Publishers have long known “one size does not fit all.” Although they vary in reading levels and categories overlap, guidelines generally fall into these age levels:

Preschool (read aloud) 2-5

Beginning readers 6-8

Intermediate readers 9-12

Young adults 13-16

In fiction the age of the protagonist, or main character, almost always determines the readership. I like to imagine my reader being the age of or slighter younger than the main character. Youngsters do not like to read about characters who are younger than they.

A writer also needs to understand what the young reader’s world is like at different ages. For example, the early preschooler’s experiences are limited. He is comfortable with family stories, visits to the doctor, sharing, holidays, and nature: the beach, sun, moon, or glitter of stars. These “listeners” like lyrical language with words they can “hear.” Because this is true, writers for preschoolers will need to check manuscripts for their “read aloud” quotient. Nonfiction for the very young names objects, a bit older readers like alphabet books and more in-depth nature topics. Since children develop so rapidly during preschool years, writers need to reach out to a wider world with each additional year. Preschool stories usually run 500 words and books are limited to 32 pages, with heavy illustrations.

Beginning readers need simple words and sentences. Books need to be easy enough to be read without too much help so readers can build confidence. Content is expanded to friends and adventures. Readers also want to hear their characters talk although tag lines for dialogue are needed. These I-can-read stories average 600 words. Books — like chapter books — are up to 1500 words. In nonfiction this age likes to read about their world. They especially enjoy learning about insects and bugs. This information needs to be manageable as the writer’s desire is to spark an interest that will continue.

The largest reading group — intermediate — is ready to tackle comprehension with an increased vocabulary, although they do not have to know the meaning of every word. Sentences are longer and more complex. These readers react more strongly to their world. In fiction they are lively characters and a protagonist they can identify and care about. They demand action and suspense, and they love to laugh. Stories run up to 1200 words; books run around 20,000 words or 200 published pages. In nonfiction they like biographies, especially about sports figures and other cultures.

Currently the secular and the Christian market for young adults is weak. Most teens who are still readers move into adult fiction. As a group they are eager to face adult problems and solve them. Many want to save animals and forests. Articles on coping and relationships appeal particularly to girls. Matching this reader to his or her interest is of utmost importance. The best way to approach writing for this age is to study teen magazines and request guidelines.

As writers you already know the value of reading the kinds of books you aspire to write. I highly recommend spending hours in the children’s section of the library. Many bookstores also encourage browsers. During this time you will be concentrating on age levels and interests of the age, but you will also be absorbing how content and writing techniques are handled.

In targeting your age group, you may think of a particular age and come up with a story idea that fits, or you might write a story and choose the age group. It can work either way. Having focused on the intermediate audience for my writing, I always think of my favorite audience. You don’t have to limit yourself to one age level, but an advantage is that an author builds a relationship with readers who wait for the next book. Most importantly, I find the “InBetweens” great fun to write for.

No matter the age, those of us who write for young readers can thank God for a ministry that helps mold the way young readers live and move them forward in their Christian faith.