Understanding the Middle Grade Audience

Issue 2: Writing for Generation Alpha

Over the last few years, many people have talked about Middle-Grade audiences. However, I hope this doesn't come across as a little prideful, but I'm a little disappointed with some of what’s been said.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Not to get into all my issues with what is being said in the industry, but I think the best source for understanding this new generation of readers is listening to the ones raising them. Parents, teachers, and school librarians, you will learn more about connecting with readers in this age range than you will by listening to any Middle-Grade publishing expert. And while I don't consider myself an expert, I include myself here.

When writing a middle-grade story, one must understand that you are writing a book for kids from the beginning. That's the first rule one must get. I want you to forget (just for a second) everything your writing instructors have taught you, all the things your critique partners point out, and understand that your primary audience is children.

That sounds like common sense. But it can often be difficult to remember when you're over-editing, writer's brain takes over in the middle of a story. So drill that down deep.

So, with that in mind, let me point out three rules to remember when writing for Generation Alpha

• Simplify your language and sentence structure with shorter works

• Make Kids the central perspective or POV

• And push the lessons you want to teach to the back

First – What is generation Alpha?

Children born in Generation Alpha are the first generation to be born entirely in the 21st century. These are kids born between 2010 – 2025, which means they are still growing. These are the future of Middle-Grade fiction and YA publishing over the next fifteen to twenty years, and understanding this new target audience is key to finding success as an author. 

Generation Alpha burst onto the scene the same year Apple launched its iPad, Instagram debuted, and the word "app" became the word of the year. Generation Alpha are surrounded by tech from the moment of birth. In many cases, this is the first generation to have nearly every unique moment of their life publically documented on social media. Insert quick apology to my kids here.

While living in a world where they know nothing but the idea of being plugged in can have significant advantages, it can also have disadvantages- such as shorter attention spans and possibly delayed social development. 

Oh, and one other important point. These are the kids of Millennials. 

I could spend hours talking about the research I've done on this new generation, but for the time, I'll leave you with a few links and articles I think would be beneficial for you.

 So What Does this Mean for Authors Writing Middle Grade

Every writer understands that knowing your target audience is key to reaching new readers. But my personal feeling is that books aren't adapting. I'm not claiming to have figured it out, but I'm trying to. Below are three keys to what I plan to do with my middle-grade books going forward. 

Move to Shorter Works with simple words and sentences.

Kids in the 9 to 12 age range are smart. And the kids that are about to move into that age range, I predict will be even smarter when it comes to digital tech. We have just spent an entire year (and in several cases and places) having kids plugged in virtually to get schooling. Kids still struggle because of the habits 2020 built. This means we need to understand that with the digital competition of entertainment, kid's attention spans are shorter than they have ever been. 

Yes, Middle-grade readers are still learning to read, decipher words, and develop comprehension. They can understand the quest they are taking in Minecraft, but stick a book in front of them, and they look at it like it's a plate of Brussels sprouts. (Which is why I believe ebooks among middle-grade readers is about to explode)

Now I know what many are thinking. Well, this isn't my kid. Some are saying I limit my kid's screen time. My kids like physical books. Etc. etc. Well, understand this. And I say this meaning no offense. Your kids are in the minority. 

The first rule in bad marketing is to assume that everyone thinks, behaves, and acts the same way you do. They don't. And if you want to reach this generation of readers, you can't look at your kids necessarily. 

It would be best if you wrote shorter. Some say middle-grade books can get anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 words. I think a new success will be around 30,000 words… Why…? You need to target reluctant readers in love with the digital world. 

Keep your stories short. Limit over description. Make sure there is lots of white space.

Intentionally use simpler language and sentences with a fast-moving plot. Strive to place words with fewer syllables. And yes- Don't be afraid to use fragmented sentences.

Make Kids the central perspective or POV.

Above I told you that you were writing for kids. But most importantly, you're writing a story for kids who want to be entertained. Therefore, you must understand that kids- not their parents- need to be the hero/heroine of the story. The main character needs to make their own decisions, mistakes, and triumphs. Older characters, especially adults, should never over shadow them.

One trick I've learned to keep kids at the center of the story is to make the parents and other adults utterly useless. Maybe they don't believe the kids, or perhaps they are off doing some pointless task with little to do with the story. The point is that adults should never be the ones to solve the problem. Kids want to read about kids facing enormous problems, facing their fears, and then climbing out of whatever pit they've been dropped in. 

By presenting the story through the tight POV of a child, we can teach kids to face fears, solve unexpected issues (to an extent) and build up their self-confidence. This is the magic part of writing middle-grade fiction that we should all embrace. 

I know this sounds like common sense. But I can't tell you how many times I've critiqued a middle-grade story where the kids are always dependent on the adult. If you're writing middle grade, make sure your kid characters are still front, center, and active.

Push the lessons you want to teach- to the back.

One mistake I've seen some new middle-grade authors making is allowing the theme or life lesson they want to teach kids to overtake the story. Yes, even I feel I did this with my Iggy & Oz story: The Soda Pop Wars. Young readers read first and foremost either because they are being told to, or they want to be entertained. Personally, I think kids know when they are getting a message-driven story, and when they spot it, they'll shut it and move on to something else. Yes, we want to use our stories to teach kids important lessons on life. But no matter what happens, never sacrifice character and/or plot. Keep the kids engaged throughout the story. 

I wish I could sit here and tell you I have it figured out. I don't. There isn't a magic button one can push. This genre is always changing. But I think this genre is about to explode over the next few years. I'm excited about where it is heading. What I share above are a few of my observations. You may disagree- and that is fine. The magic of writing is: There is no one way.