Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

Jennifer wrote: Welcome to our group....

Thank you Jennifer for the warm welcome and for pointing me to Erin Hunter. I read the first five books of the first series of The Warrior cats at the same time as one of my granddaughters. I thought they were well written, captivating stories with a great selection of characters. I lost a bit of interest after reading a few but my granddaughter carried on and has since finished the second series. Some of the content might not be suitable for early middle grade children as some of the cats get injured and die. My granddaughter was nine when she started reading the warrior cats and she would have struggled with some of the scenes before then. I haven't read the other series yet. but will have to check it out.
My book is aimed at slightly younger readers (6-9 years) and for that age group I do struggle to find comparative titles. I recently found Eddie written by James Sutherland about a scruffy little dog that lost his bone which was fun to read. There must be others out there but so far I haven't found them.

Linda wrote: "Hello JK, and welcome. I am also newish to Good Reads as a middle grade author. I am most interested in seeing more good books with the protagonist having special needs; of any sort. There are quit..."
Hi Linda,
thanks for warm welcome. I haven't quite got round to reading your book yet, but was intrigued by the blurb and extract I read. A headstrong, blind girl as protagonist sounded interesting. I hope to read it soon, time permitting.
What type of animal stories did you write and for what age group? Mine is a an animal adventure story aimed at 6-9 year olds. A kitten gets lost in a forest and struggles to find her way back home but gets help from the forest animals. Similar in style to Warrior cats and maybe Richard Adams Watership Down, but tailored to younger readers so without the darker content of those books. With 17000 words it is no ten-minute bedtime story and although it contains illustrations, it is not a picture book so it probably is a bit niche in the current market. The closest comparative title I have found is Charlotte's web by E.B. White, an author I adore and whose style I very much like. Maybe other members of this group can point me at new authors and books I haven't discovered. There are sooo many out there and not enough time to read them all :-).

Eli wrote: "Hi! I'm Eli! I'm.... Just a child who likes middle grade(especially fantasy) books? I don't know if I'm allowed on here but.... I am! Anyway, I hope to share and receive many book recommendations!"
Hi Eli,
welcome to the group. I am not up to date with current middle grade fantasy, so can't recommend on those but wondered if you tried any of Kathryn Rundell's books The Good Thieves or The Explorer are both adventure stories and are beautifully written (in my opinion).
I have just finished a book called Varjak Paw by SF Said which is a mix of fantasy and cat adventure story and which I couldn't put down once I started it, but it is a bit on the scary side so might not be suitable if you don't like a lot of tension in a book. I haven't yet worked out how to link books on this thread, but you should be able to find them if you use the title and author names. Happy reading :-)

Jennifer wrote: "JK wrote: "Hi,
I am a retired veterinary surgeon, love animals and nature and live in Shropshire, in the UK. I am relatively new to Goodreads and would love to find some active discussion groups. O..."

Hi Jennifer,
how do you add the thumbnail image of book covers to your posts? I have tried to do that myself by copying and pasting the images but it does not work for me.

Hi Keane,

There are two ways to add a book cover to your posts. The first, which many people find the easiest, is to use the link that is usually at the top left of the text box for your message, and says "add books and authors" or something similar. That brings up a pop-up search box, where you type in the name of the book you want to include. Down at tye bottom of that pop-up, you can select "book" (which creates a link to that book's page) or "bookcover" (which includes the book cover in your message. When you then click on the book you want from the search results, it will put your choice in the message using the code.
The second way is to just type in the code yourself. For a book link, the code uses the 7-8 digit number that can be found in the web address for the book in question on Goodreads. Since there are unique pages for each edition of a book, you can also use this to decide whether you want to use the book cover or the audiobook cover. The code is written as:
[ book : "book title" | "the 7-8 digit number code" ] without any of the spaces or quotation marks (For a link to the book's GR page) and [ bookcover : "book title" | "the 7-8 digit number code" ] without any spaces or quotation marks (For the book cover). Alternatively, I have learned that you can save characters on the book cover one by not including the book title and only typing [ bookcover : | "the 7-8 digit number code" ] without the spaces or quotation marks.

I hope that makes sense. If not, let me know, and I'll get some screenshots for illustration.

J.K. wrote: "Eli wrote: "Hi! I'm Eli! I'm.... Just a child who likes middle grade(especially fantasy) books? I don't know if I'm allowed on here but.... I am! Anyway, I hope to share and receive many book recom..."

Hi! Thanks for the recommends. I will check them out. That said, I've got a recommendation for you. Try the Endling Series by Kathrine Applegate. It's a fantasy, but the biology of the different fictional animals, for example, the terramants, are incredible, and the world feels very natural. So.... Yeah, give it a read!

