Middle grade voice is probably the most important character element that makes this age category unique. The voice has to fit – or it just doesn’t. It’s easy to say, and we’ve all heard it a lot, but it’s still like a ghost or a good nap. Elusive and hard to grab.

Obviously, every story ever written has a main character with a voice, but in middle grade fiction, that voice HAS to connect with your reader. And middle grade readers will only connect with a middle grade voice. What works in other age categories won’t work here.

If the voice feels too ‘old’ – it won’t work. If the voice feels too ‘young’ – it won’t work. Everything about your protagonist’s voice – their thoughts, words, and actions – has to be just right for the story to resonate with middle grade readers.

When I read manuscript submissions, I can tell within the first few pages if the author has crafted a strong middle grade voice. Across genres, ages, stories, and time periods, the protagonist’s unique voice is always what makes me ask for more.

Analyzing books for Voice

So, how does a writer make sure their story has a solid voice? It’s all in the way you craft your character, then how you weave those character strands together. Voice is just one strand of a pile, but how well you weave that one strand consistently and visibly throughout the entire story – even as your protagonist changes – plays a significant role in having a solid middle grade story.

One of the best ways to get a ‘feel’ for strong middle grade voice is to read lots of strong middle grade books. And then analyze them.

• How did the author show the protagonist’s personality through their thoughts? Words? Actions?
• How did the author keep that voice consistent through the changes?
• Did the author use voice patterns?
• What voice tidbit stood out that is very unique to this character?

Analyzing how other authors have nailed that middle grade voice sweet spot is a very productive learning plan.

 I created this video where I analyze some great books. Click here to access the video Analyzing Voice. Watch it, then spend some time with these questions in some of your favorite middle grade books. Finally, look at your own manuscript. How can you strengthen your protagonist’s voice?

Analyzing your own character

Crafting your main character to connect with your readers is vital to your story. So what connects? What do middle grade readers want?

First and foremost is a relatable voice. Your main character has to be someone your reader can relate to. The way they think, respond, speak, and act are all things that your reader has to recognize in themselves or the kids around them. The story – no matter how fantastical – has to fit in their world. That comes through voice.

I created this downloadable PDF worksheet to help you look at your protagonist’s voice and find those unique points, and the points that you can keep working on. Click here for the PDF Unique Voice Worksheet.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ way to develop your protagonist’s voice. But if you write for middle grade kids, make sure you take the time to develop it. Voice is the most uniquely important element of your whole story.

What pieces of voice have you done a good, consistent job with? What parts are a little muddy? How can you strengthen those weaker parts? How can you pull the whole voice together?

Building a strong protagonist voice is arguably the most important work you will do with your middle grade manuscript. Take your time. Learn and discover, then write it.