As a follow-up, make it a point to be around middle graders and observe and listen to them, even if from afar. And you really must make it a point to do so. Yes, school observations are great, but their attitudes and voices surround you every day. In the streets, on playgrounds, in your neighborhood, friends or relatives who have kids -- and the list goes on and on. Me, I live a few steps from a beach and a boardwalk, so in addition to the other things I do I sit or walk on the beach or boardwalk and just take in the sights and sounds of children -- mostly middle graders, of course. You have to be able to think as they do when you write for them. They are your muse.