Welcome aboard, Eli!
I loved the Endling series too. Katherine Applegate is a great story teller. Amari and the Night Brothers is a fantastic book #1 of that series, as is Keeper of the Lost Cities. Read on!

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Keane,

There are two ways to add a book cover to your posts. The first, which many people find the easiest, is to use the link that is usually at the top left of the text box for your message, ..."

Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for your detailed info. It's working fine now for me.

Eli wrote: "J.K. wrote: "Eli wrote: "Hi! I'm Eli! I'm.... Just a child who likes middle grade(especially fantasy) books? I don't know if I'm allowed on here but.... I am! Anyway, I hope to share and receive ma..."

Hi Eli, thanks for the recommendation. I will add that to my reading list as I should have more time for reading in march and the Endling series sounds interesting. Crazy busy at the moment with publishing my book but soon I should have time again to write and read :-).
Happy reading to you and best wishes. Jessica

Jeanne wrote: "Welcome aboard, Eli!
I loved the Endling series too. Katherine Applegate is a great story teller. Amari and the Night Brothers is a fantastic book #1 of that series, as is Keeper of the Lost Citie..."

Yes! The Amari series is one of my all time favorites, for it's incredible world building and characters. Have you read the sequel, Amari and the Great Game? As for KOTLC, I enjoyed it originally, but then it got a bit boring and formulaic, so I quit halfway through the eighth one, Legacy.

Eli wrote: "Jeanne wrote: "Welcome aboard, Eli!
I loved the Endling series too. Katherine Applegate is a great story teller. Amari and the Night Brothers is a fantastic book #1 of that series, as is Keeper of..."
Funny to hear you say that. I stopped the KOTLC series after book 3 for the same reason. Too much of the same. With very few exceptions, I shy away from series that go longer than 3 or 4 books.

Hi everyone!
I'm Zoe and middle grade is my favorite genre, although I do read a lot of YA, and I really like memoirs. I have a middle grade book review podcast and I'm exited to meet you all, fellow middle grade lovers!
I can't name a fave book, but I read What Happened to Rachel Riley? recently and I adored it. I love realistic fiction and fantasy, and any dystopia.
I have so much favorite authors! I have to say Robin Stevens and Anne Ursu because I met them and they're awesome, but I'll read anything Kimberly- Brubaker Bradley wrote.
Anyway, that's it from me. Can't wait to get to know you all!

Zoeslibrary wrote: "Hi everyone!
I'm Zoe and middle grade is my favorite genre, although I do read a lot of YA, and I really like memoirs. I have a middle grade book review podcast and I'm exited to meet you all, fell..."

Welcome to the group!

Hi!

I'm a writer, so of course I came here because I want something!

My book is written in more of an older style voice, like C. S. Lewis or E. Nesbit. I switch points of view with some omniscient thrown in, and like to use poetic language sometimes to describe things. I do not use slang except that one character says "dang" fairly often.

So it's difficult to find recently published books with which to compare my own. But I need titles to use as comps in a query letter.

My question for you is: are there books being published today that have more of a timeless quality about them? Books where the dialogue will not be soon outdated? My book has lots of action, but also introspection.

I would love to hear suggestions from you of recently published middle grade books that seem more classic in nature.

Thank you so much for accepting me into your group.

Terry Scarborough

Zoeslibrary wrote: "Hi everyone!
I'm Zoe and middle grade is my favorite genre, although I do read a lot of YA, and I really like memoirs. I have a middle grade book review podcast and I'm exited to meet you all, fell..."

Hello and welcome!

What's the name of your podcast? I'd love to check it out! I'd also like to argue that middle grade is more of a level, not a genre, but I suppose you could argue back.

Anne Ursu is the best! The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy is easily one of the best "magic school" type books I've ever read. What does Robin Stevens write?

Eli wrote: "Zoeslibrary wrote: "Hi everyone!
I'm Zoe and middle grade is my favorite genre, although I do read a lot of YA, and I really like memoirs. I have a middle grade book review podcast and I'm exited t..."
Hi! My podcast is The Mixed Up Files of Ammu and Zoe. We actually have an interview with Anne:). Robin Stevens writes murder mysteries, they are sort of the middle grade Agaha Christie, although I like them more because the characters are more relatable. She wrote Murder Most Unladylike.

Hello everyone! I'm Nathalie, and I write middle grade fantasy. I'm still trying to figure out how Goodreads works and only just discovered that there are "groups" here, so I thought I would check some out and see what they are all about. :)

N.P. wrote: "Hello everyone! I'm Nathalie, and I write middle grade fantasy. I'm still trying to figure out how Goodreads works and only just discovered that there are "groups" here, so I thought I would check ..."

Hello! We're so glad to have you(well, I am at least....I suppose I can't speak for everyone.)! What books have you written/are writing? Glad to see another fantasy fan! Got any recommendations? I'm always looking for more. Sorry. I know that was a lot.

