Middle Grade Books / Middle School Reading

Most Popular Literary Genres in Middle School

Literary Genres in Middle School Understanding literary genres is essential for anyone involved in middle school education or child development. Literary genres are categories of literature that share similar styles, themes, or content. Recognizing which genres resonate with middle schoolers helps teachers, parents, and librarians guide students towards books that will captivate their interest and foster a love of reading. Knowing students’ preferred genres can also enhance classroom engagement, support differentiated learning, and aid in the selection of relevant reading materials that reflect diverse interests and developmental needs. Let's check out the most popular literary genres for middle schoolers. Let PurdyBooks help you find the best literary genres for teens & preteens. Popular Literary Genres Among Middle Grade Students 1.Adventure: Stories filled with excitement and risk. These books are popular because they offer thrilling escapades and inspire bravery and curiosity.2.Fantasy: Tales of magical worlds and mythical creatures. Middle schoolers love escaping into fantastical realms where anything is possible.3.Science Fiction: Narratives involving futuristic technology and outer space. This genre intrigues young readers with its imaginative possibilities and scientific exploration.4.Mystery: Plots centered around solving a puzzle or crime. These books engage students with their suspenseful and interactive nature.5.Historical Fiction: Stories set in a specific historical period. This genre appeals to students’ curiosity about the past and helps them learn history in an engaging way.6.Realistic Fiction: Books that depict everyday life and believable characters. Middle schoolers enjoy these relatable stories that mirror their own experiences.7.Graphic Novels: Narratives told through a combination of text and illustrations. The visual appeal and engaging format make these books particularly popular.8.Humor: Light-hearted and funny stories. These books provide entertainment and a much-needed break from more serious schoolwork.9.Horror: Spooky and suspenseful tales. The thrill of being scared in a safe environment makes this genre a favorite.10.Non-Fiction: Informative books about real events, people, and facts. Middle schoolers…

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June 3, 2024
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Let's check out the most popular literary genres for middle schoolers.
Book Gifts

Easter Basket Books for Teens & Preteens

Why Middle Grade Books For Easter Baskets? Now that spring has arrived, the hunt for the perfect Easter basket gifts begins. While chocolates and colorful eggs are classic staples, why not add a literary twist to this year's Easter celebration? Books not only bring joy and imagination but also offer lasting benefits for middle-grade students. From fostering a love for reading to expanding their minds with new worlds and characters, middle grade books make excellent additions to any Easter basket for teen readers. Join us as we explore the magic of literature and why it's the gift that keeps on giving long after the chocolate eggs have been devoured. Teens Love Easter Baskets With Books How to find easter basket books for teens and preteens Books Make the Perfect Easter Basket Stuffers Finding the perfect books for teens and preteens to slip into their Easter baskets can be a daunting task. With their evolving tastes and interests, it's essential to curate selections that will captivate and inspire them. From thrilling adventures to poignant coming-of-age tales, there's a wide array of genres and titles to explore. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some great lists for discovering Easter basket books that will delight the middle grades readers in your life. Whether they're into dystopian adventures, heartwarming romances, or gripping mysteries, we'll provide you with booklists and recommendations to suit a variety of reading interests, reading levels and attention spans. Get ready to surprise and delight the teens and preteens in your life with the gift of reading this Easter season. Easter Booklists for Middle Grade Readers Here are some recommended book lists for middle-grade readers from Goodreads and other reputable sources:From Goodreads:Best Middle Grade Fiction - A curated list featuring top-rated middle-grade novels loved by readers.Popular Books for Teens & Preteens - Discover beloved series that have…

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March 25, 2024
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Teens Love Easter Baskets With Books
Middle Grade Books / Middle School Reading

