Current Trends in Middle Grade Literature ... Middle grade literature, which is aimed at readers between the ages of 8 and 12, is a vibrant and diverse genre that encompasses a wide range of styles, themes, and formats. In today's PurdyBooks blog post, we'll take a look at the difference between what is trending vs what is popular in middle grades literature and/or teen literature. Here are some of the current trends in middle grade literature: Empathy and Diversity: Middle grade books that promote empathy and diversity have become increasingly popular in recent years. These books often focus on characters from marginalized communities, and they encourage readers to understand and appreciate different perspectives. Graphic Novels: Graphic novels are becoming more prevalent in middle grade literature. These books use a combination of images and text to tell engaging stories that are visually appealing and accessible to a wide range of readers. Adventure and Fantasy: Adventure and fantasy continue to be popular genres in middle grade literature. Many of these books feature young protagonists who embark on epic quests, battle monsters, and explore magical worlds. Realistic Fiction: Realistic fiction remains a staple of middle grade literature. These books often deal with issues that are relevant to young readers, such as friendship, family, and identity. Own Voices: The Own Voices movement, which encourages authors from marginalized communities to tell their own stories, has gained momentum in middle grade literature. Many of these books focus on themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. STEM: Middle grade books that incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have become increasingly popular in recent years. These books aim to inspire young readers to engage with STEM subjects and pursue careers in these fields. Humor: Humorous middle grade books continue to be popular among young readers. These books often feature quirky characters and witty dialogue,…