On a middle grade blog, I feel the need to confess up front: I love picture books. As a fourth-grade teacher, I read picture books to my class nearly every day. As a mom of two elementary-aged boys, I read picture books to them every day. And as an author of picture books, I read picture books every day! So many picture books, in fact, that when I check out books at my library, they give me a cart to wheel them to my car.
So why am I talking about picture books on a middle-grade blog? Because longer picture books can be “gateway” books for our middle grade readers–particularly our more reluctant readers. I think of gateway books as a bridge between picture books and traditional middle grade books. Gateway books are still in that familiar large book (usually hardcover) format. They are still highly illustrated yet have more text per page, which makes for a longer read.
Examples of “Gateway” Books
Battle of the Butts by Joselyn Rish is an example that always comes to my mind. At around 6,000 words, it is definitely not a traditional picture book. (Traditional nonfiction picture books are typically less than 1,000 words, though some are longer.) Engaging writing draws readers into a topic that is sure to interest middle grade students. Plus, the book features the interactive element of rating each butt on a scale from “Boring Backside” to “Terrific Tushie.” A butt that can breathe?! I think that’s one “Remarkable Rump.” How about you? Be sure to check out the sequel: Battle of the Brains.
Spooky Lakes by Geo Rutherford is an oversized picture book with dense text on each spread. The pages contain enough intrigue to captivate middle grade readers whose interest will be piqued by the haunting illustrations. Beware! These pages mention dead bodies!
Plants: The Sneaky Ways They Survive is another oversized picture book. Even though it contains longer blocks of text, the book leaves plenty of room for stunning illustrations. And there is loads of intriguing information to keep older readers engaged. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn about rats that use flowers as toilets?
Sensational Senses: Amazing Ways Animals Perceive the World by Rebecca E. Hirsh is aimed at an older audience, yet still packaged in a picture book format. Photographs, diagrams, and sidebars break the text into manageable chunks. The information will fascinate students and keep them reading. Did you know star-nosed moles blow snot bubbles underwater and then suck them back in to “smell” the water? What?!
The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom by Lita Judge pairs poems about trees with detailed expository information. These chunky blocks of text are packed with interesting information. I’m fascinated every time I read about how trees communicate and share resources underground.
The Scientists in the Field series is a set of texts written more specifically for middle grade. (The suggested grade level is 5-7.) Yet because this series is in a picture book format with lots of illustrations, the books can be more approachable for reluctant readers.
For some readers, longer, high-interest, nonfiction picture books with colorful illustrations and interactive elements can seem more manageable than staring at an entire page of words. By incorporating gateway books into your classroom, you are helping students to find books that, to them, are less daunting and more delightful. Bottom line: you are doing everything you can to help your students develop a love of reading (and perhaps, their knowledge of butts.)
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Emily is a reluctant daredevil, joining her husband in sky diving, cliff jumping, white water rafting, and hundreds of scuba diving adventures including diving with sharks. But, Emily’s favorite thing to do is read and write STEM-themed nonfiction picture books (and middle-grade!) Emily lives in Iowa where she enjoys exploring nature with her two boys, and she holds her library’s record for the most books checked out at one time–185!
Emily is a member of the Iowa State Science Leadership Team and a reviewer for NSTA's journal Science and Children. She has received five highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research grants, the Prometheus Award, District Administration's Top Products Award, and the Iowa Entrepreneur of the Year Award. You can learn more about Emily’s work on StarrMatica.com
I think this changes by middle school. My 6th graders do not want to touch anything that looks even vaguely like a picture book, like nonfiction titles that are picture book size, but have more words. My own personal children were the same way– once they picked up the Magic Treehouse books and A to Z mysteries, there was no looking back. I’ve been reading and reviewing more picture books, but not having any luck getting my students to check them out. I’ll take a look at a few of these to see if they will entice my reluctant readers.