The Lasting Impressions of Middle Grade Text by Briana Asmus
| Dr. Briana Asmus is Assistant Professor and Director of the Literacy Program in the School of Education at Aquinas College. She recently returned to higher education after teaching high school multilingual students in Kalamazoo, MI. She has taught in South Korea, Japan, and China where she also designed and lead instruction in bilingual summer programs. She currently enjoys helping pre-service teachers inspire a love of literacy & literature with their students. |  |
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “middle grade fiction”?
Maybe you remember something you read in upper elementary or middle school during a pivotal developmental time. Perhaps you think of something that gave voice to your emotional self, like Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, or Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.
Not unlike YAL, the “middle grade” genre can create strong impressions on readers with the use of authentic voice, emotion, and relatable protagonists.* This group of texts is intended for ages 8-12 years old, or approximately 3rd through 7th grade, however, I have noticed that older students might find MG texts more accessible than YAL for a number of reasons, including relatable themes, a generally shorter length, and a simpler syntax.
Two years ago I was in the high school classroom. The demand for several middle grade texts from the student body convinced the librarian, Tonya Colvin, to find a way to add them to the collection, even though they were not intended for a high-school readership. In our ESL classroom, we had a small choice library of 3 tall bookcases containing books that spanned all ages and reading levels. The middle grade books were among the most popular. According to students, this was because they enjoyed stories focused on friendship and family relationships. The multiple representations of adolescence in MG texts is appealing, and their format makes them more accessible to readers in the language learning process.
Currently, I direct the literacy program in the School of Education at Aquinas College. The courses are meant to prepare preservice teachers to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills across content areas. When we get to the “Upper Elementary Literacy” course, we look for texts that check multiple boxes, that bridge elementary and middle grades, build on foundational skills like fluency and comprehension, and foster an enduring love of reading. The following posts reveal the books these soon-to-be teachers found in their search, and everything that middle grade fiction is capable of.
Happy reading!
*For more on the similarities and differences of MG and YA, please see this fantastic article by Krystle Appiah.
Maybe you remember something you read in upper elementary or middle school during a pivotal developmental time. Perhaps you think of something that gave voice to your emotional self, like Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, or Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.
Not unlike YAL, the “middle grade” genre can create strong impressions on readers with the use of authentic voice, emotion, and relatable protagonists.* This group of texts is intended for ages 8-12 years old, or approximately 3rd through 7th grade, however, I have noticed that older students might find MG texts more accessible than YAL for a number of reasons, including relatable themes, a generally shorter length, and a simpler syntax.
Two years ago I was in the high school classroom. The demand for several middle grade texts from the student body convinced the librarian, Tonya Colvin, to find a way to add them to the collection, even though they were not intended for a high-school readership. In our ESL classroom, we had a small choice library of 3 tall bookcases containing books that spanned all ages and reading levels. The middle grade books were among the most popular. According to students, this was because they enjoyed stories focused on friendship and family relationships. The multiple representations of adolescence in MG texts is appealing, and their format makes them more accessible to readers in the language learning process.
Currently, I direct the literacy program in the School of Education at Aquinas College. The courses are meant to prepare preservice teachers to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills across content areas. When we get to the “Upper Elementary Literacy” course, we look for texts that check multiple boxes, that bridge elementary and middle grades, build on foundational skills like fluency and comprehension, and foster an enduring love of reading. The following posts reveal the books these soon-to-be teachers found in their search, and everything that middle grade fiction is capable of.
Happy reading!
*For more on the similarities and differences of MG and YA, please see this fantastic article by Krystle Appiah.
The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis by Krista Fairchild, Avery Burk, and Kennedy Guild
This post is written by future Elementary teachers Krista Fairchild (left), Avery Burk (middle), and Kennedy Guild (right). Krista enjoys spending her time reading romance books. Avery also likes to spend her time reading books, specifically in the romance genre and you can find Kennedy reading mystery books.
The Secret Lake is engaging, promotes imagination and curiosity, and teaches empathy and understanding to students. This book is a great pick for 5th-6th graders looking for something fun and adventurous to read.
The Secret Lake is engaging, promotes imagination and curiosity, and teaches empathy and understanding to students. This book is a great pick for 5th-6th graders looking for something fun and adventurous to read.
