Differences Between YA and Middle-Grade

Hello, this is Sarah, and this post is on the differences between YA and middle-grade (MG). 
I'll just say one thing first: there are none. Well, practically none. 
But what actually divides young adult and middle grade?


Reason No. 2: Age (of Protagonists)

Age is important, as if you write two books, one featuring a twelve year old, one featuring a fifteen year old, each book discussing the same topics, etc. Essentially, the same book but with age of protagonists switched. The first book, the one about the 12 year old, will most likely be labeled MG. The second book has high chances of being labeled YA. 


Reason No. 1: Content 

However, age isn't the most important factor. That honor goes to content. A book labeled MG will probably not be packed with swear words and sex scenes/references. A book labeled YA will mostly likely not be about crushes or first kiss, and so on. 


However, at the end of the day, there are few lines between middle grade and young adult. There is no difference in story quality, neither of them are going to be bad just because the book is YA/MG. 

-Sarah


Links
http://thelearnedfangirl.com/2017/04/there-is-a-difference-between-middle-grade-and-young-adult-lit-and-it-does-matter/
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-key-differences-between-middle-grade-vs-young-adult