Middle-grade books are designed for youth ages 8 through 12 or 3rd through 6th grade.
So, middle-grade fiction is an age range, and therefore, you can find any genre: fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, realistic fiction, etc.
The target audience is independent and confident readers. Some books still have some illustrations in the text. Though MG books can involve tough topics like death, addiction, mental health, and abuse, it typically does not have foul language or in-depth, gritty details.
Here you will find chapter books for young advancing readers (age 7-11) and those books are typically not much longer than 100 pages, middle-grade books of course, and some upper middle-grade books (age 12+) but those can not be categorized as Young Adults.
I think it’s essential for you and your tweens to identify what kind of genres they like.
No matter which genre your tweens like, it’s crucial to have fun reading! Paige enjoys reading all kinds of genres, but her favorite genres are historical fiction and fantasy, while Laly prefers realistic fiction and the format of graphic novels.
Fantasy
Stories that are made up and include ideas that could not happen in real life, often involving magical or supernatural elements, such as talking animals.
Historical fiction
Stories that didn’t really happen but are based on events in history. They’re perfect for kids who love to explore the past and are often full of big adventures.
Horror fiction
Stories that are deliciously spooky without being too Deliciously spooky stories without being too terrifying; no jump scares and gore. Just gripping stories full of zombies, haunted houses, and ghosts.
Mystery
Stories that involve a secret or crime that needs to be solved, usually by the end of the story.
Nonfiction
Books based on facts, real events, and real people. In this genre, you will find also Auto/biography; These books are great not only for reading but for inspiring!
Poetry
A genre with verses that may or may not rhyme is written to evoke a feeling from a reader. Usually a quick read, this genre became more and more popular lately.
Realistic fiction
Stories that are made up but could happen in real life. These stories often occur in settings familiar to your child — like schools.
Science fiction
Stories that are not very likely to happen in real life but are generally set in the future and tie in with science and technology.
Sources:
Middle-Grade Fiction and Collection Development: Everything You Need to Know to Help Pre-Teens Transition into Teen Readers, AUGUST 13, 2020 BY KAREN JENSEN, https://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/
A Kid-Friendly Guide to Different Reading Genres, JODIE RODRIGUEZ, AUG 09, 2019, https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/kid-friendly-guide-to-new-reading-genres.html
