Writing middle grade fantasy books is a magical experience, blending imagination with emotional depth to engage young readers. But behind the thrilling stories and enchanting worlds, there are challenges that authors and illustrators face. If you're a fan of middle grade fiction and are thinking of creating one, here’s a guide on how to craft a compelling middle-grade story.
Here's what this article will cover;
What is a Middle-Grade Story?
Middle grade fiction is all about creating adventure, friendship, and self-discovery for readers aged 8-12, who are keen to see themselves mirrored in their heroes. These stories tackle personal challenges and relatable themes like family, friendships, and the journey of growing up. Middle grade books strike a balance, blending vivid, imaginative worlds with real-life emotions, giving young readers both wonder and grounding. At this age, kids are curious, emotionally tuned in, and ready to see characters who speak and act authentically, which builds connection and fosters resilience as they grow.
Key Considerations:
Protagonist's Age: Your main character should usually be in the same age range as your readers. Characters around 10 to 12 years old work well, as they are relatable.
Themes: Hone in on themes like friendship, family, self-discovery, bravery, and growing independence. Though middle-grade fiction can touch on serious subjects, it typically does so in ways that are hopeful and not overwhelming.
2. How To Create a Middle-Grade Suited Character
Characters are at the heart of middle-grade fiction. Kids in this age group are looking for protagonists who reflect their own emotions, challenges, and achievements. At the same time, these characters should be complex enough to grow throughout the story.
Character Development Tips:
Flaws and Strengths: Make your characters well-rounded by giving them both strengths and weaknesses. A young reader wants to see the protagonist overcome personal challenges just as much as external ones. They must be able to feel the character is real and believable.
Growth: In middle-grade fiction, characters usually undergo significant personal growth, learning important lessons about themselves and the world around them. Ensure these lessons can teach your readers something about the real world so they can carry these lessons with them.
Diverse Characters: Middle-grade fiction is becoming more inclusive, reflecting the diversity of its readership. Consider the value of diverse characters in terms of race, culture, ability, and family structures to create more relatable stories.
3. Craft an Engaging Plot
While strong characters are essential, middle-grade fiction also thrives on exciting and well-paced plots. Readers in this age group are often looking for adventure, mystery, or quests that challenge the protagonist in exciting ways.
Plot Pointers:
Clear Structure: Middle-grade readers enjoy stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Keep the plot moving forward with well-timed conflicts and resolutions.
Action and Stakes: High stakes don’t have to be world-ending; they can be as personal as finding a lost friend or standing up to a bully. However, the stakes must feel important to the characters and the readers.
Mystery and Discovery: Many middle-grade books incorporate elements of mystery, allowing the readers to solve puzzles alongside the characters. This keeps them engaged and encourages critical thinking.
Magic and Adventure: If you’re writing fantasy, ensure that your world-building enhances the sense of wonder, without overshadowing the characters or plot. Readers want to be swept away into new worlds but still relate to the human elements.
4. Establish a Strong Voice
The voice in middle-grade fiction is incredibly important. It should be approachable, engaging, and age-appropriate, without being overly simplistic or condescending. Middle-grade fiction can be funny, poignant, or reflective, but it must always feel authentic.
Voice Tips:
Natural Dialogue: Write dialogue that feels real and reflects how kids speak. Avoid clichés or overly formal language. Instead, focus on the rhythm and concerns of middle-grade conversation.
Humour and Wit: Humour is often a big part of middle-grade fiction, helping to balance more serious moments. Use wit to lighten the tone, but ensure it feels organic to the story.
Narrative Voice: Whether using first-person or third-person, the narrative voice should match the tone of the story. It needs to resonate with the age group, providing insight into the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions in a way that feels relatable.
5. Develop a Captivating Setting
The setting of your middle-grade novel, whether real or fantastical, should be rich with detail and imagination. A compelling setting draws readers deeper into the story and makes them want to spend time in the world you've created.
World-Building Essentials:
Make It Relatable: Even if you’re building a fantasy world, there should be elements that middle-grade readers can relate to—whether it’s the school system, family dynamics, or social interactions.
Layer Your World: If your story takes place in a magical world, give it depth. Think about history, customs, and geography, but don’t overwhelm your readers with too much detail. Let the world unfold through the characters’ experiences.
For more inspiration on world building, visit this article.
6. Tackle Themes That Matter
Middle-grade fiction often explores themes that are relevant to young readers, such as the importance of friendship, the fear of change, or the journey to self-acceptance. These themes should be woven naturally into your story rather than presented as moral lessons.
Theme Ideas:
Friendship: Many middle-grade novels focus on the value of friendships and the challenges that come with navigating social relationships.
Courage and Bravery: Characters often face fears or challenges that require them to step out of their comfort zones and grow.
Belonging and Identity: Themes about finding one’s place in the world or understanding one’s own identity are particularly resonant for this age group.
7. Keep the Pacing in Check
Middle-grade readers expect fast-paced plots, but they also need moments of reflection. Balancing action with quieter character development scenes ensures the story remains engaging without exhausting the reader.
Pacing Tips:
Start Strong: Your opening chapters should quickly introduce the main characters and their goals. Engage the reader with a conflict or hook that makes them want to keep reading.
Vary the Rhythm: Alternate between action-packed sequences and more introspective moments to give readers time to connect emotionally with the characters.
8. Emphasise Hope and Optimism
Middle-grade fiction, even when it deals with difficult subjects, often has a hopeful tone. Young readers want to see characters overcome challenges and find solutions, offering a sense of closure and satisfaction at the end.
Ending on a Positive Note:
Resolution: Ensure the major conflicts are resolved in a way that feels satisfying, even if not every question is answered.
Hopeful Outlook: Even if your story touches on darker themes, aim to leave readers with a sense of optimism and resilience.
9. Include Humour and Levity
Humour plays an important role in middle-grade fiction. Whether it’s through witty dialogue, humorous situations, or quirky characters, adding levity helps balance the more serious moments and keeps young readers entertained.
Humour in Writing:
Comedy: Integrate funny situations that arise naturally from the plot.
Character Quirks: Humour can come from characters’ unique personalities or interactions, adding charm and relatability.
10. Read Widely in the Genre
Before you start writing middle-grade fiction, read extensively in the genre. Study successful middle-grade books to understand the structure, pacing, and voice that resonate with young readers.
Reading Recommendations:
Classics: Explore popular middle-grade series like Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, or The Chronicles of Narnia.
Contemporary Reads: Stay up-to-date with recent titles to understand current trends and preferences within the genre.