Protecting the Commons

[M.G.]

I've loved being part of the Great Middle Grade Reads group these past two years because it is filled with lots of well-read book lovers who love the same kind of books I do. It's one of those special places where people from all over the world, from many different backgrounds and different generations can get together and talk about the stories that mean so much to us and our families. But maintaining this special kind of space and forum requires respect and tolerance from everyone involved.

If you feel that members are violating the spirit of the group (stated in the pop-up yellow box -- respect, tolerance, good vibes, support, and great reads), please contact the moderators. It is our job to handle issues that come up, and we would prefer to deal with them (usually privately, to protect everyone's dignity and the dignity of the group). Moderating is a volunteer position that we squeeze in between our jobs and family obligations, so please be patient.

Thanks to all.

[Rebecca]

As a Mod, I will take some responsibility--we do want to try to get on top of spamming behavior as fast as possible, and will delete inappropriate posts. But, as MG said, we can't always be prompt (that whole thing blew up between times I was able to log in and read threads). Still, in the interests of a civil discourse, I agree with MG: report it, and leave it to us.

This is, of course, a good time to remind the authors in the group that self-promotion does not belong in the discussion threads, as is stated in our group rules.

[Cheryl]

I'm concerned that we have some underage members. When new ppl sign up for goodreads, they have to state their age. Under 14 is not allowed. So, I'm pretty sure at least two kids are lying. (One thread mentions something like "it's for 10 and a half, like you.")

While I'd love their input in the conversations, I don't want them, or the mods, to get punished by GR staff. Sometimes GR overreacts to perceived threats, (including, for example, removing reviews and listopias without notice*) and I wouldn't want them to get excited and close our group. Unlikely, but still....

*Yes, I do have personal experience with this, and that is why I've moved my shelves over to Leafmarks, and am less active here on GR.

[Jemima]

It's a difficult thing to set up a group for Middle Grade Readers and then fall foul of a Goodreads rule on minimum age. I generally think of Middle Grade as 8 to 14 years, which is why we have so few actual middle grade members. I'm really glad you guys who have joined under your teacher's - let's call it 'guidance' - are here and talking about what you like to read.

So I guess we have members who are going to be 14 in the school year on here, and some of you have stuck around, which is great. That also explains your interest in the 'upper end' of MG. No reason the group can't cater for that. If you can also recommend what your younger brothers and sisters like to read, that would be good, too.

[Cheryl]

Sorry I misunderstood the comments. As I said, I'm concerned. We do need to make sure that underage kids don't join and spoil it for the rest of us.

If you are a teenager, I'm thrilled to see you here and look forward to reading what you have to contribute to the discussions.

[S.W.]

Jemima wrote: "It's a difficult thing to set up a group for Middle Grade Readers and then fall foul of a Goodreads rule on minimum age. I generally think of Middle Grade as 8 to 14 years, which is why we have so..."

Well put, Jemima. It's great to have you guys on here and nice to see so many of you have taken note of Respect. Tolerance. Good Vibes. to heart. It's a great mantra to remember whenever commenting on a thread.

[Rebecca]

I just double-checked the terms. Age 13 and up. That does mean that we can't have members who are really at the heart of the target age for middle grade books! Though I'm assuming there's a sort of continuum, and it's a gradual slide from MG to YA, with some books holding appeal for all ages.

Might have to revitalize our discussion of what defines "middle grade".

[Cheryl]

Just a data point - some kids have lied to join. Obviously nobody you know, but it has happened in the past.

Again, welcome!

[Rebecca]

Jack, I think the difference is that 'middle grade' doesn't mean "middle school." It is usually taken to mean about grades 3 or 4 through 6 or 7--the books you will find in the "older kids" section of the children's room at the library (in our system, they are cataloged with a "J" for Juvenile). Middle school is actually moving on toward the Young Adult category.

Danged confusing. Something like Tween or "Older Children" or some such might be more clear. I think "middle grade" comes from them being "in the middle" between easy reader/chapter books and YA or adult.

Of course, there are always some kids reading well above their grade level, or all over the place. I read LOTR in 5th grade, a time when I was also still greatly enjoying the Hardy Boys and Little House books.

[J.S.]

I think the remedy to this situation lies in having members post the thoughts of the younger readers. My son is 8. Within the next year, I hope to have him read some of the BOTM selections and include his thoughts when I share mine. I'd also love to hear from elementary age readers through their librarians if there was a way to do so without burdening the librarians. Any other thoughts along this road?

[Alex]

Rebecca wrote: "Jack, I think the difference is that 'middle grade' doesn't mean "middle school." It is usually taken to mean about grades 3 or 4 through 6 or 7--the books you will find in the "older kids" section..."

Thanks for clarifying that. As a British writer, I wasn't sure of the distinction.

[J.S.]

Falklands wrote: "J.S. wrote: "I think the remedy to this situation lies in having members post the thoughts of the younger readers. My son is 8. Within the next year, I hope to have him read some of the BOTM select..."

I think that's wonderful and will keep an eye out for your comments and those from your younger readers.