Plot
Tom (8) and Stella (11) are brother and sister. They recently moved from Hong Kong to London, and have yet to meet new friends. They spend their time playing outside in their neighborhood's garden. Harry, their neighbor's dog, is always missing. One day when Harry returned, they decided to follow his tracks. Upon following, Tom discovers a tunnel that led to a time portal, taking them back to the early 1900’s. The tunnel leads them to the beautiful secret lake. As they explore the lake and surrounding area, Stella and Tom meet a couple of lifelong friends, Jack and Emma. Tom and Stella go through many trials with their new friends. Throughout their adventure, they discover their actions can have lifelong effects on the future.
Tom (8) and Stella (11) are brother and sister. They recently moved from Hong Kong to London, and have yet to meet new friends. They spend their time playing outside in their neighborhood's garden. Harry, their neighbor's dog, is always missing. One day when Harry returned, they decided to follow his tracks. Upon following, Tom discovers a tunnel that led to a time portal, taking them back to the early 1900’s. The tunnel leads them to the beautiful secret lake. As they explore the lake and surrounding area, Stella and Tom meet a couple of lifelong friends, Jack and Emma. Tom and Stella go through many trials with their new friends. Throughout their adventure, they discover their actions can have lifelong effects on the future.
| The Secret Lake uses simple and clear language and descriptive imagery. Inglis uses age-appropriate vocabulary that is easy for readers to understand. Vivid descriptions spark imagination, especially in the description of the mysterious garden and the shimmering lake. The Secret Lake has an engaging pace to it. The plot of the story moves fairly quickly, which keeps readers engaged. Shorter chapters that typically end with cliffhangers, making the reader want to keep reading. Students can connect and relate to Tom and Stella’s sibling relationship. The characters are relatable and the plot has mystery, adventure, and exploration, with themes of bravery and friendship. |  |
As we were reading, we were thinking of ways to integrate a writing assignment related to the novel. As a summative assessment, we came up with the writing prompt, “Choose a character from either the past or the present and write a letter to them from the perspective of yourself in 2024.” Using this prompt allows the students to be creative, personable, and use their critical thinking skills. They could relate their writing to the book, or apply their own thinking and ideas, within their own lives.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate by Taylor Lamsma, Alyssa Larson, and Kenzie Jordan
From Left to Right: Taylor Lamsma, Alyssa Larson, and Kenzie Jordan. All born and raised in Michigan. Currently, all 3 are attending Aquinas College in pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education.
The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, is a heartwarming story about a silverback gorilla named Ivan living in captivity at a shopping mall. Ivan observes the world around him with his friends Stella, an elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. One day, a young elephant named Ruby is brought to the mall, and Ivan finds the courage to escape. At the same time, we hear about Ivans's story before he is in captivity.
| This book promotes several themes for young readers, such as empathy, compassion, the concept of different types of families, and the values of friendship and loyalty. Through Ivan's journey, readers are encouraged to see the perspectives and feelings of animals. Ivan, as the main character, offers a unique perspective to children who can explore the idea of empathy and what it would be like to be an animal in captivity. The characters in the story express a wide range of emotional and intellectual depth, which allows young readers to connect with them and to reconsider how they might treat living beings around them. These lessons highlight the importance of showing kindness and respect. As Ivan grows from a solitary, resigned figure into a more hopeful and determined character, he inspires not just the other animals and the readers themselves. The story creates a sense of responsibility, encouraging readers to be more aware of the struggles faced by animals in captivity and to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. |  |
 | The theme of family also plays a significant role in the story, with the book illustrating that family isn't always defined by biological ties. The characters' shared experiences and mutual support show that family is about connection, compassion, and standing together, regardless of background. The story also highlights the differing backgrounds of the characters, particularly through the reflections of Stella and Ivan on their lives before captivity. As they share memories of their pasts, the contrasts and similarities between their experiences help them form a deep bond, not just with one another, but with the reader as well. These shared histories deepen the reader's empathy for animals who have been stolen from their natural habitats and forced into unnatural environments. |
Introducing The One and Only Ivan to a Classroom
This book is a fiction book, meaning it is not true but there are some true stories in it. Ivan was a real gorilla who was caught in Africa. You can watch videos of his real-life experiences to introduce to students before or after reading The One and Only Ivan. The videos show Ivan's experiences at the Mall and how he was alone in his cage for over 20 years. Students can discuss how real-life experiences were similar to the book and how they are different using the links below.
