middle grade fantasy novel

A great one is 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle. It has elements of science - fiction mixed with fantasy as the main character travels through different dimensions to save her father. It also deals with themes like love, courage and the battle between light and darkness in a very accessible way for middle grade readers.

Characteristics of middle grade fantasy novels include a sense of wonder. They introduce kids to new and exciting concepts like mythical creatures or magical artifacts. There is often a moral or lesson at the end of the story. The pacing is usually fast - paced to keep the young readers engaged. These novels also tend to have a diverse cast of characters. In 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians', Percy discovers a world full of Greek gods and monsters, and through his adventures, he learns about loyalty and heroism. The books are full of action and the characters come from different backgrounds, which makes it appealing to a wide range of readers.

When writing a query letter for a middle - grade fantasy novel, it's crucial to capture the essence of the magic in your story. Start by stating the title and word count of your novel. Then, go into the plot. Maybe your story is set in a land where animals can talk and the main character, a young girl, is on a quest to find a lost magical jewel that will restore peace. Explain how your story stands out, like if it has a unique magic system or an interesting take on friendship. Include a short bio about yourself, highlighting any experience in writing or working with kids. This will give the recipient an idea of who you are and why they should consider your novel.

The word count for a middle - grade novel often depends on the story itself. If it's a simple adventure with fewer sub - plots, it could be on the lower end, say 20,000 - 30,000 words. But if it has complex characters, multiple plotlines, and a more in - depth world - building, it might be closer to 40,000 - 55,000 words. For example, 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan is around 38,000 words which is a great length for a middle - grade adventure novel.

One popular middle grade fantasy novel is 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series. It's full of Greek mythology and exciting adventures. The main character, Percy, discovers he is a demigod and has to go on quests to save the world.

The length of middle grade fantasy novels can be quite diverse. It depends on various factors such as the complexity of the story, the number of characters, and the level of world - building. Some may be as short as 20,000 words for a very basic and straightforward fantasy aimed at younger middle - graders. On the other hand, a more in - depth and detailed middle grade fantasy could reach 100,000 words. Publishers also play a role in determining the length as they consider marketability and the attention span of the target audience.

One characteristic is the blend of text and images. The pictures not only enhance the story but also can tell parts of it on their own. In 'Zita the Spacegirl', the illustrations show the strange aliens and space settings in a way that words alone couldn't. They also often have a coming - of - age aspect. The young characters in these novels, like in 'Courtney Crumrin', grow and change as they face the challenges of the magical world around them. And they frequently include elements of friendship and loyalty, which are important for middle - grade readers to relate to.

Well, 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' is a great middle grade fantasy. It's about the discovery of a field guide to faeries and the strange and magical things that happen as a result. 'A Wrinkle in Time' is another. It involves time and space travel, with a young girl going on a quest to save her father. And don't forget 'The Secret Garden', which has elements of magic as the garden comes to life.

One of the key elements is the pitch. You need to sell your story in a few sentences. Say something like 'My middle - grade fantasy novel is a thrilling adventure about a group of kids who find a portal to a parallel world filled with mythical beasts. They must use their wits and new - found powers to get back home.' Another important part is showing your knowledge of the middle - grade market. Mention how your story fits in with popular middle - grade fantasy trends, but also what makes it different. And, of course, your contact information should be included so they can reach you if interested.

The characters are very well - developed. From the ghosts in the graveyard to the boy himself, each has its own personality and story. They are complex enough to be interesting but simple enough for the middle - grade audience to understand. For example, Silas, who is both a protector and a mystery. All these elements work together to create a great middle - grade fantasy novel.