Who’s Reading This? Types of Readers and What They Want
Books, like people, come in all shapes, sizes, and experiences. Because there is so much variance, books are typically organized into categories based on the age and interests of their audience. These categories are designed to grow up with each reader, from bright picture books for little ones to introspective novels for adults. As a […]
Middle Grade, Part 5: A Crash Course in Kid Culture
This article is part of a series. Click here to view Part 1: MG Overview, Part 2: MG Novels, Part 3: Plotting MG, and Part 4: MG Characters. Writing for any genre requires an understanding of its audience, but this is doubly important when writing middle grade (MG) novels. MG readers are often between 8 and 12 […]
Middle Grade, Part 4: Creating Authentic Characters
This article is part of a series. Click here to view Part 1: MG Overview, Part 2: MG Novels, and Part 3: Plotting MG. *** Middle grade characters aren’t like other characters. They’re open, but not introspective. Reactive, but confused and learning. And a quick connection must be made between them and the reader. Here, […]
Middle Grade, Part 3: Plotting Dynamic Adventures
Plotting a middle grade novel requires a careful approach that respects the norms and expectations of the category while also bringing a fresh perspective to the table. MG challenges authors to weave compelling narratives through relatable characters, problems, and themes that resonate with young readers without preaching at or overtly teaching them. To do this, […]
Middle Grade, Part 2: The Anatomy of the MG Novel
Middle grade (MG) novels occupy a distinct and essential niche in children’s literature. But what makes a novel “middle grade”? Several key elements distinguish them from both younger children’s books and young adult (YA) literature, ensuring they cater to the developmental and emotional needs of a young, growing audience and their interests. Here are the […]
Middle Grade, Part 1: The Books That Hooked Us On Reading
Middle grade (MG) is a term used to describe the age range of a book’s intended audience. Despite the name, it doesn’t apply only to kids in middle school. Middle grade readers are between the ages of 8 and 12, which typically corresponds to kids in 3rd through 6th grade. And they read. A lot. […]