An interview with Rick Riordan about his return to the world of Percy Jackson, a farewell to several children’s authors of note, news of forthcoming projects from children’s creators, and an author making her debut on Jeopardy! were among PW’s most-clicked stories about kids’ and YA books in 2022. Here are our top 20 most popular stories this year; catch up on some of the big stories you may have missed!
1. Rick Riordan to Return to Percy Jackson Next Fall
Back in 2014, Rick Riordan wrapped up his tales of Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood. But in September 2023, Riordan will reunite his iconic trio for another grand adventure.
Award-winning children’s author and illustrator Steve Jenkins, praised for his distinctive and detailed cut- and torn-paper collages depicting animals and the natural world, died in December 2021 at age 69.
Highlights of the biggest children's and YA titles due out for the season.
Take a look ahead at some of next season’s notable offerings.
5. Responding to Evidence of Authorial Misconduct, Macmillan Revises, Then Withdraws, MG Novel
After Macmillan removed author Louis Sylvester’s name from a forthcoming middle-grade novel in light of a Hulu documentary that revealed evidence of his predatory conduct at a Texas high school starting in 1999, publication of The Crooked Door has been canceled.
6. Graphix Announces New 'Dog Man' Book, Launch of Dav Pilkey’s Epic Comic Club
Scholastic has announced a new Dog Man book, the 11th in Dav Pilkey’s bestselling series, and the first in two years: Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, to be released on March 28.
7. New American Girl Is Full-Circle Moment for Author Brit Bennett
American Girl is adding a new historical character, Claudie Wells, to its line of middle-grade books and toys; set during the Harlem Renaissance, Meet Claudie is written by the bestselling author of The Mothers and The Vanishing Half, in her first foray into children’s books.
8. Brandon Sanderson Looks 'Skyward' with New Books for Young Readers
Bestselling fantasy novelist Brandon Sanderson had a banner year in 2022, with another taking shape; we spoke with the author about his numerous forthcoming books for young readers.
9. Big Children’s Books for Fall 2022
In a PW survey, booksellers shared their holiday picks of kids’ books they had high hopes for.
10. Editor-Author Mallory Kass Makes 'Jeopardy!' Debut
We spoke with Mallory Kass, senior editor at Scholastic and bestselling YA author writing under the name Kass Morgan, about appearing as a contestant on Jeopardy!
11. New Bambi Translation Reveals the Dark Origins of the Disney Story
The first English version since 1928 uncovers the deep, painful significance of the beloved tale.
12. Barba Higuera, Chin, Boulley Win Newbery, Caldecott, Printz Awards
See all the winners of the 2022 Youth Media Awards.
13. 2022 Children’s Book Week Theme and Poster Revealed
Every Child a Reader and the Children’s Book Council announced the 2022 Children's Book Week slogan, “How Do You Book?”
14. Trend Watch with Middle Grade Dealmakers
We asked a number of literary agents about the kinds of middle grade projects they see coming into the pipeline and what they think editors and readers will want next.
15. Cover Reveal: 'Nick and Charlie' by Alice Oseman
Fans of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper will have a new installment of the story to look forward to in January with the publication of prose novella Nick and Charlie.
16. NYT, NYPL Announce Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2022
Commemorating its 70th year of highlighting children's books, the New York Times Book Review and the New York Public Library announced the 10 winners of the Best Illustrated Children's Books Award.
17. It’s Never Too Late: Seven Authors on Making Their YA Debuts After Age 50
These first-time authors are out to prove that life experience and hindsight are advantages when it comes to crafting riveting stories for teens.
18. Cover Reveal: 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
An exclusive cover reveal and a conversation between frequent collaborators Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen on their new picture book, the first in a collection of fractured fairy tales.
19. Obituary: Patricia MacLachlan
Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan, lauded for her spare, realistic stories about everyday family life, died on March 31 at her home in Williamsburg, Mass.; she was 84.
20. Silver Linings: Children’s Publishing Outlook for 2022
Disruption from the pandemic lingered, but publishers were optimistic, eyeing growth in the coming year.
