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Say Hello to M.G.

By on September 7, 2010   /   For Kids  

Have you ever read a book and felt like you were part of the story? The characters became your friends and when you turned the last page you were sad because it was over. That’s how you know you just devoured a book. Devouring is another word for eating, but it’s not like eating your Brussels sprouts because your mom made you. It’s more like eating birthday cake. You are so involved in the story, it becomes part of you.

Welcome to my world.

I’d tell you my name, but I don’t have one.  Right now you can just call me M.G.  I’m the little creature that you see on the left sidebar of the Mixed-Up Files blog and I devour books. Every day. Just like humans need a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy, I eat a balanced diet of action-adventure, science fiction, fantasy, contemporary, humor, historical-fiction, non-fiction and many other kinds of middle-grade books.

I’m here today because one night, long after the library where I live closed, I borrowed the librarian’s computer to check out my favorite links and blogs about children’s books. I happened upon a group of writers who were creating a new blog all about my favorite morsels—middle-grade books. Not only did they let me be a part of the celebration of great news about children’s books, they are letting me have my very own page! And it’s all for kids.

There are lots of adults needed to take an idea and turn it into a book. But the most important people are the kids (and creatures like myself) who read middle-grade books. The Mixed-up Authors wanted a page with fun things for kids to do and safe links to places where you can learn more about books and authors. So stop over at my page and share it with your friends. And if you are a grownup, tell teachers, parents and other people all about it so they can share it with the children they know.

If you have a great idea that you’d like to see on the For Kids page, leave a comment and I’ll see what I can do! If you have a question for me or about middle-grade books in general, leave a comment and I’ll create a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

But, to make me very, very happy, make a suggestion for my name. What does M.G. stand for? I’d feel very important if I had a unique last name to go with a special first name, too. In the meantime, look around. I have articles and links to book-related crafts, puzzles, homework help and writing tips. Enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by The Mixed-up Files of Middle Grade Authors. Now go devour a book!

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What Makes a Middle-Grade Novel Timeless?

By on June 23, 2010   /   Book Lists  

Some books you read once.  You laugh, cry, maybe even both.  You’ve enjoyed the journey, met some interesting characters and hopefully were able to view the world in an amazing new way…but will you ever pick up that book again? 

I’ve enjoyed sharing books I loved as a child with my daughters, and started reading books by Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary to my girls when they were way younger than the target audience.  The three of us laughed at the silly stunts Fudge pulled and couldn’t wait to see what kind of trouble Ramona caused next.  Growing up with a younger brother, I definitely related to the problems Peter and Beezus had with their energetic and extremely creative siblings.  The characters and worlds these brilliant authors created still feel real and endearing. 

As you can see, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg stayed in our member’s hearts through the years.  Who can resist reading a book where a spunky young girl and her brother stuff their clothes inside violin and trumpet cases, then hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art?  (If you peek at our bios, you’ll see some of the timeless gems that stuck with us the most.)

How can books like these remain popular, when society changes so quickly?  Nobody had cell phones or internet when I was in elementary school.  So how can books written at that time still appeal to today’s kids?  I believe the books that stand the test of time have unique characters readers can relate to, cheer for, and fall in love with, combined with situations that kids still have…like annoying siblings, school issues, fights with friends, and trying to see where you fit in our world.

I’ve asked several amazing authors what they believe makes a book timeless.  Here’s what they had to say:

IMHO, timeless books are ones that say to a reader, ‘Here. Look. This is YOU. And even if it’s not, you can relate, because the author has managed to capture those universal triumphs and struggles all tweens go through. And when you’re done with such a book? You feel empowered and ready to take on the world, girlfriend! As you should! —Lauren Myracle  

I believe the books we read at this age have a certain power. The characters can live on inside us and help us figure out who we want to be, and what we want to do with our lives. I wanted to write for this age to give something back to the next generation of readers the types of books that meant so much to me. —Wendy Mass

A timeless book is one that touches the heart. It doesn’t really matter when or where the story is set, if the characters speak to you and draw you into their story. —Lisa Yee

Timeless books focus on emotions that everyone has felt – love, anger, disappointment, happiness, and fear. While some things change, like clothes and hairstyles, certain things never do. —Laurie Friedman

Certain books, like Charlotte’s Web, The Phantom Tollbooth, or A Wrinkle in Time, just hit a nerve with the middle-grade reader and continue to hit that nerve with each new generation of kids. Why? These books have plenty of heart, a sense of wonder, humor in good measure, relatable characters, and a strong voice. By telling a specific story in an emotionally true way, they’ve managed to become universal. —Bruce Hale

There are so many wonderful middle-grade books that I hope will remain timeless.  One that I believe will be around for a long time is Rules, by Cynthia Lord.  It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you reach the last page.  I’ll never forget when my younger daughter lost her voice, and her big sister created a communication book (inspired by the one Jason uses).

I asked authors to name one or two middle-grade novels that are close to their heart, and if there are any newer books they believe will remain popular over time.

Holes is one of my favorites from the past dozen or so years. And right up there with it are The Lightning Thief and The Wednesday Wars. These are books that may well stand the test of time, in my opinion. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is another upper middle-grade book that I love, but it’s too early to say whether the craze over its semi-graphic novel style will translate into long-range popularity. —Bruce Hale

 

Books like A Secret Garden and the All-of-a-Kind Family series, grabbed a hold of me. I can recall reading them as a child, then rereading them as an adult, and allowing myself the luxury of getting lost within their pages.  Some newer middle grade books that fit this bill include Masterpiece by Elise Broach, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy. —Lisa Yee 

 
Growing up, I loved anything by Judy Blume.  There are so many great new books.  I really liked Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath.   I think kids will be reading it years from now. —Laurie Friedman    

 

Tied with Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret?, my favorite book from the middle-grade years was Allegra Maud Goldman by Edith Konecky. Made me laugh, cry, and want to be a writer. As for newer titles, I hope the Penderwicks books continue to be appreciated for how wonderful and timeless they are. —Wendy Mass

I’d love to know why you think some middle-grade books remain popular for over thirty years, and which current books you believe will become timeless.

**Don’t forget to enter our second summer giveaway — one lucky reader will win three amazing middle-grade books!

Mindy Alyse Weiss writes humorous middle-grade novels and is constantly inspired by her nine and twelve year-old daughters, adventurous sock and underwear munching puppy, and two stinky but adorable ferrets. Visit her blog to read more about her writing life, conference experiences, and writing tips.

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