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It’s frustrating writing a middle grade book about 6-8 graders doing stuff kids do in 6-8 grade while knowing it’ll likely be flagged as inappropriate because 3-5 graders may read it. So glad upper middle grade is gaining traction. Kids 11-14 need stories about kids 11-14! As for
the argument that kids read up, knowing kids that age I truly think that’s at least partly because a lot of stories ABOUT kids 11-14 isn’t written FOR kids 11-14 (especially 13-14). So many of those kids read YA, but some just aren’t ready for YA. Which is why I’m always happy to
find books about 13-14 year olds, tweens/teens experiencing first kisses through “2nd base,” dealing with sexual harassment, first breakups & heartache, sneaking a sip of alcohol, first parties without adult supervision. The things so many 7-9 graders experience. If anyone knows
of great upper middle grade or ‘lower YA’ that fit the bill, please send my way!
Ones I know of include:
Up For Air
The Prophet Calls
So Done
The Summer of Letting Go
Joy School
The Skin I’m In
All of Me
Maybe He Just Likes You
Goodbye, Stranger
BSC: California Diaries series
Ones I know of include:
Up For Air
The Prophet Calls
So Done
The Summer of Letting Go
Joy School
The Skin I’m In
All of Me
Maybe He Just Likes You
Goodbye, Stranger
BSC: California Diaries series
