This Week in Middle Grade — Week of June 22, 2026

Most Read Middle Grade Books This Week

First Crush by Cassandra Calin

Published: May 5, 2026

Cassandra Calin returns with this charming and comical follow-up to The New Girl, her long-form graphic novel debut that became a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Indie bestseller! This middle-grade graphic novel about crushing and being crushed is the perfect next read for fans of Guts by Raina Telgemeier, Fruitcake by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza, and Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang.

Stats: 947 → 971 (+24) — New release debut propelled it to the top within days, indicating strong initial interest and a promising trajectory.

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

Published: April 7, 2026

Through a mix of humor and heart, this charming middle grade graphic memoir explores evolving friendships, puberty mishaps, and finding a place to belong. Perfect for fans of Real Friends, The New Girl, and Pizza Face.In Sara Amini's semi-autobiographical story, navigating life as a mixed-race girl has never been more hilarious or heartfelt, with family, friendship, and fuzz all at the forefront of this laugh-out-loud and painfully relatable middle-school memoir.

Stats: 325 → 343 (+18) — Sustained engagement in early weeks suggests readers are responding well to its relatable themes.

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

Published: May 5, 2026

Another graphic novel in this fun series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, adapted and illustrated by bestselling author and Mimi series creator Shauna J. Grant! Karen and her classmates are putting on a play about a grand Thanksgiving feast.All she gets to do is walk across the stage in a big brown costume and say one or two lines. Will everyone laugh at Karen the Turkey? Not when they see her big surprise!

Stats: 228 → 237 (+9) — Initial ratings indicate consistent interest, though growth is slower than peers in the same debut week.

Forbidden Mountain by Brandon Mull

Published: April 14, 2026

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series comes an epic new fantasy set in a world where children bond with a spiritual guide.Every Anoran child dreams of the day they will enter the sacred bonding hut and match with a guardian. Mako discovers a choice between greatness and destruction, as he must face a returning evil threatening his world.

Stats: 319 → 328 (+9) — Even with solid follow-through, it remains lower on the chart relative to its high-profile author.

Rising in Middle Grade

Just Ask Elsie by Ari Koontz

Published: June 16, 2026

Elsie Parker is having a totally normal fifth grade year. Fractions and conjunctions—check. Stressing about middle school—check. When her puberty lessons become the school's latest gossip, Elsie realizes other kids might have embarrassing questions of their own. She decides to start an underground advice board to help navigate these tough discussions.

Stats: 30 → 46 (GROWTH, +16) — A remarkable spike of 53% in ratings, marking it as a standout debut that taps into relevant social discussions.

The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel by Meg Cabot, Bethany Crandall

Published: June 30, 2026

#1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot's hilarious classic The Princess Diaries is back and better than ever in an all-new, full-color graphic novel adaptation! Mia is in for a surprise when her mom dates her algebra teacher, but learning she's actually a princess turns her world upside down.

Stats: 96 → 104 (GROWTH, +8) — Added 8.3% in new ratings, reflecting a renewed interest in the classic as it transitions to graphic format.