Ivan the gorilla lived alone in a shopping mall for over 20 years (The Urban Gorilla)
Meet Ivan - A Gorilla's Story
This book is a fiction book, meaning it is not true but there are some true stories in it. Ivan was a real gorilla who was caught in Africa. You can watch videos of his real-life experiences to introduce to students before or after reading The One and Only Ivan. The videos show Ivan's experiences at the Mall and how he was alone in his cage for over 20 years. Students can discuss how real-life experiences were similar to the book and how they are different using the links below.
Ivan the gorilla lived alone in a shopping mall for over 20 years (The Urban Gorilla)
Meet Ivan - A Gorilla's Story
Another way you can introduce this book to a classroom of students is by having students watch the 2020 movie adaption of The One and Only Ivan, which is available on Disney+. This way students can visually see the characters and themes in the book. The film focuses on Ivan's life in captivity, his life before and after captivity, and his bond with Ruby the elephant can set the tone before reading this novel. After showing the students the trailer or a scene from the movie, ask students what they think Ivan’s life is like or how he feels about living in captivity. Additionally, there are more books following the characters' lives, The One and Only Bob is the second book, then The One and Only Ruby, and finally, the series ends with The One and Only Family.
Wonder by R.J. Palladio by Jazmine Parada-Soza, Alaria Spilotro, and Ava Pasini
From left to right: Jazmine Parada-Sosa, Alaria Spilotro, Ava Pasini. We are Aquinas College seniors pursuing our undergraduate elementary education certification in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We each have our own literature loves and are avid readers. Alaria enjoys reading Colleen Hoover's books, Jazmine enjoys searching through the library's picture book collection, and Ava is always exploring new authors.
| Wonder by R.J. Palacio is about acceptance, and the story's central message is that kindness can go a long way. It shares the author's belief that everyone is responsible for educating young readers about discrimination and the kindness we should show to others. The two main characters in this heartwarming book are August (Auggie) Pullman and his friend Jack Will. Wonder’s protagonist, Auggie Pullman, is a 10-year-old boy with severe facial deformities. As the story begins, so does Auggie's transition from homeschooling to elementary school. Auggie faces many challenges throughout the school year: isolation, bullying, and self-doubt. Despite these hardships, Auggie learns about resilience, grit, kindness, courage, and loyalty. Auggie is kind and courageous, even as the shy new student undergoing his 27 surgeries, going to school, and learning how to stand up for himself through the support of his friends and family. |  |
Jack Will is a great friend to Auggie but is at the age where peer pressure becomes more intense. As a protector, Jack defends his friends and stands up for them. He shows self-accountability when he feels guilty when he knows he’s making the wrong decision and makes it right by his own choice. Jack’s relationship with Auggie is pure and not formed out of sympathy. Staying Auggie’s friend despite peer pressure developed a kind-hearted friendship and showed who Jack was as a person; he didn’t care what others thought of him by the end of the novel.
Why Wonder?
Wonder encompasses the bright and challenging sides of middle school that young learners must face. While reading, your students can find characters that they truly resonate with. Perhaps they feel isolated and different, like Auggie. Maybe they can relate to Jack, struggling with the desire to fit in. Some may even see themselves in other characters; the bully, the bystander, or the sibling. Wonder holds a mirror for students to see themselves through reading, providing students with an opportunity to gain perspective, confidence, integrity, and compassion.
Correlation with Common Core State Standards
We would like to highlight several standards that we think would match well with the narrative of Wonder.
● RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.
language to convey experiences and events.
Wonder encompasses the bright and challenging sides of middle school that young learners must face. While reading, your students can find characters that they truly resonate with. Perhaps they feel isolated and different, like Auggie. Maybe they can relate to Jack, struggling with the desire to fit in. Some may even see themselves in other characters; the bully, the bystander, or the sibling. Wonder holds a mirror for students to see themselves through reading, providing students with an opportunity to gain perspective, confidence, integrity, and compassion.
Correlation with Common Core State Standards
We would like to highlight several standards that we think would match well with the narrative of Wonder.
● RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.
