In 1969, Dario Fontanella Gregori invented a new ice cream sundae that is iconic today in cafés throughout Germany. He started with the standard tropes—vanilla ice cream, red berry syrup, whipped cream, and grated chocolate—and built something surprising yet inevitable: a sundae that looks like a plate of spaghetti.
The best middle-grade fiction uses the same approach as Gregori’s sundae, relying on standard themes as the foundation but presenting them in new, eye-catching, and sometimes amusing ways. Middle-grade readers, defined as ages nine to twelve, delight authors with their fluent reading ability, their loyalty to new and favorite writers, and their enthusiasm for exploring across genres. Exploration and discovery are essential elements, often encompassing a wide range of "firsts": a first pet, a first best friend, or a first day of fifth grade.
These developmental stages strongly suggest specific storytelling elements that resonate deeply with the audience. Readers benefit from both "mirror" stories—those that reflect their own experiences—and "window" stories, which introduce them to characters and lives distinct from their own.
But beyond these foundational themes, authors delving into middle-grade fiction will find a diversity likely rivaling any adult genre. With approaches as varied as an ice cream shop’s menu, opportunities for success are abundant when authors creatively mix and match their ingredients.
Copycat Sundaes: Identifying and Leveraging Popular Tropes
Tropes in middle-grade fiction aren't universal or permanent; they change popularity just like ice cream flavors might. Observing middle-grade literature categories at book retailers can reveal trending tropes to incorporate into your story or highlight in marketing.
Most book retailers follow the Book Industry Study Group’s subject headings: BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) codes. Juvenile Fiction and Nonfiction categories encompass Adventure, Fantasy, and Mystery, alongside holidays, social skills, humor, unique formats, and more. Graphic novels have stand-alone categories, too.
Pro Tip: Review all category options carefully before selecting one for your book. For example, Juvenile Fiction/Fantasy/Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical Creatures doesn’t cover zombies—they've graduated to their own category (Juvenile Fiction/Zombies).
Flavors to Use, Avoid, or Subvert
Friendship, food, and teams of resourceful preteens saving the world remain beloved tropes for excellent reasons. Assigning distinct roles within a team shapes diverse characters who drive tension and resolution throughout the narrative.
Conversely, authors can spark creativity by consciously avoiding or subverting certain tropes—such as deceased parents, gender stereotypes, bullying "mean girls," or inappropriate behaviors like smoking and risk-taking. Keeping the parents alive yet still absent enough can yield inventive solutions, like a portal fantasy story (Chronicles of Narnia), distant immortal parents (Percy Jackson), or even a secret spy school in an iconic city (Stuart Gibbs’ Spy School series).
Can I Have Two Scoops, Mom?
Unlike many other genres, middle-grade fiction caters simultaneously to two audiences: eager young readers and discerning parents, teachers, and librarians. Incorporating curriculum tie-ins alongside exciting storytelling boosts a book's value as educational content.
Children’s author and publisher Darcy Pattison shares insights on developing curriculum tie-ins for US audiences (https://indiekidsbooks.com/p/who-is-your-audience), while Curriculum Topic Booklists provide parallel guidance for UK authors (https://booksfortopics.com/booklists/topics). Tailoring your stories toward science, history, engineering, diversity, emotion, or societal issues makes them a compelling educational choice for schools and libraries, encouraging quick purchase decisions.
Nutrition Facts: Reading Level Guidance to Inform Readers and Gatekeepers
Providing reading difficulty information helps adults match the right book with a child's skill or interest level. Lexile measurements and Accelerated Reader points are popular—albeit occasionally debated—tools. Independent authors can assess their books using Renaissance.com’s free ATOS Analyzer Tool, providing an estimated reading level suited to this critical secondary audience.
Hide The Whipped Cream: Creative Details and Narrative Surprises
Helen Rutter’s The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh exemplifies fresh and delightful narrative touches. Each chapter kicks off with a joke, connecting deeply with its main character’s comedic ambition. His experience tackling a stutter, curious family dynamics, mentor relationships, and friendships versus popularity dilemmas culminates in an emotionally satisfying ending. Great middle-grade fiction, like a perfect sundae, leaves readers thoroughly delighted and craving the next spoonful.
When crafting your middle-grade stories, embrace playful creativity. Unexpected tropes, inventive details, and skillful curriculum connections all combine to make your book irresistible to young audiences and adult gatekeepers alike. With thoughtful planning, your stories can transform into delicious reading experiences that readers devour eagerly—and come back for more.
About the Author: Laurel Decher
There might be no frigate like a book, but publishing can feel like a voyage of continual surprises and thrilling moments. Laurel specializes in boosting your opportunities today through strategic storytelling and genre mastery. With a professional background studying factors enriching childhood development, she now delights in writing engaging middle-grade fiction—sneaking valuable life lessons, adventure, and even vegetables into every story.
