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I love middle grade. I read it all the time ‘for fun” even though I’m well out of the target age range. While there are many reasons I chose to write my debut in this genre, there are also many challenges I’ve faced in doing so. Let’s get down to it!
PROS
Pro #1: The Joy and Optimism of Middle Grade
Middle grade kids are in that sweet spot where they’re young and bright-eyed, but old enough to start understanding the world and have a keen curiosity about how it works. I love stories that tap into this curiosity, helping kids develop a deeper sense of self and showing them a world full of hope and possibility.
Pro #2: Promoting the Love of Reading
Growing up, reading was my refuge. There’s something really special about fostering that same love of reading in children. Knowing my stories might be a source of joy for a young reader is incredibly fulfilling.
Pro #3: No “Awkward” Scenes or Swearing
This might not be considered a pro for everyone, but I like not having to deal with overly lovey-dovey scenes, adult themes, or even the occasional cuss word. Writing middle grade allows me to focus on the adventure, friendship, and growth of my characters.
Pro #4: The Dynamic Kidlit Community
The kidlit writing scene is so vibrant and supportive. Groups like SCBWI and Inked Voices are filled with friendly and lovely people and interacting with fellow writers has been a wonderful experience, full of camaraderie and encouragement.
Pro #5: Encouraging Imagination and Creativity
Middle grade books are the perfect playground for imagination. These stories often include fantastical elements, magical adventures, and creative problem-solving, which can ignite a child’s creativity and fuel their dreams.
CHALLENGES
Challenge #1: Middle Grade Dialogue
The biggest hurdle is to not sound like an adult trying to sound like a middle grader. It can be awkward and cringy, and young readers can spot it from a mile away. Authenticity in dialogue is crucial and can be challenging to master. I struggled with this when I first started writing middle grade and I went through a lot of thought, observation and too many rewrites to count!
Challenge #2: Finding Your Middle Grade Voice
Beyond just getting your middle grader dialogue right, your entire story needs to adopt a middle grade tone. Everything from vocabulary to plot and situations needs to be appropriate and true to that age group. While you may want to give your characters the freedom to travel independently, it’s not realistic. For example, where are their parents? Why aren’t they in school?
Challenge #3: Ensuring Positive Role Models
Middle graders are still learning and can be impressionable. It’s important to make sure your characters set good examples (or at least try their best to!). Adults and even YA readers might know better, but middle graders may still be figuring things out, so you need to be mindful of this when making decisions for your characters.
Challenge #4: Book Promotions
You can’t promote your book directly to middle grade readers. The gatekeepers are parents, teachers, and librarians. Reaching these gatekeepers effectively can be a real challenge, as they are the ones who will ultimately introduce your book to kids.
Challenge 5: Keeping it Engaging Without Being Overly Complex
Middle grade readers are beginning to explore more complex narratives. However, striking the balance between an engaging plot and one that’s not too convoluted can be tricky. You want to challenge your readers but not overwhelm them.
Mo Seto, martial arts movie star! Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Too bad there’s a height restriction to audition. But 12-year-old Modesty (Mo) Seto has never let her height get in the way before, not when she became a black belt, or when she fought the meanest boy in her class, and she’s not going to let it stop her this time! Now if only she can figure out a way to grow five inches and fool everyone at the auditions…and find time to search for her missing father (who just might be harboring a dangerous secret of his own). Join Mo on an adventure (and audition) of a lifetime and find out if powerful things really do come in small packages!
Publishers Weekly calls THE LEGENDARY MO SETO “Adrenaline pumping”, Kirkus Reviews says it “Packs a punch”, and Booklist calls it “Remarkably relatable.” Leap in and join the fun!
Enjoy an Excerpt
I may be small, but I am fierce. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Over and over again. Fierce.
“Charyeot,” the taekwondo tournament referee says in Korean. Attention.
I snap my arms to my sides.
“Kyeong-nae,” the ref says. Bow.
I turn to face my opponent, Dax Washington. His dark skin glistens with sweat. We dip our heads.
I look up to see Dax towering over me, his eyes stormy.
It suddenly occurs to me how much “fierce” sounds like “fears.” Not that I’m scared or anything. I’m not.
“Sijak!” The ref throws up his hand. Begin! Immediately Dax’s large fists hammer down like a hailstorm.
Well, maybe I’m a little worried.
Dax lunges. I block his front kick with my forearm. I flinch and reel back. The ref blows his whistle, but Dax doesn’t stop. I barely have time to move before—oof—another kick nails me in the elbow.
Okay, fine. I’m totally panicking.
About the Author: 
A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.
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