what's the age range for MG?

rosehips · Feb 19, 2011

I thought it was 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, like middle school. But is it actually for younger kids?

alleycat · Feb 19, 2011

Different people have different opinions, but generally around 8 to 12.

Smish · Feb 19, 2011

It varies, but generally the target age is considered to be 8-12.

Check out the Writing for Kids section here at AW.

alleycat · Feb 19, 2011

Three cats in a row!

What do we win?

Smish · Feb 19, 2011

Ha! And it looks like we cross posted.

So, I owe you a coke, and your cat a can of tuna.

rugcat · Feb 19, 2011

My target for my current MG is 11-12. Smart younger readers will also like it. Older readers might, I'm hoping.

But the real secret is to write something that adults will also enjoy reading (HP, anyone?)

Just another cat's opinion.

Kitty Pryde · Feb 19, 2011

Agree with 8-12. Middle grade is not the same as middle school! Some books are written to the lower end of the MG spectrum, usually on the shorter and simpler end of things, and some are written to the higher end and maybe even up to readers age 13 or 14. I tend to like writing for that 8-10 age group, myself

(and one extra Kitty!)

Smish · Feb 19, 2011

And it's also worth noting that kids read up, so most MG characters are in the 10-12 age range. An 8-year-old will read about 12-year-old characters, but few 12-year-olds want to read about 8-year-olds.

:e2cat:

rosehips · Feb 19, 2011

Thanks, all! That clarifies things. Meow!

kellion92 · Feb 20, 2011

I read a great post yesterday about why middle grade is called that:

http://readatouille.blogspot.com/20...howComment=1298212377152#c4730780302068908444

what's the age range for MG?

rosehips

Mr. Boo is watching you.

alleycat

Still around

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

alleycat

Still around

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

rugcat

Lost in the Fog

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

rosehips

Mr. Boo is watching you.

kellion92

A cat may not look at a king