English: Creative Writing

Advised by Joseph Bates

Theme was perhaps the hardest element of this research project to capture, as there are little restrictions on what is a common or appropriate theme and how an author conveys these themes. 

In middle grade fiction, themes can be presented in more direct or more subtle ways, often depending on the subgenre. Realistic fiction tends to explore its themes through grounded, everyday situations. For example, Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston deals with family and responsibility through the real-life struggles of its main character. Fantasy stories, like Creatures of the In Between by Cindy Lin, often use magical or imaginary settings to explore themes like leadership and bravery in a more symbolic or indirect way. This variety shows how the middle grade genre can approach important ideas in different ways, making space for both realism and imagination to help young readers think about the world around them. 

Thematic intensity can vary significantly, not only across different novels but also within the subplots of a single narrative. Shark Teeth was perhaps the most intense novel out of the selected books, addressing complex issues such as parental alcoholism and its emotional repercussions for the protagonist, Sharkita. At the same time, the novel also incorporates lighter, more universally relatable themes, including first crush, insecurities around appearance, and participation in extracurricular activities. This range in thematic intensity suggests the flexibility of the middle grade novel as a genre—capable of engaging readers with age-appropriate explorations of serious real-world issues while still offering moments of levity, relatability, and emotional growth. 

Across the diverse narratives, themes, and subgenres examined in this project, consistent patterns in character development emerged. A typical middle-grade character arc can be mapped through the following stages: the protagonist’s core belief, a disruptive inciting event, attempts to restore that belief, unintended consequences, relinquishment of the belief, and personal growth. 

Protagonist's core belief: The protagonist starts with a deeply held conviction about themselves, others, or the world that is an integral part of their identity. It shapes their identity and choices, making it emotionally significant and resistant to change. 

Inciting event: a disruptive moment, typically occurring outside the protagonist’s control, challenges the stability of their world and, more importantly, shakes their core belief, forcing them to respond in an effort to preserve it. 

Restoration attempts: Uncomfortable in their new situation, the protagonist makes misguided and increasingly desperate attempts to return things to how they once were, all while subconsciously encountering new information that further challenges their core belief. The reader can often recognize before the protagonist that their belief is flawed and needs to be abandoned for true growth to occur. 

Unintended consequences: The protagonist's plan is successful, but at a cost. The outcome falls short of their expectations or even makes the situation worse. In this moment, they are faced with the realization that their previous core belief was flawed and must be revised.

Growth and resolution: Having let go of their core belief in favor of a more nuanced understanding of themselves and the world, the protagonist reaches a resolution that brings a sense of acceptance, demonstrating that growth comes from embracing change. 

The narrator carries the burden of conveying ideas that young readers might have a difficult time identifying or explaining due to their complexity. When a novel is written in the first person, the protagonist often needs to demonstrate a heightened vocabulary, level of perception, reflection, and emotional intelligence—typically beyond what is developmentally typical for a ten- to fourteen-year-old. If these qualities are not inherent to the character, or if they are acquired gradually over the course of the narrative, a third-person point of view may be more appropriate. This narrative distance allows the author to provide insight and draw thematic connections that the protagonist might not be equipped to articulate independently, ultimately supporting the reader’s understanding of the story’s deeper meanings. 

Tone is a key element of an author’s writing style that helps strike the balance between accessibility and complexity. A more quippy, lighthearted tone can make emotionally or conceptually difficult content feel more approachable for young readers without minimizing serious issues, such as in Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson. It mirrors the way many middle-grade readers process and talk about their own experiences, helping to keep the story engaging even when serious themes are at play. A more serious, reflective tone invites readers to slow down and consider the emotional weight or complexity of a situation. Authors might choose this tone to authentically reflect a character’s growth, the gravity of a situation, or the emotional realism of the theme. By carefully selecting tone, authors shape how readers experience the story—whether through laughter, introspection, or empathy—while still keeping the narrative emotionally honest and entertaining.