Why I Write for Middle Grade

I love to write for kids and teens - a wide age span - but today I want to share some of the reasons that I
write for middle grade kids.

First, let's talk about what age group is considered "middle grade". It's the age group of kids who are 9-12 years old. (Think third-sixth graders.) You might be thinking that is a big age span. It is. That is one reason that I love to write for that group. It is a time when many things are changing in their lives. Here are a few that come to mind.

Independent Reading Skills

Middle grade readers can read independently. They have learned the basics and can pick up a book or magazine to read for themselves. What a privilege and a joy to write for a group that is exerting its independence in print word!

More Reading Choices

Along with the independent reading skills, come more choices in reading. The topics of the books vary greatly. It is a turn in the road when the reader (and his parents) must choose books that are appropriate over those than might steer the child in an unfavorable direction. Middle grade reading material is not always as innocent as most material for younger readers. I am humbled to have the opportunity to offer intriguing and Christ-honoring materials for middle grade readers.

Peer Pressure

Middle graders are under more peer pressure than when they were younger. Often they pick up ideas about how to handle situations from what they read. What a responsibility to help kids navigate the waters of interacting with peers who may or may not be Christians!

I seek your prayers as I sit down at my computer to write.

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Prayer Pencils

If you are reading my blog, you probably know that I am super excited to have two tween devos coming out in October 2014. The devos engage kids in doodling. Now we are getting to the pencil part of this post.

For some time I have been sending out pencils with info. about the devos. To date, I have distributed about 2,000 pencils to people in the publishing industry, children's ministry workers, writers, influencers, and tweens (those in church programs and those in Christian schools). Am I promoting the devos? Sure. But there is so much more to the pencils. I think of them as prayer pencils.


Everyone who has one of the pencils represents a group for whom I am praying. Many are still working on the book (as it nears release); many will jot notes to spread the word (either on paper or digitally through emails and social media); and many are the 9-12 year olds who will actually use the books in their own quiet times (doodling their thoughts and life applications).


The pencils are a reminder to me of an upcoming celebration, but they are also a kind of prayer list. Will you join me in praying for these devos?

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 (NIV) 

If you are reading this post and would like to receive pencils for yourself, a children's ministry group, or a Christian school, please email me at carolmcadamsmoore@gmail.com -- There is no cost for them.

 

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Christmas Socks

All I want for Christmas is a good pair of socks.
Have you ever heard someone say that?


What was on your Christmas list? For some reason, I kept hearing about socks this year. Some people added socks to their wish list. Others seemed to be always looking for socks (as in borrowing from others). Still others chatted or posted about the need for socks at shelters and "food" pantries.

Why are socks so important?

• They offer warmth in cold winter temps.
• They keep feet dry in damp weather.
• They give comfort to tired, aching feet.
• They help with cleanliness.
• They are F_U_N!
• They can add to a fashion statement.

What do socks have to do with children's ministry?

• Kids can relate to the list above. Everyone needs socks.
• Giving socks is a tangible way to show God's love.

Does the Bible talk about socks?

Yep.

 I needed clothes and you clothed me. . .  Matthew 25:36  (NIV)

How might you add socks into your work with kids?

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******



copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Free Gift 4 You

I am so excited about my tween devos that will be out in the fall. How I wish I could share them with you now!

I don't have the devos yet, but these super fun pencils arrived in the mail today. They are awesome for:

• restocking school supplies
• stocking stuffers
• teacher gifts to students
• Sunday school rewards

I'd love to share some with you! Join my mailing list (email and snail mail), and I will get two of them out to you! Free!

If you teach at a Christian school or teach Sunday school, email me. Let's chat about getting some of these pencils to your students.

Get FREE Pencils!

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Notes from Carol

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Doodle Contest Update!

Look at these awesome doodles that came in from South Carolina! Thanks to Luke, Nate, Avery, and Sydney! They are entered in the Doodle Contest. Two winners from the contest will be published in my tween devos:

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Want to be part of the Doodle Contest?

             

               Doodle Contest Info for Boys

               Doodle Contest Info for Girls

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Notes from Carol

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore