The Source as a Resource

For the middle-grade series I am working on, my favorite resource is going to schools and talking to students. They are pleased to be asked and they have interesting ideas and opinions. I often ask a series of questions and have them write down their answers anonymously. Here's a sample from sixth graders in New Jersey to the question of what adults don't understand about what it's like to be in sixth grade.

1. Lots of drama and gossip.

2. We get tons of homework.

3. It's easy to get detention.

4. Getting detention once isn't a huge deal.

5. We're older now, don't treat us like babies.

6. Some kids swear A LOT.

7. Some teachers play favorites with students.

8. Some teachers don't like kids.

9. Kids know more than adults think they know.

Last fall, I asked sixth graders to write down answers to some questions about the first day of middle school. At the end one boy handed me a tiny folded up piece of paper. I thanked him and opened it up in the hall. It said, "Most people treat you like less when you're a kid."

Over and over I go to the source, the people I am writing about and they provide details, concerns, and insights that make my stories better.