From The Mixed Up Files

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome author Ciera Burch back for her second visit to the Mixed-Up Files! Her sophomore MG novel, Camp Twisted Pine, a paranormal fantasy that mixes thrills, chills, and local legend, is out tomorrow, September 17, from Margaret K. McElderry Books. Melissa: Hi, Ciera! Welcome back to the Mixed-Up Files. It’s great to have you here again! Ciera: Great to be back. Thanks so much for having me! Melissa: The last time we chatted, your MG debut, Finch House, was about to be released. Now you have a second MG, Camp Twisted...

The middle grade market has been a bit discouraging lately. Perhaps you read about The Middle Grade Slump in a recent Mixed-Up Files post. Well, we’re back to let you know about two gaps in the middle grade market that present an opportunity for authors. According to agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of the Tobias Agency, “Right now there is a need for middle grade novels that bridge the gaps between age categories.” Dysterhouse identifies two areas where books are needed to help kids transition from one category to the next.  Early Middle Grade According to Dyksterhouse, there is a need for...

As Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to gather some spooky middle-grade reads to get into the eerie spirit! Here’s a roundup of five novels that will have young readers on the edge of their seats—but not too scared to sleep! The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum Why: Rosenbaum...

  Inventions are new ideas or things that people create to make life easier or more fun. They help solve problems and improve how we live, like how light bulbs give us light or airplanes help us fly. Inventions make the world a better and exciting place! How have inventions...

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome author Ciera Burch back for her second visit to the Mixed-Up Files! Her sophomore MG novel, Camp Twisted Pine, a paranormal fantasy that mixes thrills, chills, and local legend, is out tomorrow, September 17, from Margaret K. McElderry Books. Melissa: Hi, Ciera! Welcome back to...

As Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to gather some spooky middle-grade reads to get into the eerie spirit! Here’s a roundup of five novels that will have young readers on the edge of their seats—but not too scared to sleep! The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum Why: Rosenbaum...

Pumpkin spice lattes are back at the coffee shop and school is back in session. It’s September. Time to pick up some new pencils, an uncreased folder, and a nice stack of new middle grade reads to see us through the cooler days. There’s a little something for everyone on...

As Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to gather some spooky middle-grade reads to get into the eerie spirit! Here’s a roundup of five novels that will have young readers on the edge of their seats—but not too scared to sleep! The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum Why: Rosenbaum...