Hello:

I'm new to GoodReads and am very excited to find this group. I live in California. And have a very demanding cat ;-)

I finished writing book 1 of a Kid's Spy Adventure series about 6 years ago, then put it down due to a year of cancer treatments. Got a clean bill of health, but then got caught up in a series of other "unfortunate events"... I'm finally able to breathe again and would love to connect up with other middle grade readers and writers.

I'm a totally newbie. I'm curious, how do you choose friends? Or are they called connections? Do you wait until you have an interaction? Or if you read someone's profile and you find it interesting do you request?

When I signed up, they had me rate books. I gave all the book I really like 5s. Now seeing there are more nuances... Oh my! So much to learn. I'll read some more of the "how tos" until I get the lay of the land. But excited to connect up with folks who love Middle Grade books as much as I do.

Why do you write for middle grade? I'd love to hear other authors' comments on this. Of all the fiction you could have devoted your writing time to, why MG?

Hello, my name is Brittany, you can call me "Be" if you'd like. I am very excited to connect with new people who love MG as much as I do. I am avid reader and writer of middle grade. Especially some of the more fantasy, adventure and spooky tales.

I am an auntie of 18 kids from ages 1 to 18 years. I am also an big crocheter, crafter, and whistler.

I worked in event planning and student leadership programs in higher education for 10 years and then at my local library until now where I focus just on writing. I got my degree in graphic design and spent the last 14 years continuing my love for that. In addition, I completed my BA degree in English with a focus in professional and creative writing.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Jami wrote: "Hello:

I'm new to GoodReads and am very excited to find this group. I live in California. And have a very demanding cat ;-)

I finished writing book 1 of a Kid's Spy Adventure series about 6 years..."
Hi, welcome to GR and to the group!
About the friend requests: I usually follow first, if I see a cool profile, but sometimes I go ahead and ask for a request.
If you would like to be friends with me her, feel free to send me a request!:)

Zoeslibrary wrote: "About the friend requests: I usually follow first, if I see a cool profile, but sometimes I go ahead and ask for a request.
If you would like to be friends with me her, feel free to send me a request!:)"
Thanks, That is super helpful! And will send a request :-)

Sheila wrote: "Why do you write for middle grade? I'd love to hear other authors' comments on this. Of all the fiction you could have devoted your writing time to, why MG?"

Great question! Kids are smart and curious at this age. And beginning to question authority. Add to that lots of emotional ups and downs, fears of being embarrassed, and the need to fit in, especially for tweens, makes for complex, interesting characters. Plus, ages eleven to thirteen were challenging for me, so I have lots of experience to draw from. :-)

N.P. wrote: "Hello everyone! I'm Nathalie, and I write middle grade fantasy. I'm still trying to figure out how Goodreads works"
Hi. Me too, on both accounts. :-)

Hello, I'm an author of a middle grade science fiction novel (series). Book 1 is Braxton Rogers and the Brave New Beyond. I joined this group to make friends with fellow fans of middle grade fiction, but also to get my novel out to my target audienc. Feel free to follow me or even send a friend request. I am also willing to answer any questions a reader might have about my novel.
How would I go about getting my novel added to the group shelf?

Greatest_ wrote: "Hi! I'm Eli! I'm.... Just a child who likes middle grade(especially fantasy) books? I don't know if I'm allowed on here but.... I am! Anyway, I hope to share and receive many book recommendations!"

Dear Eli, I'm an author and saw this post of yours. Needless to say, I checked your ratings and reviews. Must say, I'm very impressed. You seem like a tough critic. Perhaps you would be interested in checking out my novel,Braxton Rogers and the Brave New Beyond. Its science fiction, but based on your shelf I think you would like it.
If you are interested, have your mother or father email me at [email protected] to give me permission to send you a PDF of my novel. I would love to get your opinion on my work, it would certainly make of a better writer.

Thank you for your time,
Keith

Keith wrote: "Greatest_ wrote: "Hi! I'm Eli! I'm.... Just a child who likes middle grade(especially fantasy) books? I don't know if I'm allowed on here but.... I am! Anyway, I hope to share and receive many book..."

Hello! I would love to review you're work! The book seems delightful, and I always enjoy criticism! I'll E-mail you back when I get the chance, but first, a quick question:

Is your book part of a series, or is it planned to have a sequel?

If you could get back to me on this, I'd appreciate it. Like I said, I'll E-mail you once I get the chance!
Sincerely, Eli

Welcome new comers!

Hi I’m mannat I’m a fellow Aussie (I’m eating Tim tams while writing this) and I have loved reading since I was 4 and I had a question are non moderators allowed to create discussion topic things

Yes, anyone can start a thread. If you have a question or a book you'd like to discuss, you can find the appropriate place to start a new topic. Or browse the existing threads to see if there's already a thread and revive it!

