Great work here, and I totally agree with you. My second novel, TEN THOUSAND TRIES (you can add to your list :) features 8th-grader, Golden Maroni. There was pushback to make him younger, but it just didn't fit the story I wanted to write. My next manuscript has a 13-year-old and I wonder about the reception my editor will give her. Thanks for highlighting this!
I am SO excited for this one, Laurie!
HALF MOON SUMMER was so good! And yes to more upper middle grade.
Great work here, and I totally agree with you. My second novel, TEN THOUSAND TRIES (you can add to your list :) features 8th-grader, Golden Maroni. There was pushback to make him younger, but it just didn't fit the story I wanted to write. My next manuscript has a 13-year-old and I wonder about the reception my editor will give her. Thanks for highlighting this!
So exciting!!!! And I am SO keeping this list for reference.