Shopping for books for kids ages six through young adult is simple, if you understand that these books are categorized as Transition Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade and Young Adult Books.

Transition Books
Transition, in its true definition, is referred to as movement and passage and this is exactly what this type of children’s book is. These books are geared towards readers between the ages of 6 and nine. They are also referred to as “Early Chapter Books.” They are the transition between early readers to early chapter books. These books usually are about 30 pages in length and have 2-3 page chapters. They also have some illustrations that are in black and white.

Chapter Books
Chapter Books are geared towards children that are between the ages of 7 to 10. These books are about 45 to 60 pages and have 3-4 page chapters. They are filled with more action and have more complex sentence structure.

Middle Grade Books
Middle Grade Books are geared towards children that are between the ages of 8 to 12.  Middle Grade books are categorized under Chapter Books and are 100 to 150 pages in length. These books are more complex and have sophisticated story lines. Middle Grade Novels may have sub-plots and secondary characters. This Genre is very popular with children as the characters really make the book. The avid young reader loves the characters thus explaining how these are some of the most successful books for young readers. The topics of Middle Grade Novels range from historical themes, scientific themes to biographical themes.

Young Adult Books
Young Adult is the next genre in Children’s Books. This genre is geared towards children from 12 years and up. (I think that there are several mature readers that are addicted to this genre…hence the 12 years and up.) These books have complicated plots with several key characters. The theme of the Young Adults novel is reminiscent of troubles that teenagers go through today.

Just one little note about Hi-Lo Books. These books are geared towards helping children read and getting them to keep reading. You will see many of these in schools and libraries so you won’t have to worry about this genre for your special gift.