Six Reasons Australian Middle Grade Books Stand Out – And Why I Like to Write Them.
1. In-between moments (growing up can be tricky)
Middle grade books (ages 8-13 / middle to upper primary) often explore the in-between moments of growing up. Whether driven by story or character, they give readers a safe space to think about change and big ideas.
2. The irresistible hook
Magic and mystery are a powerful pairing. Middle grade fantasy offers endless possibilities while encouraging imagination, curiosity, and problem-solving. For many reluctant readers, the intrigue of fantasy provides a strong entry point into reading, helping them stay engaged and motivated.
Fantasy doesn’t have to be all dragons and grand battles (though they’re fun). It can be softer and subtler — a quiet magic. See POINT 3.
3. Discover everyday magic
My debut middle grade novel, The Feathers of Farwood, sits within magical realism, where readers discover the magic of the everyday. Magical realism opens a door, but it also sharpens attention. It invites readers to notice what’s already there: the patterns, the animals, the environment, and the quiet magic woven through daily life.
4. Dream big, but have ‘rules’
Middle grade gives me room to dream big, but the magic (its source, limits, and inner logic) still has to make sense. I love building worlds with clear rules, believable characters, and stakes that feel real to young readers.
5. Your ticket to adventure
All books offer a form of escapism, but middle grade (ages 8-13) does this especially well. These stories offer a fast way into other worlds, whether that’s space, underwater depths, fantastical mermaids, dragons, or bush magic.
The best Australian middle grade books don’t just help kids escape. They give them something to carry back with them. – Jayne McIntyre, Children’s Author
6. More than meets the eye – let’s talk onions
Like Shrek and Donkey’s famous onion lesson, stories have layers, too. Middle grade books hold depth, layered meaning, and real emotional weight. What a reader takes from a story can shift and grow over time, which might explain why we return to the same books again and again as we mature.
Find Australian Middle Grade Stories and Teaching Resources:
Middle grade stories invite readers to explore big ideas, notice the world around them, and begin to find their place within it. For teachers and librarians seeking Australian books that balance adventure with depth, my Teacher Resources page includes classroom-ready ideas and material links designed for primary readers. Copies of The Feathers of Farwood and The Gripps Curse are available through Riveted Press, as well as from local bookshops and libraries.
MY ROADTRIP BOOK RECS FOR KIDS (WITH FANTASY AND AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS): READ HERE.
Jayne McIntyre Author 