Viewing Post from: From the Mixed-Up Files...of Middle-Grade Authors
From the Mixed-Up Files is the group blog of middle-grade authors celebrating books for middle-grade readers. For anyone with a passion for children’s literature—teachers, librarians, parents, kids, writers, industry professionals— we offer regularly updated book lists organized by unique categories, author interviews, market news, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a children's book from writing to publishing to promoting.
I’ve read some sad middle-grade books lately. I mean sad. Books about war, separation, poverty, judging, death. It’s no secret that today’s middle-grade books tackle some serious topics, that authors aren’t afraid to stare down the very same monsters our readers … Continue reading →
An interesting topic, and you are so right about how important it is for the ending to be true, even if it’s hard. My son loved and grieved Pax. He actually read the last two pages out loud to me, I think because he was just trying to process it. But it felt right to him.
Can’t wait to read your new book!
I like stories that end the way they should rather than tied up neatly with a happy dance at the end. This is certainly a topic writers should think hard about. Thanks for an interesting post.
Both of these are on my bookshelf and I’ve been putting them off because I know they’ll break my heart. But you’re so right about a story’s ending ringing true–that’s more important than achieving a happily-ever-after.