Hi peeps,

MG and YA author from Australia. I'm a bit of a social media recluse so have only just realized how important this site and making up for lost time. Hope to learn lots from all of you. Please feel free to be-friend me on here - as I said I'm waaay behind the eight-ball!

Alix wrote: "Hi Everyone,
My name is Alix Sloan. I am an author but I promise to follow the rules ;-) I also love reading Middle Grade and look forward to finding book recommendations and learning what educato..."

Hi Alix! That's my plan too!

Welcome to all the new people!

Eli_ wrote: "J.K. wrote: "Eli wrote: "Hi! I'm Eli! I'm.... Just a child who likes middle grade(especially fantasy) books? I don't know if I'm allowed on here but.... I am! Anyway, I hope to share and receive ma..."

Endling Series by Kathrine Applegate sounds great - I"m going to check it out too! Shades of His Dark Materials maybe?

Zoeslibrary wrote: "Hi everyone!
I'm Zoe and middle grade is my favorite genre, although I do read a lot of YA, and I really like memoirs. I have a middle grade book review podcast and I'm exited to meet you all, fell..."

Hi Zoe,

Look forward to your recommends - and maybe to send you some books to review further down the line :-)

Terry wrote: "Hi!

I'm a writer, so of course I came here because I want something!

My book is written in more of an older style voice, like C. S. Lewis or E. Nesbit. I switch points of view with some omniscien..."

Hi Terry,
I think that's a great question. I'm a writer too and as I get older I too am aware that language changes so rapidly - and cultural references etc. I'm guessing that if you are writing fantasy and creating your own worlds its not such an issue - harder to get away with when you are writing about contemporary kids. I even look back at books I wrote 10 years ago and cringe because they seem so out of date. And I wonder if books like LOTR - and even Harry Potter - are so enduring in part due to the fact that they in are not overly vernacular in style?

N.P. wrote: "Hello everyone! I'm Nathalie, and I write middle grade fantasy. I'm still trying to figure out how Goodreads works and only just discovered that there are "groups" here, so I thought I would check ..."

Hi Nathalie! Welcome!

Jami wrote: "Hello:

I'm new to GoodReads and am very excited to find this group. I live in California. And have a very demanding cat ;-)

I finished writing book 1 of a Kid's Spy Adventure series about 6 years..."

Hi Jami! Welcome. I don't really have much idea how this works either but we can figure it out together!

Hello Everyone! I am Julian, and I live in San Diego. I am a writer.
I had a ten-year hiatus from Goodreads and writing, and I am re-learning it.
This group was created after I left, so seeing an MG Oriented Group was excellent!
Anyway, I will post my stuff in the correct section. I just wanted to say hi!

Julian wrote: "Hello Everyone! I am Julian, and I live in San Diego. I am a writer.
I had a ten-year hiatus from Goodreads and writing, and I am re-learning it.
This group was created after I left, so seeing an..."

Hi!

Hello all. I need to spend more time on here. I am a paranormal author and have been working on a new book. Nice to connect with all of you.

Hello, I'm Michael J. Piatt from Cincinnati, OH. I am starting as an author after a lengthy career as a technologist in industry. I have two children and three grandchildren who are now teenagers. I am hopeful that my personal experiences as an inventor and creative thinker will help others.

Lorraine wrote: "Hello all."

Welcome, Lorraine!

Michael wrote: "Hello, I'm Michael ..."

Hey, there, Michael!

Hi everyone. I am a middle school reading teacher, book blogger and aspiring middle grade author. I have subscribed to the middle grade carousel blog for a few years, but last month was the first time I participated in the monthly challenge. That's when I realized there's a goodreads group too. Excited to hear about everyone's recommendations.

Hi Nicole, We'll be interested in you choices as well. I am currently reading 'Daughters of the Lamp' by Nedda Lewers. An American girl with Egyptian heritage on her mother's side, travels with her dad for a family wedding to Cairo. I've learned so much about that culture through the eyes of the main character's first experiences as she and her cousins solve a mystery of a questionable aunt-to-be. Loving it so far. What are you reading?
Welcome. Debby

Nicole wrote: "Hi everyone..."

Good to have you here, Nicole!

Hi, I'm Joe Dawson, the middle-grade fantasy/ fairytale author of The Goodness Potion and its Side-Effects, Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to getting to know more middle-grade readers and authors!
Thanks!

Hi! I am Emily Schaub. I am a kindergarten teacher at a Christian school in the state of Iowa in the USA. This school year I will make the jump to teaching third grade. I would love to see suggestions on books for my students and I to enjoy during read-aloud time and others for students to read independently. Thanks!