Follett, book distributor and maker of one of the most popular library automation systems in the country, recently put out a list of the most popular books in elementary school.

Follett has collected circulation statistics from schools across the country (who choose to participate) to create the list. As a school librarian who sees the books kids are checking out every day, the list rings true. One thing that’s kind of fun about it is seeing all different types of books (picture, chapter, early reader) together.

So let’s see which books kids are checking out and reading.

1) The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2) Wonder by R.J. Palacio

3) Smile by Raina Telgemeier

4) Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

5) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

6) Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

7) Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

8) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

9) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling

10) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules by Jeff Kinney

11) No David! by David Shannon

12) The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems

13) The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

14) Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce

15) David Goes to School by David Shannon

16) Captain Underpants (#3) by Dav Pilkey

17) The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (I Survived series) by Lauren Tarshis

18) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney

19) The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems

20) One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

21) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

22) Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

23) Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney

24) Fly Guy and the Frankenfly by Tedd Arnold

25) Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

26) Captain Underpants (#9) by Dav Pilkey

27) The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

28) Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney

29) Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

30) Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

31) Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney

32) Tales From a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter by Rachel Renee Russell

33) Captain Underpants (#11) by Dav Pilkey

34) Fly Guy vs. The Flyswatter! by Tedd Arnold

35) Tales From a Not-So-Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell

36) Bad Kitty School Daze by Nick Bruel

37) Minecraft Construction Handbook

38) Minecraft Essential Handbook

39) Fly Guy’s Amazing Tricks by Tedd Arnold

40) Tales From a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen by Rachel Renee Russell

41) Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

42) Minecraft Combat Handbook

43) Tales From a Not-So-Happily Ever After by Rachel Renee Russell

44) Tales From a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All by Rachel Renee Russell

45) Tales From a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess by Rachel Renee Russell

46) Tales From a Not-So-Glam TV Star by Rachel Renee Russell

47) Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker by Rachel Renee Russell

48) Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

A few observations:

1. Not much nonfiction! Let’s see – there’s Minecraft and that’s about it (graphic novels Smile and Sisters are in most nonfiction sections, but they’re a special case, being memoirs). Historical fiction I Survived is the next closest thing. While nonfiction is incredibly popular, student interest doesn’t focus on particular books as much as it does in fiction.
2. Series. Lots of series.
3. One thing this seems kind of obvious, but it worth keeping in mind is that students still are choosing books that are in the collection, so the list is still ultimately shaped by the people making purchasing/collection development decisions.

What stands out to you?