The Map in the Old Book
Write a story about a mysterious map you find tucked inside an old book in your library. The map doesn't just lead to a hidden location in your town, but to a secret world. What do you find there, and who do you meet?
Suggested length: A middle grade story: 2,000 to 5,000 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Make the ending warm, safe and a little bit funny.
- Keep it to one problem and one place.
- Let the child solve the problem, not a grown-up.
Writing middle grade books
Ages 8 to 12: friendship, family and figuring out who you are.
Middle grade novels are written for readers around 8 to 12, with heroes usually 10 to 13. The stakes are huge to the characters, the focus stays on their world, and any romance stops at a crush.
What readers expect
- A hero aged about 10 to 13
- Family, friends and school
- Humor and heart
- Hope, even in hard stories
A tip before you start
Kids read up. Make your hero as old as your oldest readers, or a little older.
More Middle Grade prompts
- When Drawings Come AliveWrite about a day where everything you draw comes to life. How do you realize your power, and what do you decide to create? Describe a situation where…
- Earth's Intergalactic DishImagine you've been chosen to represent Earth in an intergalactic cooking contest. Describe the dish you would prepare and how you try to communicate…
- The Drawn PetYou wake up to discover that every time you draw something, it comes to life. Excited, you start by drawing your dream pet. Describe your adventures…
- The Children’s Holiday SurpriseImagine you've invented a new holiday that celebrates children. What is it called, and what are some of the traditions or activities that happen on…
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