I guess I'll start here. Middle grade may not be the genre that it used to be, but no matter how many people tell you otherwise--- we will still need to have middle grade books.
As children graduate from primary to the twisted world of middle and high school, their books may need to resemble what they may encounter in their lives. So long the stories of princesses and princes saving the world with simple, often happy endings and come all the complex, detailed worlds of their real, often rougher lives. While some may still enjoy those classic stories, schools all over will introduce new material to them to round their reading experiences--- like it or not. That continues into high school and beyond as they venture into reading and understanding words as they are to put them into tangible valuable experiences.
You most likely are writing for middle graders if you are reading this. You have been told to look at the real world for inspiration, but never much why or how. So, this is for you! In a short post, I will summarize why it's so important to look outside the box for new ideas. I have a detailed list of why and how to do it.
1. Middle graders need and often desire for experiences unlike their own, but most are there to understand how to deal with what is around them. Most are dealing with hard subjects at home not related to academics such as grief, bullying, mental health, disablity, and other issues that can affect their growth as an young person. With MG, 8-12 year olds can explore and understand how these issues affect them and the others around them. If you want an good example, read Sharon M. Draper's Out of My Mind series. It deals with disability, but has been adored by many for its discussion of disability in an person's life.
2. Many middle graders have some sort of identifying factor that they can see themselves with another character. If books didn't exist for kids of all diversities, many would feel left out in an field that is so creatively diverse with the concept of storytelling. MG books have dealt with seemingly mature topics like abuse, self/body image, illness, and war out of all things. An lot of tweens have dealt with or known somebody with these problems. Reading these stories can help them better handle their lives. As long as you aren't afraid and are willing to put it in an insightful way that can be accessible for tweens, you can do almost anything.
3. Parents and guardians often call for these books, and being an writer gives you an huge advantage over most. With your help, people can learn from you and your experience.
4. Dark topics are almost everywhere, even in fantastical stories. No genre is exempt from an possibility of mature topics being discussed. Lighthearted stories are great as well for this, if you are willing to explore such things.
While that was not an very detailed explanation, I hope you understand that IRL things aren't always doom and gloom. Feel free to write whatever, but understand the call for stories like these to be told. Tweens are just as smart as adults are, so we shouldn't treat them lower than us. Tweens are human. We all are.
Thank you for listening! Bye!
- Purple67
