For the Love of the Middle Grade Reader!
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Eileen Robinson for years.She has been a moving force in the publishing world for over three decades, as publisher, editor and teacher. As a masterteacher and editor, she has often collaborated with fellow master teachers andeditors, Harold Underdown and Emma Dryden, to teach courses through HighlightsFoundation. I’ve had the honor of working with Eileen on my new book, coming inSpring 2026. Recently we discussed her new imprint, Charlesbridge Move Books, andher philosophy that defines her life's work.
I’m so impressed and inspired by your philosophy behindCharlesbridge Move Books. Can you discuss this philosophy, and why/how itmatters to those of us who advocate for middle grade books, writers, teachers,librarians and parents?
I believe all of us who are drawn to making books, findingthem, and getting them into the hands of children want the same thing—toempower children and help them not only see themselves but others, too.
Middle grade readers are not preschoolers or teenagers. Theyare in that [elementary through middle school] gap where they are trying to understand their experiences and theadults around them. They are trying to form their own language to describe theworld they are in. They are silly and rambunctious, shy and adventurous, nerdyand cool, followers, as well as followed, reaching a bit for more independence,but needing to feel safe and loved, too. They are a mix of awkwardness thatlasts into their high school years. They are the readers.
They’ve learned to read and are fairly good at it(Charlesbridge Moves focuses on the reluctant reader). Now, it’s time to findsomething that echoes their experiences, that is meaningful to them. Charactersthey can relate to and cheer on. I think if you can empower children in thisage group to think for themselves, look at all sides, have their own thoughtsand opinions and share those in a healthy way, you end up with more criticalthinkers, and young people who weigh the options and think out of the box.Middle grade books help children through change, help them feel less alone inthe world while creating compassion and empathy whether they are exploring thefantastical, futuristic, or realistic.
As you noted, blending formats is very appealing forreluctant readers. I also sense that this blending of font, space and graphic elementsoffers readers a more immersive experience. Storytelling is all about thedramatization. What do you look for in amanuscript, as an editor and creator, when it comes to how you approach thisprocess of splicing font, space and graphic components?
Great question. I never really thought about it as aprocess. If I’m in love with the story, all kinds of things will bounce aroundin my brain as I’m reading. I can tell when a story just needs spot art or ifgraphic components might engage readers better. It may be the subject matter(DRAGONS) or specific genres that you know would make fantastic visuals—adventurousnovels lend themselves quite nicely. ButI always fight with how much to show—shouldn’t some of it be left to thereader? I don’t think there is a perfect formula. It’s quite subjective.
I love your discussion on banding together to amplifyvoices. That we’re all in this together. This sentiment is so much bigger than creatorshelping each other. It’s creators helping advocates helping readers, and viceversa. You talked about a conference in which young readers are in charge. What would that look like, and why/how is itimportant?
Honestly, I’m not sure what that really looks like yet, but Ithink kids would enjoy reading more if they had an opportunity to participatein a thoughtful but fun way. It’s two-way street. Yes, we are the educators, authors,illustrators, bookmakers, but when our books go out into the world, we rarely getto sit beside a child and see his first reactions, or hear what he thinks andwhy. Are the things a writer toiled over really that important, is a particularpiece of content—a word, and idea making the impact you think it does (good orbad)? And so on. You don’t get to feel the emotions breathing just beneaththeir skin or in their hearts. You don’t get to see when they smile, laugh, or cry.You can only hope you’ve touched someone in the way you intended. Do theyreally care about the trends? Well, the answer is probably yes, as sales willprove or disprove, but what about the kids that don’t? So getting a conferencefull of readers together—WOW!
Recent Titles at Charlesbridge Move Books
For more information on Eileen and her imprint, Charlesbridge Move Books,see the Publishers Weekly announcement, Eileen Robinson Brings Her Middle Grade Imprint to Charlesbridge (2024)!
Thank you, Eileen Robinson! And thank you for reading!
-- Bobbi Miller