- Wonder provides a point of view from six different narrators; Auggie, Jack, Via, Summer, Justin, and Miranda. The text is a useful source when covering how the narrator’s point of view affects how events are described.
- This standard can be taught using the range of narrators and characters that Wonder has to offer. Students may choose a character and write about an event that character experienced. Students may also make up an event and imagine how characters would react.
language to convey experiences and events.
- By pulling descriptive phrases and words from the novel, students can describe parts of the text that are integral to the illustration of the story. This creates opportunity for vocabulary expansion and growth in descriptive capability.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan by Megan Hearn, Lydia Harper, and Paigelyn Guernsey
From left to right: Megan, Lydia, Paigelyn
Megan enjoys reading books that spark curiosity in students and is passionate about topics that help students discover more about the world around them. Lydia enjoys reading anything and everything, but most of all, she enjoys sharing this love with students. Paigelyn enjoys working with reluctant readers.
Megan enjoys reading books that spark curiosity in students and is passionate about topics that help students discover more about the world around them. Lydia enjoys reading anything and everything, but most of all, she enjoys sharing this love with students. Paigelyn enjoys working with reluctant readers.
| The Lightning Thief By Rick Riordan is a popular series among students in 5th-8th grade. The story captures the imagination of young readers with its engaging blend of Greek mythology, action-packed adventures, and humor. But beyond this riveting narrative, the book offers a deeper insight on some relatable themes like identity, friendship, and the power of belief. At the heart of the story is Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who feels he doesn’t quite fit in. Percy has both ADHD and dyslexia, which led to learning challenges that set him apart from his peers. These learning differences are often viewed negatively in traditional educational settings, but Percy’s story sheds light on how some of his differences can also be strengths. Riordan’s inspiration for Percy came from his own son, who has ADHD and dyslexia. Percy shows that intelligence and success can be measured in various ways, challenging societal norms and empowering those who may feel misunderstood. Percy, who often feels like an outsider, due to his learning difficulties and complicated family background, eventually learns to accept who he is. This idea of self-acceptance becomes a crucial part of his growth, reminding readers that embracing our true selves can be both freeing and empowering. |  |
The story also teaches valuable life lessons on resilience, perseverance, and friendship. Percy’s wild adventures; whether battling monsters, solving complicated riddles, or navigating friendships, highlight the importance of taking risks, learning from mistakes, and never giving up. Even when faced with failure or expulsion, Percy’s ability to rise above any challenge thrown his way, make him a relatable and inspirational role model for young readers.
As a teacher looking to use The Lightning Thief in an interdisciplinary classroom, the book offers rich opportunities for connecting with subjects like Greek Mythology, Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning, and Learning Disabilities. It invites students into a world that feels familiar, yet infused with a touch of magic, making it an ideal text to foster both academic growth and personal social-emotional development. Beyond the book itself, The Lightning Thief serves as a gateway to engaging students in a lifelong love of reading. Riordan has created a universe that students can explore beyond the page; whether through the original movie adaptation or the more recent Disney+ TV series. These adaptations provide an excellent platform for developing students' critical thinking and analytical skills as they compare and contrast different versions of the story.
The Lightning Thief offers a unique blend of entertainment, educational value, and personal growth. By using Percy Jackson’s story, teachers can inspire students to embrace their differences, challenge the status quo, and view learning in a more inclusive and dynamic way. The book’s themes of identity, friendship, and resilience are not only relevant for young readers but also provide teachers with powerful tools for engaging students in meaningful discussions. Whether read independently or as a class, The Lightning Thief is a story that resonates long after the last page is turned; reminding readers that, like Percy Jackson, everyone has the potential to be a hero in their own story.
Writing Prompts
Ask students to write a personal narrative about a time they faced a challenge or obstacle. How did they grow and learn from this experience? Why was it important for them to have this experience? How did it help their “character development”?
- When was a time you had to step out of your comfort zone?
- Give a specific example of when you faced a difficult decision or challenge.
- What new things have you recently learned about yourself?
Ask students to write a personal narrative about a time they faced a challenge or obstacle. How did they grow and learn from this experience? Why was it important for them to have this experience? How did it help their “character development”?
- When was a time you had to step out of your comfort zone?
- Give a specific example of when you faced a difficult decision or challenge.
- What new things have you recently learned about yourself?
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