I remember when reading was a chore. Teachers and parents demanded books read, logged, analyzed, and discussed. I would spend hours staring at the cracks in my bedroom wall instead of reading those last 10 assigned pages. Yet, here I am, writing books as an adult. Why? Because I discovered my genre – Middle Grade Fiction. These are the best books out there.
What is middle grade?
Unless you publish books, you likely have not heard the term middle grade. I hadn’t, and it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. I’m not sure adolescent fiction does either, through. Anyway, middle grade means a story written specifically for 8 to 12 year olds, or grades 2 to 5. The main characters are children, and for the most part, adults play secondary roles in the adventure. The last difference is my favorite. While the topics can be just as heartbreaking or scary as adult books, the writing is gentler. There is more use of metaphor instead of graphic descriptions of pain, violence, or…romance.
Middle grade perfect for sensitives
If you’re called a sensitive soul, like me, these books are for you. It doesn’t matter how old you are. The stories are still exciting, the characters still unforgettable, and the adventure still full of action. Start with a Newbery award winning book. These are some fine examples of great middle grade reads. Also, look for series, even older ones. These were so well-liked, more novels were warranted. It indicates a good story and/or characters. You’ll be thrilled you took the leap.
Have a favorite? I’d love to read a recommendation. Share some middle grade novels you love in comments. 🙂 Emily
Emily Refermat 