Content ok for a MG?

renaissancewoman · Jun 11, 2009

I have a secondary plot element that involves a romance. It is not the MC, but more like an older sister type character. The romance plot is secondary and very general, no physical stuff at all. It is very clean and innocent. This is ok, right?

I am second guessing this element, but it does add demension to the resolution of the main plot arc so I hope I can keep it in. I am thinking it works because the MC is fourteen so romantic relationships would be something that would interest and intrigue her even if she doesn't understand all of the complexities.

But, if I am reading the genre right, the actual readers of MG are a bit younger than the MC, say 11+ or so? If so, are there ever any gentle romances involving an MC in MG at all?

suki · Jun 11, 2009

renaissancewoman said:
I have a secondary plot element that involves a romance. It is not the MC, but more like an older sister type character. The romance plot is secondary and very general, no physical stuff at all. It is very clean and innocent. This is ok, right?

I am second guessing this element, but it does add demension to the resolution of the main plot arc so I hope I can keep it in. I am thinking it works because the MC is fourteen so romantic relationships would be something that would interest and intrigue her even if she doesn't understand all of the complexities.

But, if I am reading the genre right, the actual readers of MG are a bit younger than the MC, say 11+ or so? If so, are there ever any gentle romances involving an MC in MG at all?

Upper MG can tolerate romantic elements, but make sure they are story-driven - ie, it moves the plot and is necessary to have the older sister's romance in the story.

Also, it sounds like you have a female MC and so I think it's less of a concern. But if this were a book that booksellers/librarians would want to push toward upper MG boy readers, then too much romance can turn them off...

~suki

MsJudy · Jun 11, 2009

Clean romance is fine when it belongs to the story.

THE PENDERWICKS by Jeanne Birdsall is a good example of an MG book that includes a little romance. The POV alternates between four sisters, and the oldest girl has a major crush on a teenage boy. You should check it out, see how it compares to what you have in mind.

Given that you're talking about an older sister, not the main character, it's fine - as long as you keep it clean. MG can tolerate a certain level of gritty reality and fantastical violence, but absolutely NO SEX ever. Or even the hint of it, usually.

renaissancewoman · Jun 11, 2009

Thanks for the advice y'all. I really enjoyed THE PENDERWICKS, forgot about that one!

The romance in my story is very much just observed from afar and is gentle.

However, the storyline does move the main plot forward and I'm glad I can keep it or I would've had some scrambling to do.

Content ok for a MG?

renaissancewoman

suki

Opinionated

MsJudy

renaissancewoman