Following my graduation from Miami University in May 2025, I will begin working full-time as a copywriter for Kohl’s. In addition to launching my professional career, I plan to continue pursuing my passion for storytelling by writing and publishing my own middle-grade novel. This work-in-progress, Kimmy Keene Redraws Reality, has been directly shaped by the insights and analysis gained through this research project.
This project has strengthened my critical thinking by requiring me to analyze literature through both a creative and academic lens. I began with a broad understanding of what makes a middle-grade novel impactful and successful, but through close reading and thematic mapping, I identified consistent patterns in character development, thematic delivery, and stylistic choices across diverse stories. I learned to evaluate how authors balance complexity with accessibility for young readers. This allowed me to draw nuanced conclusions about what makes middle-grade fiction successful and relevant.
This project deepened my understanding of how middle-grade fiction can serve as a powerful tool for equity and inclusion. By analyzing a diverse selection of bestselling novels, I explored how authors introduce young readers to perspectives outside their own, often through protagonists of different races, family structures, cultures, sexualities, and abilities. These narratives not only reflect a broader range of lived experiences, but also challenge systems of inequity by normalizing difference and encouraging empathy. I gained a deeper appreciation for how representation on the page influences a reader’s sense of belonging and understanding of the world. As a future author, this research has strengthened my commitment to writing stories that are inclusive and grounded in authenticity.
This project enhanced my ability to clearly explain the literary techniques and narrative strategies that authors use to convey complex ideas to young readers. Through analyzing these novels, I developed a deeper understanding of how to articulate genre patterns in ways that are insightful and accessible. This ability to break down and communicate layered literary concepts is a valuable skill for both academic and professional settings. This research will improve the way I write about complex themes when drafting my own middle-grade novel.