Top 20 Most Circulated K-5 Books | 2011-2012 School Year (Part 2/2)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The elementary school where I am a teacher-librarian has approximately 250 students. During the 2011-2012 school year, we circulated 21,736 books.
I am counting down the twenty most circulated titles (August 20, 2011 - May 18, 2012). Click here to view yesterday's post.


Big Nate Strikes Again.
Written and illustrated by Lincoln Peirce.


Donna Kouri is a National Board Certified teacher-librarian. Last month, she hosted author-illustrator Lincoln Peirce, the best-selling author of the Big Nate series. He spent the entire day in her school library. During his visit, he taught six small groups about writing and cartooning.

I asked Donna to complete the following sentence starters using eleven words or fewer.

* When I told my students Lincoln Peirce was coming to our library, they squealed with excitement.

* Lincoln Peirce inspired my students to have confidence in their work. Students left feeling like artists.

*I think Lincoln Peirce should visit your school library because he will keep all students entertained and engaged.

*Lincoln stressed cartooning does not require technical drawing skills. Anyone can do it.

*Kids check out Lincoln’s books because they make them laugh and they can relate to Nate.

*Big Nate: Comix By You is a fun way for students to create their own comics.

*Big Nate Goes for Broke is being carried around school and read by MANY students.

* Mr. Schu, you should have asked me about how he managed to interact with every student during his presentation.


A Very Babymouse Christmas. By Jennifer Holm; illustrated by Matthew Holm.

Jennifer and Matthew Holm visited my school library on May 16, 2011.





Amulet: The Cloud Searchers. Written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi.

I taught third grade for four years. Every morning I placed a book and a short message on two or three students' desks. One morning a finicky reader found Amulet: The Stonekeeper on his desk. He usually ignored the note and shoved the book in his desk. Not that day. The cover caught his eye. And guess what? He started reading the words and studying the pictures. He finished it during recess. On the way back to the classroom, he handed me Amulet and said, "When are you going to buy the second book?" A graphic novel enthusiast was born. Thank you, Kazu Kibuishi.



Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever. Written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.

I assume Diary of a Wimpy Kid shows up on every top circulated books list.



Squish: Brave New Pond. By Jennifer Holm; illustrated by Matthew Holm.




Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Fiasco. Written and illustrated by Jarett J. Krosoczka.

Jarrett visited my school library on May 1, 2012.




Sidekicks. Written and illustrated by Dan Santat.

Stand in front of a group of third graders and hold up Dan Santat's graphic novel Sidekicks. Just stand there. This is what you will hear:
"Oh, that cover is amazing."
"May I be the first one to check it out? Please?" (Such a polite child)
"I love graphic novels. I've read every graphic novel this library owns. I want that book."
I don't think Travis Jonker has ever done a Cover Curiosity post on "Books You Hold Up and Kids Take Them Without Any Commentary." But if he ever does, I will argue Sidekicks deserves a spot on the list. It has total shelf appeal. The interior art and storyline are mighty fine, too.
How many sidekicks can you name? Batman has Robin. Snoopy has Woodstock. Sherlock Holmes has Dr. Watson. Frankie Pickle has Argyle. Captain Amazing has ???.
Captain Amazing, the aging superhero of Metro City, decides after getting injured that he needs a new sidekick. He holds open auditions. Captain Amazing's dog, cat, hamster, and chameleon all vie for the position. Will it be too much for the animals to take? Will sibling rivalry destroy their relationships? Will Dr. Havoc take them down? The answers are found inside this action-packed graphic novel that will leave readers hoping for more volumes. Are you listening, Dan Santat?


Babymouse: Mad Scientist. By Jennifer Holm; illustrated by Matthew Holm.

Wow, Babymouse and Squish are taking up many spots on this list. Am I surprised? NO!




Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. Written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.

Greg Heffley makes another appearance.




Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit. Written and illustrated by Jarett J. Krosoczka.

I think Lunch Lady and Babymouse are competing for the most mentions on this list. I would love to see Lunch Lady mentioned in a Babymouse volume and Babymouse mentioned in a Lunch Lady volume.


Amulet: The Last Council. Written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi.