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The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities
Rick Riordan

The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities

Quick Answer

Read "The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities" as the 2nd book in the Anthology Contributions sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Guys Read" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2021403 pp
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents ten new stories--including one of his own--about beloved heroes that sprang from the imaginations of some of the best middle grade authors working today. A cave monster . . . an abandoned demon . . . a ghost who wants to erase history . . . a killer commandant . . . These are just some of the challenges confronting the young heroes in this highly entertaining anthology. All but one of the heroes previously starred in a popular book from Rick Riordan Presents. You''ll be reunited with Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Min the fox spirit, Sal and Gabi, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz, and Riley Oh. Who is the new hero? Read Rick Riordan''s short story to find out! Ten bestselling and award-winning middle grade authors contributed to this collection: Roshani Chokshi, J.C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Carlos Hernandez, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, and Rick Riordan, who also served as the editor. The cultures represented by these own-voices stories are: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic. There''s something for everyone in this collection of fast-paced and funny adventure stories that show what it takes to be a hero in any time, setting, and universe.
Next Recommended Book

Cold Springs

Book #3 of 4 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Anthology Contributions conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities before Guys Read?

No. We recommend reading Guys Read first. The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities required reading for the Anthology Contributions?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Cursed Carnival And Other Calamities is Cold Springs (Book #3).