As we look for books for our children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews etc., it is good to know what to look for. I have had many people ask me what the difference is between Middle Grade and Young Adult novels. Laura Backes of Childrens Book Insider gives the inside information. “It’s often difficult for writers to know whether they’re creating a middle grade novel (ages 8-12), or a book for young adults (12 and up). Because many of the themes and situations are similar for the two age groups, authors go by the age of the main character: if the protagonist is under 12, it’s middle grade; over 12 means young adult. But the differences are more complicated than that.”

What really defines a Middle Grade book? Laura goes on to explain, “Middle grade novels are characterized by the type of conflict encountered by the main character. Children in the primary grades are still focused inward, and the conflicts in their books reflect that. While themes range from friendship to school situations to relationships with siblings and peers, characters are learning how they operate within their own world. They are solidifying their own identity, experiencing the physical and psychological changes of puberty, taking on new responsibilities all within the boundaries of their family, friends and neighborhood. Yes, your character needs to grow and change during the course of the book, but these changes are on the inside. Middle grade readers are beginning to learn who they are, what they think. Their books need to mirror their personal experience.” One example of this type of book is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

What defines a Young Adult novel?
Many of the same elements found in Middle Grade novels are found in Young Adult novels. Laura explains next how characters are also very important in these novels. “Characters are also a key element to young adult novels, but these books often have more complicated plots than those for middle grade. Protagonists experience an internal change, but this change is triggered by external events and fits into a bigger picture. They begin to step outside themselves and see how they influence, and are influenced by, the larger world. They go beyond their backyard and encounter adult problems for the first time. In Suzanne Fisher Staples’ novel Dangerous Skies, 12-year-old Buck Smith is suddenly made aware of the racial hatred and prejudice entrenched in his small Southern town when his best friend is a suspect in a murder investigation. By the end of the book, Buck has lost his innocence and his eyes are opened to the ethical shortcomings of his family and the neighbors he has known all his life.”

How do you go about picking the best book now that you know the difference between the two genres of books?
1. Pick a topic that your tween/teen is interested in.
2. Give books that highlight characters her/his same age or biographies of her/his hero.
3. Look for books that mesh with topics and eras the she/he studies in school.

Most importantly, choosing the right book for each child shows you know his interests and want to further his/her love of reading.