Graphic Novels for Middle Schoolers

Why Graphic Novels for middle schoolers? Graphic novels are incredibly useful and popular for middle schoolers for several reasons. Firstly, the visual storytelling format of graphic novels appeals to the visual literacy of this age group, making complex narratives more accessible and engaging. The combination of illustrations and text not only enhances comprehension but also encourages reluctant readers to dive into stories they might otherwise find intimidating. Additionally, graphic novels cover a wide range of genres and topics, allowing middle schoolers to explore diverse themes and perspectives in a format that feels less daunting than traditional novels. Moreover, the vibrant artwork and dynamic layouts in graphic novels captivate young readers, sparking their imagination and fostering a love for storytelling that can last a lifetime. More & More Libraries Have Special Graphic Novels Sections What are graphic novels? Graphic novels are especially appreciated by reluctant preteen readers. Graphic novels are narrative works that combine illustrations and text to tell a story. Unlike traditional novels, which rely solely on written language, graphic novels for middle schoolers utilize sequential art, speech bubbles, and panels to convey plot, character development, and themes. These visual storytelling elements make graphic novels a unique and dynamic medium, appealing to readers of all ages. Graphic novels encompass a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, science fiction, memoir, and more, making them versatile and accessible to diverse audiences. Whether exploring complex narratives or conveying simple stories, graphic novels offer a rich and immersive reading experience that blends visual and textual elements to engage readers on multiple levels. A Brief History of Graphic Novels The history of graphic novels traces back to the early 20th century, with the roots often credited to works such as Lynd Ward's "Gods' Man" (1929) and Frans Masereel's "Passionate Journey" (1919), which utilized woodcut illustrations to tell wordless narratives. However,…

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March 14, 2024
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More & More Libraries Have Special Graphic Novels Sections
Book Gifts

Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for Readers

Valentines Gifts for everyone Valentine's Day is the perfect time to spread love and joy to everyone around you, no matter whether they are friends, family members or romantic partners. You've got lots of choices for gifts, ranging from adorable heart-shaped trinkets, personalized mugs with sweet messages, or even a bouquet of flowers to brighten someone's day. Embrace the spirit of love and friendship by exchanging small tokens that show you care. From cozy socks to handmade chocolates, there are endless possibilities for charming gifts that will bring smiles to faces of all ages. But the best Valentine's Day gifts are those chosen specifically to meet the needs and interests of that special person in your life. Let's take a look at Valentine's Day gifts for book lovers. Valentine gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Cute Valentine's Day Gifts for Readers Readers and authors love book gifts for Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day becomes even more enchanting when you consider the magical world of books as gifts. A well-chosen book can be a treasure trove of emotions, adventures, and shared moments. For the readers in your life, think beyond the typical chocolates and flowers. Consider gifting a beautifully illustrated edition of their favorite classic, a personalized bookplate, or a cozy reading nook accessory. How about a literary-themed candle that transports them to the settings of their beloved stories? Dive into the world of bookish gifts, where every page brings a touch of romance. This Valentine's Day, let your love for literature shine through thoughtful and delightful presents that any bookworm will cherish. We'll provide you with some specific book suggestions near the bottom of this post. Funny Valentines Day Gifts for Him Valentine's Day gifts for him doesn't always have to be about serious romance – it's the perfect occasion to inject some humor and laughter into…

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January 8, 2024
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Books make the best Valentine's Day gifts!!
Middle Grade Books / Middle School Reading

Middle School Book Trends

What Are the Current Middle School Book Trends? Keeping up with middle school book trends is essential for middle grades teachers, librarians, parents and authors. When it comes to discovering trending books for middle school students, there are several effective strategies:Online Book Communities: Joining online communities like Goodreads or Bookish can provide insights into popular books. While there, engage with discussions, reviews, and recommendations from fellow readers. We have included some helpful links to online reading resources throughout this post.Book Review Blogs: Explore blogs dedicated to reviewing middle-grade books. Some popular ones include Book Riot's Middle-Grade section, Middle Grade Mafia, and Nerdy Book Club.Social Media Platforms: Utilize platforms like Instagram and Twitter to follow book influencers, authors, and publishers. These platforms often feature trending books and book-related discussions.Librarian Recommendations: Reach out to local librarians who specialize in middle-grade literature. They are often well-versed in current trends and can recommend books suitable for different interests and reading levels.Book Awards: Keep an eye on prestigious book awards for middle-grade literature, such as the Newbery Medal and the Middle-Grade Fiction category of the Goodreads Choice Awards. (Goodreads Awards Category Removal Sparks Outcry)Feel free to explore these resources for the latest reading trends and recommendations for middle school students. You may also want to take a look at our last blog post from December, What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel? What are middle school students reading these days? Trending Book Genres for Tweens and Teens Which genres are trending in middle school literature? Sometimes choosing the perfect book for each young reader can be difficult. So, here are some trending genres in middle-grade literature, listed from most popular at the top:Fantasy Adventures:Why it's popular: Tweens love escaping into magical worlds filled with fantastical creatures and epic quests. These stories allow them to explore their imagination and embark on thrilling adventures.Mystery…

