As a parent, it can be tricky to know when your middle schooler is ready to transition from reading middle-grade books to reading young adult books. While there is no exact age at which this transition should take place, there are certain factors you can consider to help you make the decision.
Here is just a sample of the questions parents of middle schoolers google:
- What is the appropriate age for reading IT by Stephen King?
- Is The Shining book age-appropriate?
- What is an appropriate age to read the Chronicles of Narnia to your child?
- What reading level is The Hobbit?
As you can see, you’re not the only one with questions!
Let’s break down book age groups and give you some tips on determining if your middle schooler is ready for young adult books…
What are the different book age groups?
When it comes to book age groups, there are several different categories that you may encounter. These include young children’s books, middle-grade books, and young adult books. Each of these book age groups is designed for a specific audience, with different topics and styles tailored towards different age ranges.
A picture book targeted toward young children will typically be relatively simple and easy to read, focusing on nursery rhymes, alphabet letters, or fairy tales.
Chapter books are usually aimed at elementary-age children; though, of course, there are always exceptions. They tend to have fewer illustrations, and the text is generally broken up into chapters, hence the name. Chapter books often have more complex plots than picture books, and they can introduce new vocabulary in a way that’s still accessible. They’re also a good option for reluctant readers, as they can be picked up and put down more quickly than longer novels. So if you’re not quite ready for a full-blown book, a chapter book might be just the thing.
Middle-grade books are generally geared toward children ages 8-12. These books often feature longer stories with more complex themes and characters, and they may be written as fiction or nonfiction, depending on the topic at hand.
Finally, young adult books are generally intended for older teens who desire to read more mature storylines or themes. These works may delve into subjects like romance or social issues in greater detail.
When should your tween transition to young adult books?
As a parent of a tween, you’ll hit a point where your kid grows bored of middle-grade books. It could be that the themes don’t resonate with them anymore, or it could be that they’ve intellectually and emotionally matured beyond that book age group.
Here are three ways to tell if your tween is ready:
1. Look at the Book Age Group or Intended Audience
Most young adult books are geared towards readers 12 and up. If your tween is close to this age, they may be ready to start reading young adult books.
You can find a book’s intended audience on Amazon (under book info) or Common Sense Media.
For example, let’s consider the popular book The Hunger Games.
Amazon puts the book’s age group at 10+ with a grade level of 7-9th.
Common Sense Media is a site with age-based media reviews. It says this about The Hunger Games:
(Age 12+) Parents need to know that The Hunger Games is a story about a reality show where 24 teens must kill one another until only one survives. The main Hunger Games series of three books was adapted into four movies starring Jennifer Lawrence. Your kid’s readiness for this kind of shocking premise depends on their ability to read for a deeper meaning. There are many layers to discuss, including how compassion, humanity, bravery, and strength of character are the seeds of rebellion and hope for oppressed people.
Common Sense Media
2. Check out the book’s content for yourself.
Some young adult books contain more mature themes than others. If you’re not sure if the book is appropriate for your tween, take a look at its summary or reviews to understand its content better.
Ask around and speak to other parents to see if they’ve read the book. This will help you gauge the book’s themes (and if your tween can handle them).
3. Ask them what they’re interested in reading & trust your gut.
If your tween expresses an interest in reading young adult books, it’s a good sign that they’re ready for this type of material. You want your middle schooler to read for leisure because it’s vital for their intellectual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal development.
If you’re not sure whether your tween is ready to start reading young adult books, here are a few questions you can ask your tween:
What book are you reading right now, and what do you think of it?
This will give you a sense of their current reading level and interests. If they’re struggling with a book meant for their age group, it may not be time to move up yet.
What book did you like the most that you’ve read in the past year?
This question can help you gauge their taste in books and their ability to engage with more complex stories.
What book do you want to read next?
This will give you a sense of their current interests and their motivation for reading. If they’re excited about a book considered young adult, it’s probably a good fit for them.
