Skip to content

Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi

Ghostwriting | Rewriting | Coaching

Menu
  • About
    • Children’s Ghostwriting Team
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Coaching
    • Chapter Book Coaching
    • MIDDLE GRADE BOOK COACHING PROGRAM
  • DIY
    • Fiction Writing for Children eCourse
    • Resources for Writers
    • Self-Publishing Help
  • Ghostwriting
  • Karen’s Books
  • Rewriting
    • Copy Editing, Line Editing, Substantive Editing
  • Testimonials
  • Writing for Children
Menu

Middle Grade Novel Subplot Tips

Posted on by Karen Cioffi
Contributed by Suzanne Lieurance, Author and Writing Coach 

If you’re writing a middle grade novel, you want to include at least one or two subplots.

Subplots in fiction are secondary storylines that run alongside the main plot, adding depth, complexity, and interest to the narrative.

They enhance the main storyline by providing additional layers of conflict, character development, or thematic exploration.

Subplots often intersect with the main plot at certain points, influencing or being influenced by the actions and events of the primary storyline.

For middle-grade novels targeted at kids aged 8-12, subplots can be a fantastic tool to engage young readers and keep them invested in the story.

Here are some different types of subplots in middle-grade novels and some examples of published novels that contain these types of subplots:

Friendship Dynamics Subplot

Explore the dynamics of friendships among the main characters.

Introduce conflicts, misunderstandings, or new friendships that challenge the established relationships.

Subplots could revolve around resolving conflicts between friends, navigating peer pressure, or discovering the importance of loyalty and trust.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

Throughout the series, protagonist Greg Heffley navigates various friendships and social dynamics, including conflicts with his best friend Rowley and attempts to fit in with different cliques at school.

Personal Growth Subplot

Develop subplots that focus on the personal growth and development of individual characters.

Each character could have their own arc, facing challenges or overcoming obstacles that help them grow and mature throughout the story.

These subplots could involve facing fears, overcoming insecurities, or discovering hidden talents.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

While the main plot focuses on Auggie Pullman's journey as he enters fifth grade, there are subplots involving the personal growth of supporting characters like Auggie's sister, Via, as she learns to assert her identity and navigate her own challenges.

Mystery or Puzzle Subplot

Introduce a mystery or puzzle that runs parallel to the main storyline.

This could be a treasure hunt, a secret to uncover, or a series of clues leading to a surprising revelation.

Subplots involving mystery and intrigue can add excitement and suspense to the narrative, keeping readers eagerly turning pages to unravel the mystery.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin:

This classic mystery novel follows a group of heirs as they compete to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing's will and claim his inheritance.

The subplot involves the characters unraveling clues and uncovering secrets about each other while trying to solve the mystery.

Family Dynamics Subplot

Explore the family dynamics of the main characters.

Subplots could involve family secrets, sibling rivalries, or conflicts between generations.

These subplots provide opportunities to delve into themes of family, identity, and belonging, while also deepening the characterization of the main protagonists.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

While the main storyline focuses on the friendship between Jess and Leslie, there are subplots that delve into Jess's complex family dynamics, including his strained relationship with his father and his evolving understanding of his role within his family.

Community or School Events Subplot

Incorporate subplots centered around community or school events.

This could include a school play, a sports competition, or a town festival.

Subplots involving these events can bring the setting to life and provide opportunities for characters to interact with a wider range of supporting characters, adding richness and diversity to the story world.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Alongside the main plot of Harry's first year at Hogwarts and his quest to stop Voldemort, there are subplots involving various school events such as Quidditch matches, the annual Halloween feast, and the end-of-year House Cup ceremony.

Parallel Adventures Subplot

Introduce parallel adventures or quests that run alongside the main journey of the protagonists.

These subplots could involve secondary characters on their own quests or facing their own challenges, which intersect with the main storyline at key moments.

Parallel adventures add depth and complexity to the narrative, while also highlighting different perspectives and experiences within the story world.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

While Percy's quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen lightning bolt is the central focus of the novel, there are subplots involving other characters on their own quests, such as Annabeth's quest to find and retrieve the stolen Helm of Darkness.

Themes and Lessons Subplot

Develop subplots that explore specific themes or lessons relevant to the target age group.

These could include themes such as courage, empathy, or environmental awareness.

Subplots focused on thematic exploration allow for deeper engagement with the material and provide opportunities for readers to reflect on important values and ideas.

Example of a MG novel with this kind of subplot

Matilda by Roald Dahl

In addition to Matilda's extraordinary abilities and her quest for acceptance and understanding, there are subplots that explore themes of friendship, courage, and the power of standing up to injustice, particularly through the character of Miss Honey.

By incorporating well-crafted subplots into your middle-grade novels, you can create rich and immersive storytelling experiences that captivate young readers and keep them eagerly engaged with the story from beginning to end.

This article was originally published at Writers on the Move.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Suzanne Lieurance is an award-winning author with over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers. Visit her website for writers at https://www.writebythesea.com.

For more writing tips and resources, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge.
Writing Middle Grade Guidelines

Overcoming the Middle-Grade Novel’s Mid-Hump

Selling Middle Grade
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.

WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.

You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Karen Cioffi is a working children's ghostwriter, editor, and coach who would love to help you become author of your own children's book. Just send an email to kcioffiventrice@gmail.com

SCAM ALERT

There are ghosting sites that are stealing the profiles of reputable ghostwriters and putting them on their sites. MY SERVICES ARE ONLY OFFERED HERE. If you see my profile on another site stating I work for them, they’re scammers.

Want to write a children's book, but feel lost? Need help getting started or finishing? I can help.
Help with self-publishing your children's manuscript.

Recent Posts

  • Writing Beyond Cultural Borders: Controversy or Creativity?
  • Reach More Readers by Going Bilingual
  • Unpublishing a Book on Amazon?
  • Children’s Series Characters: Why Kids Love Them and How to Write Them
  • Writing: Don’t Let Fear of Failure Hold You Back

Categories

Write a children's book with help from How to Write a Children's Fiction Book
250+ pages of all content that will help you write your own children's book.
NEW VERSION OF WALKING THROUGH WALLS COMING SOON. Fantasy chapter book set in 16th century China.
Perfect rhyming children's bedtime story with lullaby sheet music included.
Sweet rhyming bedtime story with the sheet music to the lullaby included!
Can Thomas and his friends save the puppy tangled in plastic rings?

Alliance of Independent Authors

ALLi Partner Member

AuthorsDen


Where authors and readers come together!

© 2025 Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme