The Children’s Book Review Trends: What’s Hot in September, 2009?

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 15, 2009

Here is the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, a glimpse at the cool new releases that September has to offer, and one exciting literacy event.

The Trends

Question: What are others looking at when they visit TCBR?

Answer: Most people like a bargain, and a lot of people like to keep up with the latest technologies. So, it comes as no surprise that people are very interested in knowing “Where to Find Free e-Books for Children On-Line“. Bargain hunting is even more important after all of that back-to-school shopping you just had to do. And even though your kid is all decked out with the coolest clothes and the best backpack, there may still be some serious settling in to do. Which is why our “Back to School Book Picks” has probably been seeing some parent volunteers stop by before stopping to read our post about “The Importance of Being Different“.

But, it can’t all be about school, especially after such a fun summer. Which is why I am almost positive that the movie release of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” will be a huge hit this weekend at the box office!

The New Releases

Question: What are the most coveted books that release this month?
^{(* = Reviewed by TCBR)}

Answer:

• SUPERHERO ME!, by Karen Katz (Ages 0-4)
• ALL THE WORLD, by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee (Ages 3-7)
• THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney (Ages 4-6)
• CHICKEN DANCE, by Tammi Sauer (Ages 4-8)*
• FANCY NANCY COLLECTORS QUINTET, by Jane O’Conner (Ages 4-8)
• AN AMELIA BEDELIA CELEBRATION, by Peggy Parish & Herman Parish (Ages 4-8)
• THE WYRM KING (Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles Series: Book 3), by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (Ages 7-11)
• STAGE FRIGHT (Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls Series: Book 4), by Meg Cabot (Ages 8-12)
• PHILIPPA FISHER AND THE DREAM-MAKER’S DAUGHTER, by Liz Kessler (Ages 8-12)
• THIS BOOK IS NOT GOOD FOR  YOU, by Pseudonymous Bosch (Ages 8-12)
• BRAN HAMBRIC, by Kaleb Nation (Ages 9-12)*
• THE GEORGES AND THE JEWELS, by Jane Smiley (Ages 10-12)

The Best Sellers

Question: What are some of the best selling children’s books this month?

Answer:

Picture Books

• LISTEN TO THE WIND: THE STORY OF DR. GREG AND “THREE CUPS OF TEA”, by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth (Ages 4 to 8)
• GALLOP!, by Rufus Butler Seder (Ages 4 to 8)
• SWING!, Rufus Butler Seder (Ages 4 to 8)
• THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney (Ages 4 to 8)
• TRUCKERY RHYMES, by Jon Scieszka (Ages 3 to 8)

Chapter Books

• CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins (Ages 12 and up)
• THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins (Ages 12 and up)
• TRICKS, by Ellen Hopkins (Ages 14 and up)
• SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater (Ages 12 and up)
• THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman (Ages 10 and up)

Paperback Books

• ALPHAS, by Lisi Harrison (Ages 12 and up)
• THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak (Ages 14 and up)
• THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (Ages 9 to 12)
• THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie (Ages 12 and up)
• THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, by John Boyne (Ages 12 and up)

Series Books

• THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer (Ages 12 and up)
• PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan (Ages 9 to 12)
• DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney (Ages 9 to 12)
• THE 39 CLUES, by various authors (Ages 9 to 12)
• HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling (Ages 10 and up)

This information was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of books from books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. To see the full list you can visit the original list at www.nytimes.com.

Kid’s Literature Events: Circa September, 2009

Question: It’s no secret that it’s cool to read. Where can you be seen promoting literacy and encouraging kids to read?

Answer: If you live in the MD/VA/DC area, check out “The Art of Reading” event that is being hosted by www.The ReadingConnection.org and www.pyramidatlanticartcenter.org.

Somewhere else you recommend being seen during September? Leave your suggestion in the comments field below.