report · June 5, 2026 · 3 min read
This Week in Middle Grade — Week of June 1, 2026

Biggest Gainers

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Published: October 4, 2011

This 14-year-old book has seen a modest increase of 242 ratings, bringing its total to over 680,000. Although the growth rate of 0.04% is not remarkable, the sheer number of ratings indicates a steady and dedicated fan base. Given its age, The Son of Neptune is still a significant player in the fantasy genre. The book's ability to maintain a high rating count is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Heroes of Olympus series.

Stats: 680,453 → 680,695 (+242)

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Published: February 13, 2018

This graphic novel has gained 59 ratings, resulting in a 0.05% growth rate. With over 123,000 ratings, it is clear that The Prince and the Dressmaker has found a dedicated audience. The book's steady performance is notable, considering it is an 8-year-old publication. Its continued popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and historical elements.

Stats: 123,807 → 123,866 (+59)

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, Tom Percival

Published: April 3, 2007

Skulduggery Pleasant has added 37 ratings, with a growth rate of 0.05%. This 19-year-old book demonstrates an impressive ability to attract new readers, given its age. The series' blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure has created a loyal fan base, which continues to drive its popularity.

Stats: 73,804 → 73,841 (+37)

Surprise of the Week

The Mark of Athena Excerpt by Rick Riordan

Published: October 2, 2012

This 13-year-old excerpt has seen a growth rate of 0.11%, adding 34 ratings. The fact that an excerpt from The Heroes of Olympus series is still gaining traction is noteworthy, especially considering its age. The ongoing popularity of the series and the author's ability to maintain a dedicated fan base are likely contributors to this unexpected growth.

Stats: 31,002 → 31,036 (+34)

Quick Hits

Dawn on the Coast: A Graphic Novel by Arley Nopra, Ann M. Martin

This new release has gained 19 ratings, resulting in a 3.0% growth rate. As a debut, it is notable that Dawn on the Coast is already attracting attention in the graphic novel genre.

Stats: 632 → 651 (+19)

Chasing Shadows by Erin Hunter

With a growth rate of 3.7%, Chasing Shadows has added 14 ratings. This new release is performing well, considering it is only a few months old.

Stats: 376 → 390 (+14)

Hidden Moon by Erin Hunter

This book has seen a growth rate of 1.4%, adding 10 ratings. As a relatively new release, Hidden Moon is maintaining a steady performance.

Stats: 716 → 726 (+10)

StormClan's Folly by Erin Hunter

With a growth rate of 1.2%, StormClan's Folly has added 6 ratings. This book's continued presence in the charts is a testament to the popularity of the Warriors series.

Stats: 507 → 513 (+6)

Quest in Yosemite National Park: A Mystery Adventure by Aaron Johnson, India Johnson

This book has seen a growth rate of 1.1%, adding 6 ratings. As a relatively older publication, Quest in Yosemite National Park is still attracting new readers.

Stats: 551 → 557 (+6)

The Pick of the Week is The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan. This 14-year-old book has demonstrated its enduring popularity, adding 242 ratings and maintaining a total of over 680,000. Its ability to attract new readers, despite its age, is a testament to the series' dedicated fan base and the author's ability to create engaging and timeless stories. With a growth rate of 0.04%, The Son of Neptune continues to be a significant player in the fantasy genre, making it the most interesting story this week.

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