How to Write Middle Grade Stories Kids Want to Read

If you’re writing middle grade literature, the most important thing you need to remember is who you’re writing for and why they’re reading. You’re writing for kids who want to be entertained by kids. Learn how to keep them interested and dive into their perspective.
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[@lindajohnson4204]

Let the _lessons_ go, but write for _meaning._ Many kids are not looking for an escape from meaning, but actively looking for meaning in conversations, movies and the books they seek out. What is hard is to find the age-appropriate, un-heavy-handed way to to bring kids a meaningful story that wiĺ speak to their own needs. Even at 71 years old, I don't wabg to be delivered a patronizing lesson. I will feel my own arms twisted behind my back, if the story is a bitter dose of medicine I'm expected to swallow. And on top of that, I have to deal with all the other things you mention, so no guarantee that I'm going to actually arrive.

[@AnimeEmpress1]

Really great points about inspiring confidence in children, thanks for the tips!

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

Thank you! I'm glad you likes that part.

[@hayatmussausman2295]

You are beautiful and your explanation is also smart. I love it.

[@LorraineCareyAuthor]

As a veteran reading specialist, I couldn't agree more. The higher end of middle grade is usually used as a Read To by the teacher, which is part of the balanced reading program in schools.

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

Thank you! And that is a good point.

[@maggiesheartlove2734]

I’m working on a middle grade fantasy series that takes place in a world where faeries use modern technology fused with magic, like phones carved from geodes, computers and machines powered by crystals. My characters are around the age of sixteen but the dialog and themes are more kid-friendly, with some slang that is unique to the world. I was mostly inspired by shows like Kim Possible, Danny Phantom and American Dragon, as well as the Percy Jackson series for ideas in story structure. If the characters are sixteen would it still be considered middle grade?

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

16 is a hard sell for middle grade. Percy Jackson is 12 in book one. Harry Potter is 11. Kids can get older in middle grade, but I don't know any agents or publishers who'd be willing to pick up a middle grade book with 16 year olds. Most likely, they'd want to categorize it as young adult (teen). YA is a huge seller, so that's not necessarily a bad thing. Also, TV shows are not books. You can't use them as a guide for what sells/is acceptable in the book industry. However, a quick Google search shows Kim Possible is 15, Danny Phantom started at 14, and American Dragon's Jake Long started at 13. None of these TV shows started with 16 year olds.

[@karensuelong4845]

Hi, I can't find what size font is used for middle reader books. Is there a standard rule? And is line spacing just one as in other books ? Chapter books use larger fonts and more spacing so it's confusing. Thank you. It also seems like illustrations are rarely used in middle reader category. Thank you for any input.

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

I have never formatted a middle grade book, so I don't know what fonts or line spacings are standard practice. I have only edited them and passed them on to the designer. However, many middle grade novels have illustrations. Often they are at the start of a chapter.

[@karensuelong4845]

@@ignitedinkwriting8746 Thanks a million. I have looked and looked. I appreciate your note. Yes, there aren't many illustrations for middle readers. Have a great day. Everything I find shows rules for everything but middle readers... ha!.... So maybe I will just use 12pt and single spaces between sentences.

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

@@karensuelong4845 One thing you can do is look at the copyrights page of middle grade books you like the look of. Many traditionally published books will list the font they used there. Also, remember middle grade readers are still learning to read. Tiny text close together won't work for them.

[@kimmeystorey4577]

Would it be better to write a middle grade stand alone or a middle grade series? Since the readers grow up so quickly.

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

There's not really a "better" here. It depends on what's best for the story. Kids grow up and continue reading all kinds of series, and there will always be middle grade readers. When I worked in the kids section at Barnes and Noble a few years ago, the readers didn't seem to have a preference one way or the other. However, if you're trying to traditionally publish, getting a standalone picked up as a first time author is easier than getting a series. After you've been published traditionally once, a series is an easier sell.

[@Metatron141]

I'm writing a novel for middle schoolers involving forest creatures that talk. The animals go on a quest to find something and the story unfolds from there. From my perspective, as author, the storyline feels coherent and fluid but are middle schoolers interested in this genre? Thanks.

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

Talking forest creatures isn't really a genre, but if you walk through the middle school section of a book store, you'll find tons of animal stories.

[@Metatron141]

@@ignitedinkwriting8746 ok thanks. I'm hoping to finish this novella before the summer ends.

[@kaylajames9334]

How long should a middle grade novel be?

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

In general middle grade fiction is 40,000-65,000 words. There are, of course, exceptions.

[@johnparnham5945]

I am writing a middle grade novel and it's my first ever. The story doesn't have a message,. I don't agree that your characters have to be 12 year old s all the time. For research, I read a book called 'The boy at the back of the class' it's protagonist is almost ten as my two characters are. Most of what you said though, has been helpful. I'm nearly at the end of the first draft. Wish me luck.

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

I had to watch this again to see what you meant. The characters don't *have* to be 12, but that is the *ideal* age for middle grade, especially if you want to be traditionally published or are a new author building your audience. "The Boy at the Back of the Class" is an excellent book, but it definitely has a message and is an extremely timely story. Those are some qualities that help when you step outside of the *ideal* age in this category. If your book fills a need in the marketplace like this one, you get some leeway.

[@Skarecrow1949]

@@ignitedinkwriting8746 great video! Much appreciated!

[@sumayyahkhan8897]

I'm writing a middle grade book. I'm 12 but my character is 14. Honestly I dont think that gonna work. Lol

[@cccccc202.]

If you’re writing a fantasy, would technology be necessary?

[@ignitedinkwriting8746]

That depends on the type of fantasy. If they are in a world where technology doesn't exist, then no. But if you're writing urban fantasy, our world plus magic, then yes. Just because a kid can cast a spell doesn't mean they don't still have a phone.

[@isaacriggs4656]

These kids aren't stupid. Maybe try to stick to one tense, Gaiman.

[@isaacriggs4656]

Why wouldn't the want to read about realistic violence? When I was 8 I read a book about a princess fighting dragons and she got all sorts of cut up and bloody. I loved it. Stakes, y'know? Everything is subjective. Some kids are more advanced, and writing this cushy nonsense feels like you're pulling the wool over their eyes.