Some books you read once. You laugh, cry, maybe even both. You’ve enjoyed the journey, met some interesting characters and hopefully were able to view the world in an amazing new way…but will you ever pick up that book again?
I’ve enjoyed sharing books I loved as a child with my daughters, and started reading books by Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary to my girls when they were way younger than the target audience. The three of us laughed at the silly stunts Fudge pulled and couldn’t wait to see what kind of trouble Ramona caused next. Growing up with a younger brother, I definitely related to the problems Peter and Beezus had with their energetic and extremely creative siblings. The characters and worlds these brilliant authors created still feel real and endearing.
As you can see, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg stayed in our member’s hearts through the years. Who can resist reading a book where a spunky young girl and her brother stuff their clothes inside violin and trumpet cases, then hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? (If you peek at our bios, you’ll see some of the timeless gems that stuck with us the most.)
How can books like these remain popular, when society changes so quickly? Nobody had cell phones or internet when I was in elementary school. So how can books written at that time still appeal to today’s kids? I believe the books that stand the test of time have unique characters readers can relate to, cheer for, and fall in love with, combined with situations that kids still have…like annoying siblings, school issues, fights with friends, and trying to see where you fit in our world.
I’ve asked several amazing authors what they believe makes a book timeless. Here’s what they had to say:
IMHO, timeless books are ones that say to a reader, ‘Here. Look. This is YOU. And even if it’s not, you can relate, because the author has managed to capture those universal triumphs and struggles all tweens go through. And when you’re done with such a book? You feel empowered and ready to take on the world, girlfriend! As you should! —Lauren Myracle
I believe the books we read at this age have a certain power. The characters can live on inside us and help us figure out who we want to be, and what we want to do with our lives. I wanted to write for this age to give something back to the next generation of readers the types of books that meant so much to me. —Wendy Mass
A timeless book is one that touches the heart. It doesn’t really matter when or where the story is set, if the characters speak to you and draw you into their story. —Lisa Yee
Timeless books focus on emotions that everyone has felt – love, anger, disappointment, happiness, and fear. While some things change, like clothes and hairstyles, certain things never do. —Laurie Friedman
Certain books, like Charlotte’s Web, The Phantom Tollbooth, or A Wrinkle in Time, just hit a nerve with the middle-grade reader and continue to hit that nerve with each new generation of kids. Why? These books have plenty of heart, a sense of wonder, humor in good measure, relatable characters, and a strong voice. By telling a specific story in an emotionally true way, they’ve managed to become universal. —Bruce Hale
There are so many wonderful middle-grade books that I hope will remain timeless. One that I believe will be around for a long time is Rules, by Cynthia Lord. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you reach the last page. I’ll never forget when my younger daughter lost her voice, and her big sister created a communication book (inspired by the one Jason uses).
I asked authors to name one or two middle-grade novels that are close to their heart, and if there are any newer books they believe will remain popular over time.
Holes is one of my favorites from the past dozen or so years. And right up there with it are The Lightning Thief and The Wednesday Wars. These are books that may well stand the test of time, in my opinion. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is another upper middle-grade book that I love, but it’s too early to say whether the craze over its semi-graphic novel style will translate into long-range popularity. —Bruce Hale
Books like A Secret Garden and the All-of-a-Kind Family series, grabbed a hold of me. I can recall reading them as a child, then rereading them as an adult, and allowing myself the luxury of getting lost within their pages. Some newer middle grade books that fit this bill include Masterpiece by Elise Broach, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy. —Lisa Yee
Growing up, I loved anything by Judy Blume. There are so many great new books. I really liked Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. I think kids will be reading it years from now. —Laurie Friedman
Tied with Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret?, my favorite book from the middle-grade years was Allegra Maud Goldman by Edith Konecky. Made me laugh, cry, and want to be a writer. As for newer titles, I hope the Penderwicks books continue to be appreciated for how wonderful and timeless they are. —Wendy Mass
I’d love to know why you think some middle-grade books remain popular for over thirty years, and which current books you believe will become timeless.
**Don’t forget to enter our second summer giveaway — one lucky reader will win three amazing middle-grade books!
Mindy Alyse Weiss writes humorous middle-grade novels and is constantly inspired by her nine and twelve year-old daughters, adventurous sock and underwear munching puppy, and two stinky but adorable ferrets. Visit her blog to read more about her writing life, conference experiences, and writing tips.
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I love this post. You’ve done a fantastic job, Mindy.
I am also trying to find that balance between a fast-paced plot and memorable characters in my own writing. Like Joanne says, I think we do sometimes focus more on the pacing than the characters. But the characters matter, too.
Great post, Mindy. I love books that have unforgetable characters. At times I worry that the constant focus on rapidfire pace outshines the importance of a well-developed and identifiable character. Now on to the challenge of keeping my plots moving at the same time. You’ve given me of a great list of inspirations that find that magical balance!
Great post! Looking through the eyes of my boys, so many of the above books have captured their attention and their hearts. The new crop of books that I know are going to stick with them are the Harry Potter books and the Percy Jackson series…OK…I love them too! <3
My daughter who is 10, just finished reading Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret? She loved it because she connected with Margaret. She told me the character is strong, brave, interesting, kind, and caring: all the things she wants her friends to be.
I read it when I was 10 and we spent some time talking about all of the things Margaret experienced. The book generated great questions from my daughter and we discussed issues that needed to be spoken about.
Great middle-grade reads are those that transcend time and continue to be pertinent decades later.
Thanks for the great blog article.
A Wrinkle in Time is getting such a boost from When You Reach Me… and so is Harriet the Spy. I’ve been passing out lovely old books from Edward Eager and Roald Dahl at the library to kids searching for followups to Percy Jackson, but I couldn’t pick just one book by either of those authors to call timeless. I think they all are!
I def. think Holes will stick around. And I believe Because of Winn Dixie and other of Kate’s books. When You Reach Me – Rebecca Stead. Of course, HP.
It’s a combo of heart and humor and believable characters. It’s magic. Really hard to put a finger on.
Great article Mindy. You brought to light many of the endearing books that live on.
Great article, Mindy! It’s depth of character that stays with me, the ones that I can relate to, the ones that are so believable that they become real, living, breathing creatures for me. Favorites that come to my mind are “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret”, “Holes” and “The Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian”. I think these will be enjoyed for a long, long time to come! Is “The Giver” considered Middle Grade? If so, I definitely must add that one!
Books that become timeless show us a part of ourselves. Or, as is the case with middle grade books, who we want to be. Harriet the Spy is my all time favorite novel. I wanted to be Harriet. Harriet was a smart girl who knew what she wants. She worked hard to meet her goals. She suffered and she loved. I still want to be Harriet.
I think your article is spot on, Mindy. I think it’s the characters that connect to kids regardless of the generation. I feel such a strong tie to the Judy Blume books, especially Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and my son enjoyed it just as much. I think Clementine by Sarah Pennypacker has a strong character that will be appealing in a timeless way.
I really enjoyed this article and love seeing those timeless titles as well as the wonderful quotes by the authors.
I love, love, love you website! Keep it up!
As usual, please enter me in your giveaways.
I look forward to reading this blog every day. As a librarian and as a mom with a middle grade reader, I’m getting lots of good titles (old and new) to pass along to my readers and your target audience. Thanks!
Thanks Mindy! That was very inspiring. I feel a deeper appreciation for what we do as middle grade authors.
My secret wish is not just to get a book published (though that’s would be a big step along the way) but to create one of those unforgettable books that stays with the reader. It’s great how different people have different books that speak to them and create that memorable experience for them.