What Is Middle Grade Reading?

You may have heard the term “middle grade reading” and wondered exactly what it encompasses. This post offers a comprehensive overview of middle grade literature, a vibrant and essential category in the world of books. We’ll explore the typical age range for middle grade readers, delve into the prevalent themes that resonate within these stories, and discuss the unique characteristics that define this genre.

What is Middle Grade Reading?

Middle grade reading typically refers to books written for children between the ages of 8 and 12. These books are aimed at readers who are transitioning from early childhood stories to more complex narratives, but who are not yet ready for the mature themes found in young adult (YA) literature.

Middle Grade Reading Themes?

Drawing from insights shared by Noveltry, middle grade novels offer young readers a rich tapestry of themes that are both engaging and appropriate for their developmental stage. These stories delicately balance light-hearted elements and deeper topics, allowing children to explore complex emotions and scenarios through the lens of characters they can relate to.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key themes prevalent in middle grade literature, which help shape the narrative experience and growth of its readers.

Romance: Light-hearted elements like crushes and first kisses, distinguishing it from the more intense and explicit themes seen in YA.
Violence: Typically portrayed through chase scenes, arguments, and vague fight scenes, often with comic book-style expressions like “pows!” and “blams!” rather than detailed depictions of violence.
Mental Health: Addresses issues such as anxiety, OCD, and depression, but often with a lighter touch compared to the deeper, more intense explorations found in YA literature.
LGBTQIA+ and Gender Identities: While also a theme in YA, middle grade books incorporate characters experiencing diverse genders and sexualities, often focusing on acceptance and self-discovery.
Voice and Perspective: Middle grade protagonists are usually depicted as exploring their world and reacting to events around them, with a narrative voice that emphasizes action and outward experience over introspection.

Examples of Middle Grade Books

Here’s a short paragraph summary for each book in a bullet list format:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle: On a stormy night, young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe embark on an extraordinary adventure through time and space. They are guided by mysterious beings to find Meg’s missing father, who vanished while working on the secretive tesseract project. This Newbery Medal-winning classic explores themes of love, courage, and the battle against evil.
The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell: Join Suzy as she boards the Impossible Postal Express, a magical train that travels through fantastical realms. Recruited as its newest postmaster, Suzy’s first delivery leads her on an adventure filled with magic, rogue sorcerers, and perilous dangers, blending whimsy and excitement in a vividly imagined world.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio: August “Auggie” Pullman, born with a facial difference, attends mainstream school for the first time and strives for acceptance among his fifth-grade peers. Through multiple perspectives, this inspiring tale highlights themes of kindness, friendship, and the importance of looking beyond appearances, resonating with the Choose Kind movement.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: In this intricate Newbery Medal-winning mystery, sixteen heirs are drawn into a puzzling game by the will of the eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing. As they compete to solve the puzzle and claim the inheritance, they uncover secrets and forge unexpected alliances.
The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson: Marinka dreams of a normal life, but as a potential Yaga destined to guide the dead, she lives in a magical house with chicken legs that moves at its own whims. This story blends Slavic folklore with a young girl’s quest for friendship and her identity, weaving a tale of adventure and emotional depth.
The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson: Matthew Corbin, a boy with severe OCD, becomes the key witness in a neighborhood mystery when a toddler goes missing. As he confronts his own fears to help solve the case, this story combines elements of a thriller with an insightful look into challenges of mental health in young people.
Both Can Be True by Jules Machias: Ash and Daniel, two teens grappling with issues of identity and emotional sensitivity, come together to save a dog, only to discover deeper connections between themselves. This poignant tale explores themes of gender fluidity, friendship, and acceptance, challenging societal binaries.
Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell: Sophie, raised by her eccentric guardian, embarks on a quest across the rooftops of Paris to find her mother. This award-winning tale mixes fantasy and historical adventure, celebrating the resilience and imagination of children against a backdrop of thrilling escapades and heartfelt discoveries.