ELEMENTS OF A MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL

Natalie Bright

The following list of elements for middle grade novels was a handout from a writing conference. The name or origin of the information is not on the handout, so apologies that I cannot give credit. It’s a helpful list as you are crafting your story for middle grades, defined as a core audience of 8 to 12 year olds or 3^rd through 6^th grades.

1. Drama!
2. Imagination.
3. Use humor.
4. Write to the age level.
5. Make place a character.
6. Make each word resonate.
7. Bring history alive.
8. Mix genres.
9. Craft prose carefully.
10. Let joy spill out!