I think anytime you're writing to the middle grades, you're writing to young readers who are trapped in a number of ways between two worlds: between childhood and adulthood, between their friends and their parents.
Rick RiordanDon't die on me," she ordered. "You are not dying on me." "Yes, ma'am." He felt light-headed, but she was about the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Her hair was smoldering. Her face was smudged with soot. She had a cut on her arm, her dress was torn, and she was missing a boot. Beautiful.
Rick RiordanWhy do you need to gallop while you fly?" "Why do humans have to sway their arms while they walk? I dunno boss, but it just feels right.
Rick RiordanI turned and found Dionysus standing there, still in his black suit. Walk with me,โ he said. Where to?โ I asked suspiciously. Just to the campfire,โ he said. โI was beginning to feel better, so I thought I would talk with you a bit. You always manage to annoy me.โ Uh, thanks.
Rick Riordan