Trust your gut. In the end, you know your tween best. If you think they’re ready to read young adult books, let them give it a try. There’s no harm in letting them read a book meant for an older audience, as long as you’re comfortable with the book’s content.
See Six Ways to Get Your Tween Excited About Reading.
What are some common themes and issues in the young adult book age group?
There is no doubt that the young adult genre is one of the most popular and influential book categories. With its themes of coming-of-age discovery, interpersonal conflict, and challenge against a larger backdrop, YA literature often hits upon issues and topics that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. And while these themes appear in many different settings, several common threads regularly emerge in YA fiction.
One recurring theme that is central to many YA novels is growing up. Whether in a dystopian future or a small town, this theme typically involves coming to terms with one’s changing identity as a person moves from childhood into adulthood.
Conflicts such as friendship, family relationships, and romance are also part of this journey.
Another common theme in YA fiction is confronting adversity and standing up for what you believe in. This can include everything from struggling to survive on an alien planet to resisting prejudice during high school to saving the world from evil forces.
Whatever your child’s book age group may be, chances are you’ll come across variations of these themes, but they’re particularly prevalent in young adult literature.
What are some excellent young adult books for middle schoolers to read?
Middle school readers are often stuck in the middle when it comes to book age groups. They’re too old for middle-grade books, but they’re not quite ready for the challenges of true adult literature. Fortunately, there are plenty of great young adult books perfect for middle schoolers. These books offer engaging stories and complex characters while keeping the language and concepts accessible to younger readers.
Some of our favorites include:
Every generation, at the coming of the Blood Moon, seven families in the remote city of Ilvernath each name a champion to compete in a tournament to the death.
The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world―one thought long depleted.
But this year a scandalous tell-all book has exposed the tournament and thrust the seven new champions into the worldwide spotlight. The book also granted them valuable information previous champions never had―insight into the other families’ strategies, secrets, and weaknesses. And most important, it gave them a choice: accept their fate or rewrite their legacy.
No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he’s got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect—until the night someone takes things too far.
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least win her first battle. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill. But it’s hard to get your come up when you’re labeled a hoodlum at school, and your fridge at home is empty after your mom loses her job. So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first song, which goes viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.
Bri soon finds herself at the center of a controversy, portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. But with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri doesn’t just want to make it—she has to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be.
Aza Holmes never intended to pursue the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake, and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Pickett’s son Davis.
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.
You can find more ideas here and here.
How can you help your tween find new books to read?
Here are a few strategies that can help you find book suggestions that are appropriate for your middle-schooler:
One way to identify appropriate books for your middle-schooler is to check the book’s age group. Most booksellers and libraries categorize books by age group, giving you a general sense of whether a book is appropriate for your child. However, keep in mind that every child is different, and some may be ready for more mature content than others.
Another strategy is to look for book recommendations online. Several websites provide book recommendations for readers of all ages, and many of these sites allow you to search by age group. This can be a great way to find new titles you may not have considered otherwise.
Finally, don’t forget to ask your child’s teacher or librarian for suggestions. They likely have a good sense of your child’s interests and reading level, and they can point you towards some great titles that your middle-schooler is sure to love.
No matter what book age group your middle-schooler is in, there are plenty of excellent titles for them to enjoy. And who knows? You might even find a few new favorites yourself! By using some of the strategies above, you can easily find perfect titles for your child’s interests and reading level.
In Sum…
As your child moves from childhood into adulthood, they need to read books that reflect the challenges and experiences they are facing. Fortunately, plenty of great young adult books offer engaging stories and complex characters. These books can help your middle-schooler explore new ideas and better understand the world around them.
If you’re looking for book recommendations, check the book’s age group, look for online book lists, and ask your child’s teacher or librarian. With so many great titles out there, you’re sure to find some new favorites that your middle-schooler will love.
What are some of your favorite young adult books? Let us know in the comments below!