Four Observations on the Best-Selling Children’s Books of 2012
I just read the Publishers Weekly article The Bestselling Children’s Books of 2012. A few thoughts…
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1. The rise of the Dork
How about the Dork Diaries series taking two of the top six hardcover frontlist spots? When that series first appeared I didn’t think it would make that sort of a splash. But Dork Diaries have been on fire this year in my school libraries, so I could sense they were reaching critical mass. Given all that student interest, seeing them on the list isn’t a complete shock.
2. Seuss 4EVA
After the Hunger Games craziness at the top, the hardcover backlist bestsellers are dominated by Seuss. Five out of ten. Good to see the Geisel obsession continue.
3. The Giver keeps on giving
After The Hunger Games, what is the bestselling backlist paperback? Our 1994 Newbery winner The Giver. I was surprised until I remembered that the final book in that series, Son, came out in 2012, which likely boosted sales.
4. Disappearing Potter
The article mentions it, but it’s worth repeating – Harry Potter is almost entirely absent this year. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the lone representative, coming in at #53 on the paperback backlist chart. Color me shocked!
Anything you notice?
(Top Image: ‘Change Please‘ http://www.flickr.com/photos/75618317@N02/8083751944 Found on flickrcc.net)
Filed under: News
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
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Sam Eddington says
I’m totally with you on #4! I wouldn’t have guessed that at all.
Two other things I noticed: 1) Back when I actually worked a desk, I didn’t think of those James Patterson books as being all that popular, so I was surprised to see a whole slew of them on the list. And 2) It’s interesting how little crossover there is between bestseller lists and the books we spend time on in awards discussions. We reviewed 62 frontlist titles last year for Newbery-ness, and exactly two of them show up on the hardcover frontlist bestsellers: WONDER (#29), and LIAR & SPY (a barely-sneaking-in #93).
Travis Jonker says
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Sam!
Steffaney Smith says
Sam, it’s a librarian’s dilemma — dividing purchases into commercial and literary categories. The really interesting lists are the bookstore bestseller lists and the library top circulating lists. There is actually more well-reviewed material checked out from libraries. “Fluff” is good, but they need to be getting to the “meat” of the books with literary merit, too. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to try to hand out “One and Only Ivan” and get no takers; even after I show them the book trailer. And then they’ll leave with Babymouse…
Monica Edinger says
I’m not at all surprised by the lack of Harry Potter. No new movies or books after all. That said, if a new HP book comes out, I’m sure it will shoot right up to the top of the best seller list.
Travis Jonker says
You have a point, Monica, but for some reason my surprise persists!
Claire Scott says