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 master teacher and editor, she has often collaborated with fellow master teachers and editors, Harold Underdown and Emma Dryden, to teach courses through Highlights Foundation. I’ve had the honor of working with Eileen on my new book, coming in Spring 2026. Recently we discussed her new imprint, Charlesbridge Move Books, and her philosophy that defines her life's work.

I’m so impressed and inspired by your philosophy behind Charlesbridge Move Books. Can you discuss this philosophy, and why/how it matters 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, finding them, and getting them into the hands of children want the same thing—to empower children and help them not only see themselves but others, too.

Middle grade readers are not preschoolers or teenagers. They are in that [elementary through middle school] gap where they are trying to understand their experiences and the adults around them. They are trying to form their own language to describe the world they are in. They are silly and rambunctious, shy and adventurous, nerdy and 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 that lasts 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 find something that echoes their experiences, that is meaningful to them. Characters they can relate to and cheer on. I think if you can empower children in this age group to think for themselves, look at all sides, have their own thoughts and opinions and share those in a healthy way, you end up with more critical thinkers, 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 in the world while creating compassion and empathy whether they are exploring the fantastical, futuristic, or realistic.

 

 

As you noted, blending formats is very appealing for reluctant readers. I also sense that this blending of font, space and graphic elements offers readers a more immersive experience. Storytelling is all about the dramatization.  What do you look for in a manuscript, as an editor and creator, when it comes to how you approach this process of splicing font, space and graphic components?

Great question. I never really thought about it as a process. If I’m in love with the story, all kinds of things will bounce around in my brain as I’m reading. I can tell when a story just needs spot art or if graphic components might engage readers better. It may be the subject matter (DRAGONS) or specific genres that you know would make fantastic visuals—adventurous novels lend themselves quite nicely.  But I always fight with how much to show—shouldn’t some of it be left to the reader? I don’t think there is a perfect formula. It’s quite subjective.

  I love your discussion on banding together to amplify voices. That we’re all in this together.  This sentiment is so much bigger than creators helping each other. It’s creators helping advocates helping readers, and vice versa. You talked about a conference in which young readers are in charge.  What would that look like, and why/how is it important?

Honestly, I’m not sure what that really looks like yet, but I think kids would enjoy reading more if they had an opportunity to participate in 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 get to sit beside a child and see his first reactions, or hear what he thinks and why. Are the things a writer toiled over really that important, is a particular piece of content—a word, and idea making the impact you think it does (good or bad)? And so on. You don’t get to feel the emotions breathing just beneath their 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 they really care about the trends? Well, the answer is probably yes, as sales will prove or disprove, but what about the kids that don’t? So getting a conference full 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