“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” — C. S. Lewis
I can’t help but agree with that quote on every level. In terms of genre, I try not to limit myself as a reader. I read everything from historical romance to sci-fi — the only thing I don’t read is horror (because I like to sleep at night). One genre that I enjoy but that seems to often be overlooked by adults is middle grade fiction.
Middle grade books are loosely defined as books that are aimed towards children in the 8 to 12 age range. There is sometimes a bit of confusion around the difference between middle grade and young adult (YA) literature, and this article gives a really good in-depth explanation of how they compare.
But the short description of middle grade books is that they feature more complex story lines than picture books, but don’t contain the mature content that you might find in the YA genre. They are usually full of action, mishaps, and adventure and introduce young readers to simplified versions of many of the tropes that we see in YA or adult literature.
Why should you read middle grade fiction? I’ll tell you why I read it. Books geared for older children are such a refreshing change of pace. The problems the characters face are generally not as high stakes as those you encounter in adult fiction, though you have to recognize that they feel serious to the characters and the young readers these books are written for.
The writing is simpler than in adult books, but not so simple as to be boring. They tend to be more plot-driven than character-driven, which makes for some really fun adventures, and the characters are often quirky and likable.
Middle grade books are a great choice for when you need something relaxing to read, something that will give your brain a break from all the decisions and stressful situations you encounter all day. Sound good? I think so too, which is why I am participating in Middle Grade March, which is simply using the month of March to intentionally seek out books from this genre.
To fulfill this goal I went to my local library and picked out 6 middle grade books that I’ve heard touted on various podcasts, bookstagram accounts, and all across the web. I bypassed classics this time, even though I do love me some Boxcar Children and Secret Garden, in favor of more recently published titles. My goal here is to catch up on some books that I’ve heard much about but haven’t made time for before now.
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6 Books I’m Reading for Middle Grade March:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
These are all books that I’ve heard great things about but haven’t read yet. Some of them are several years old (Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl) and I’m excited to pick them up after years of hearing the hype. A couple of bonus picks for you that I have already read in this genre somewhat recently are Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream, Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire and Wonder, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next two Arlo Finch books as soon as they become available through Libby.
What did I miss? Give me all your best middle grade recommendations and tell me what you are reading in March, whether it’s middle grade or not!
These all look like books my daughters would enjoy. I’ll have to find them at our local library.
That’s where I got the whole stack. Libraries are the best!
I will let my middle graders know about these! And if you enjoy them it sounds like I should have them read them aloud while they are at it, I’m sure I’d enjoy them too!
Yes, you should! Good reading practice for them, a story for you, bonding time for everyone.
I love a good story I can get caught up in – even if for middle schoolers. C.s. lewis was right.
A good story is a good story, no matter who it was written for.
I love these types of books! Some of my favorite in this genre are the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C Wrede.
I’ve never heard of that series, I’ll have to check it out!
These are great! I’ll be passing this along for my niece!
I recently read Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr and really enjoyed it. It was funny, sad, a little bit silly, and heartwarming, too. My daughter, who just turned 13, indulged me and let me read it aloud, but I think I got more out of being the one to read it. I also like Brian Selznick’s graphic/combo novels – Wonderstruck and The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I just read Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White and loved it so much that now I am currently on an E.B. White and James Thurber spree. I find it very refreshing to step out of adult books now and then! My daughter just read A Long Walk to Water in school and told me I needed to read it, so that will probably be up next.
Wow, so many great suggestions! Thank you for filling up my middle grade TBR for the next 2 years 😉