We Need Diverse Middle Grade

Welcome to the home page for our series We Need Diverse Middle Grade (WNDMG), where we archive all our WNDMG posts.

Our mission: We celebrate and promote diversity in middle-grade books, and we examine the issues preventing better equity and inclusion on the middle-grade bookshelf. We intend to amplify and honor all diverse voices.

We Need Diverse Middle Grade posts once a month, drawing on work from our own team of contributors as well as from guest authors, editors, agents, teachers, librarians, and booksellers. You can count on our presence here on Mixed-Up Files to shine a light on the stories, work, and truth of all those who are still underrepresented in this field. You’ll be able to recognize our monthly posts by seeing our WNDMG logo: the diverse world we envision. Our artwork is by contributor Aixa Perez-Prado.

Guest Posts for We Need Diverse Middle Grade

If you’re interested in being considered for a guest post slot on WNDMG, please feel free to email: mufcommunications@gmail.com. Please Note: We do not pay for guest blog posts.

Latest from the Blog

  • WNDMG Author Interview: Huda Al-Marashi on her Middle Grade Novel HAIL MARIAM
    WNDMG Author Interview: Huda Al-Marashi on her Middle Grade Novel HAIL MARIAM
    August 12, 2026 by
    Author Interview – Huda Al-Marashi I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to author Huda Al-Marashi today. Huda is a Middle grade author who has written many beautiful books, among which is a personal favorite of mine GROUNDED, and today we will be discussing her book: HAIL MARIAM which came out from Kokila/Penguin Kids on Feb 24, 2026 I adore reading Muslim middle grade, and the synopsis sounds so compelling. I am so excited to dive into this story and talk to Huda about this book! Librarians and educators- you don’t want to miss this! About HAIL MARIAM: Hail Mariam is an interfaith Muslim take on Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret drawn from the author’s own experiences in Catholic school. Sixth grade wasn’t supposed to be this complicated. Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school and before her first day her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever...
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  • Inbetween by Faith Erin Hicks
    Thinking Outside the Box
    July 8, 2026 by
    Thinking Outside the Box: WNDMG Summer 2026 Recommendations Summer is the perfect time to unwind and relax. This is true for parents, children, teachers, and students alike! So while we rest our minds, it’s best to try thinking outside the box and finding time to discover some unconventional and lighthearted reads. What am I referring to, you ask? Graphic novels! This summertime post is dedicated to graphic novels, illustrated chapter books, anthologies, online magazines, and all things unexpected. The push for more illustrated middle grade reads and graphic novels is an excellent way to get our kids reading and falling...
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  • WNDMG Author Interview: Getting to Know Crystal Allen
    June 10, 2026 by
    Let’s welcome Crystal Allen to the Middle Grade Mixed-Up Files! She’s written five books for middle-graders, including The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series. Join us as she dishes on writing, her career and other fun stuff. Read on!   You were born in a military hospital in Germany. How long did you live in Germany before moving to the States? Yes! My father was in the Army and was stationed for training at an Army base in Kitzingen, Germany. I was only there long enough to be born and ready to travel back to the States. What are you working on...
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  • WNDMG Author Interview: Seema Yasmin on her series Muslim Mavericks
    WNDMG Author Interview: Seema Yasmin on her series Muslim Mavericks
    April 8, 2026 by
    Author Interview – Seema Yasmin I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to author Seema Yasmin today. We are going to be talking about the start of her new series, Muslim Mavericks, spotlighting actress and comedian Maysoon Zayid, and launching from Salaam Reads / Simon and Schuster Kids on February 10, 2026. I am excited to discuss this series with Seema and encourage everyone to buy a copy for themselves and their classrooms and libraries.   About MAYSOON ZAYID, THE GIRL WHO CAN CAN: Description taken from online: From the prolific Pulitzer Prize–nominated Muslim reporter Dr. Seema Yasmin...
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