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January 5, 2024
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What are middle school students reading these days?
Middle Grade Books

What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel?

Choosing Good Middle Grades Novels What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel: Understanding the Middle Grades Audience Middle-grade novels serve as a gateway to a world of imagination and exploration for preteens and teens. To create an ideal middle-grade novel, authors must first understand the unique characteristics and interests of their audience. Preteens and teens are navigating the delicate balance between childhood and adolescence, craving stories that resonate with their experiences. Consider incorporating relatable protagonists, age-appropriate themes, and a touch of humor to captivate this discerning audience. Most important of all, remember that all young readers are different. You aren't necessarily looking for what is popular for "all" students, but what particular books resonate with the interests of each student as an individual. It is a tough job, but a very rewarding one. The Right Books Makes All the Difference Essential Elements for Literary Success With Teens & Preteens You'll Find Just the Right Books, If You Know Where and How to Look a. Engaging Characters: The heart of any middle-grade novel lies in its characters. Craft protagonists who face challenges, exhibit growth, and embody the complexities of preteen and teen life. Relatable characters make the narrative more compelling and create a connection with readers.b. Age-Appropriate Themes: Middle-grade novels should address themes that resonate with the target age group. Friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges are perennial favorites. Introduce these themes in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking, allowing young readers to reflect on their own experiences.c. Pacing and Plot: Maintain a brisk pace to keep the story dynamic and prevent young readers from losing interest. A well-structured plot with twists and turns will keep them eagerly turning the pages. Consider incorporating suspense and mystery elements and don't overlook the powers of spooky and funny. Every student has different tastes and reading abilities. Start by figuring…

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December 24, 2023
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The Right Books Makes All the Difference
Book Publishing / Middle Grade Books / YA Books

Differences Between Middle Grades and YA Literature

What Are the differences between Middle Grades and YA Literature? Middle grades and young adult literature are two distinct categories of literature that cater to different age groups and have their own unique characteristics. Let's take a look at the distinctions between middle grades and YA Literature.Middle grade literature is typically written for readers aged 8-12, although there is some overlap with the age range for young adult literature. Middle grade literature is characterized by its focus on stories and themes that are relevant to children in this age group. The writing style tends to be simpler, and the length of the books is typically shorter than young adult literature.Young adult literature, on the other hand, is written for readers aged 12-18. Young adult literature is characterized by its focus on stories and themes that are relevant to teenagers, including issues related to identity, relationships and personal growth. The writing style tends to be more complex, and the length of the books is typically longer than middle grade literature.In terms of content, middle grade literature often focuses on themes of friendship, family, and coming-of-age, while young adult literature often deals with more complex issues such as mental health, sexuality, and social justice.The key difference between middle grade and young adult literature is the age of the target audience and the themes and writing style that cater to their developmental needs and interests. Discover the Differences Between Middle Grades and YA Literature Characteristics of Middle Grades Literature Finding the Best Books for Middle Grade Students is a Team Effort of Parents, Teachers, Librarians & Students Middle grades literature is distinguishable by more than just the ages of their readership. Some key characteristics to look for in middle grades literature include:Protagonists of similar age: Middle grade literature typically features protagonists who are of similar age to the intended readership,…

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April 18, 2023
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