Middle Grade/Young Adult Books
GUIDE TO FICTION COURSES
Middle Grade/Young Adult Books is an Intensive, meaning it happens in a short time span (1 day in NYC, or 2 days on Zoom). The course includes a mixture of lectures and exercises. It’s open to writers of any level. Farther down, you can view a syllabus for this course.
As children grow and widen their experiences, they crave stories that challenge and excite them, meeting them where they are. The best middle grade and young adult novels tackle complex topics and truly inhabit the interior life of young people. These books can be life-changing for their readers.
Middle grade novels are for ages 8 to 12, encompassing such stories as Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time and Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie. Young adult novels are for ages 12 and up (into adulthood), encompassing such stories as John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone.
Here you’ll explore fiction craft though the lens of MG and YA fiction and gain an understanding of what sets apart these unique segments of the book world.


It’s a very informative class and really helps you get to know your characters.
Nina Mata
author/illustrator
Upcoming Classes
If you show Covid symptoms OR If you have been exposed to someone with Covid – Don’t come to class for at least 5 days after showing symptoms or exposure, and then take a test to confirm that you are negative. Let your teacher know and we’ll work to give you access to your missed classes via Zoom.
If you have any questions about this, you may call (212-974-8377) or email us ([email protected]).
Price
Registration fee $25, paid once per term
2-Day
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Zoom
Real-time videoconference
Tuition: $175
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One-on-One
Tuition: $775
Syllabus
This course gives an overview of the basics of writing middle grade and YA novels. Course components:
Brief lectures
Writing exercises
Topics:
The Lowdown on Middle Grade and YA Novels
Character
Plot
Point of View
Voice
Theme
Note: Content may vary among individual classes.
Teachers
George Jreije
George Jreije is the author of the Shad Hadid children's fantasy series, the novel Bashir Boutros and the Jewels of the Nile, and the graphic novels Tarik’s Bazaar Adventure and Lilo and the League of Librarians (all HarperCollins). He has also written short stories published in collaboration with UNICEF. He has taught for the Concord (Massachusetts) Library System, the Orlando Libraries, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. He holds a BS and an MBA from Clark University.
Read moreis the author of the Shad Hadid children's fantasy series, the novel Bashir Boutros and the Jewels of the Nile, and the graphic novels Tarik’s Bazaar Adventure and Lilo and the League of Librarians (all HarperCollins). He has also written short stories published in collaboration with UNICEF. He has taught for the Concord (Massachusetts) Library System, the Orlando Libraries, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. He holds a BS and an MBA from Clark University.