This was a hard Top Ten list for me this week, because I hate saying I don’t want to read a book anymore, especially because I’m usually open to trying pretty much anything. So rather than listing specific titles, I’m going to post about themes or reasons why I don’t want to read something. New Kid in School I think there are some other ways to introduce characters to a new situation, besides throwing them into a new school – try learning a new activity, introduce a new character in the neighborhood, etc. Missing/Dead Parents I know this allows for kids to have adventures that you won’t see when parents are in the picture, but strong adult role models are just as important in middle grade literature (which you can definitely find some really great ones). Dystopian Fiction with a Love Triangle Hunger Games and Divergent… need I say more? Middle Grade Characters that are ALWAYS 12 years old Middle grade literature spans the age range of 8-12 year olds, but you will primarily find main characters that are 12 years old. Spelling Out the Message Kids are smarter than many realize and they often don’t need themes spelled out for them… so make it a little more subtle, they’ll get it, I promise. Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.