Middle Grade/YA: Is there such a thing as a book on the border?

[Alex]

I was speaking with an agent last spring, and she told me to never write a novel that is both upper middle grade and lower YA at the same time. Do you guys agree? Are there any books out there that you think appeal to both demographics equally? I don't have the answers, but I am curious.

[Anna]

Most definitely the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. At his events you see literally every age. 8,10, 18, even 30 year olds! Riordan even once wrote himself on his blog that a 60 year old woman once asked for a signed Percy Jackson -for herself. So yearh, defínitely Percy Jackson :)

[Amanda]

percy jackson is kind of like harry potter in that respect. it is easier for series' to bridge the gap as they tend to grow with their readers.

[Alex]

I agree, Harry Potter especially crosses over into both demographics. Believe it or not, I haven't read the Percy Jackson series yet, but you guys have made me curious. I always thought that was a definitely "middle grade" I do own Riordan's Red Pyramid though, but I haven't got around to reading it yet.

[Amanda]

yeah alex i am the same i was interested particularly after seeing the movie but hadn't given it much thought until my uni friend started raving about these books. now it is up near the top of my TO-READ list

[Julia]

by G. Neri is this kind of book for younger readers who already read or non-readers who are older. Or very young readers to read with parents or older people to read, because it's that good! It's illustrated, it's about a young boy around men and boys. And it's about cowboys who live in North Philadelphia, based on real cowboys who live and ride in North Phillie and Brooklyn.

I didn't write the novel. I'm gushing because I read it and loved it!

[Robin]

My first YA Paranormal/Time Travel/First Kiss romance novel entitled "I Kissed a Ghost" had been written with this age group in mind. However, according to the review it received by Micki Peluso on Amazon it will also appeal to preteens as well. I Kissed a Ghost

Given this, my first YA novel would DEFINITELY fit right on the border of these two sub-genres.

[Kristy]

Hi, my book has been reviewed as MG and YA, I guess it's a crossover??
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...

[[deleted user]]

I actually know of several books that appeal to both MS and HS students. Here are just a few series that I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Books by Rick Riordan (all of his)
2. Books by John Flanagan - Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband Chronicles
3. Books by Delaney - Last Apprentice
4. Books by Gary Paulsen, Will Hobbs, and John Smelcer - YA books with lots of action and adventure
5. Books by Jordan Sonnenblick, Jerry Spinelli, and Elizabeth Eulberg - YA realistic drama that is very clean and crosses all age groups

I could go on and on and on.

[Julia]

Also some graphic novels especially those with a historical bent like , . Or , or the combination .

[Kathy]