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A Breed of Their Own
Being Middle follows a young girl feeling overlooked and underappreciated as the middle sister in the family, who gradually learns that being in the middle is pretty special. What was the inspiration for your story?
My middle child Ellie was the inspiration for writing this book. I always joke that middle children are a breed of their own because they are so difficult to raise, but there are so many overlooked advantages and qualities that only middle children have. I wanted this book to be a nod to what Ellie puts us through and why she’s so uniquely special to our family.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I always write in rhyme because rhyming books are powerful tools for building foundational literacy skills in early readers. In addition to being engaging and fun, rhyming books help kids anticipate what’s next and aid in sound and pattern recognition.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved writing about the middle child getting the hand-me-down shoes because I could actually hear Ellie’s voice in the sentence. Vanessa Alexandre also captured her expression so well!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I’d love to build on the BEING ME series and I am tossing around ideas for book #3. HINT – I think for that book, I’m going to focus on how I feel different from others since the first two books were about my children feeling different.
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Being Middle is a heartwarming and playful picture book that celebrates the special role of middle children in family dynamics. With lyrical rhymes and relatable scenarios, it captures the ups and downs of being caught between a big sibling and a little one. From sharing cramped car rides to getting only hand-me-downs, the story explores challenges with humor and honesty—while ultimately revealing why being in the middle is something to treasure.
The second installment of the award-winning Being Me series, this book is perfect for middle children who sometimes feel left out and for families looking to celebrate their unique dynamics. Full of warmth, charm, and an empowering message, Being Middle is perfect for ages 4-8.
Order now to celebrate the middle child in your life—because the middle is a great place to be!
Being Middle
Lori Orlinsky’s Being Middle is a heartwarming picture book that speaks directly to the woes and wonders of being the middle child. Told through the eyes of a young girl caught between her older and younger sisters, the story starts with frustration and ends with pride. She laments hand-me-downs, cramped car rides, and cold showers, classic middle-child grievances, but slowly learns that being in the middle isn’t just tolerable. It’s kind of amazing.
What really grabbed me was the honesty in Ellie’s voice. That opening line “My tummy is achy, and I feel quite queasy” sets the stage for a raw, relatable peek into the middle-child mindset. She feels overlooked and underappreciated, evoking a strong sense of empathy as her emotions unfold on the page. The moment she laments receiving only hand-me-down shoes is both humorous and strikingly relatable, an all-too-familiar reality for many middle children. When she remarks, “Most of the time, they don’t even call me the right name,” it brings to mind the common mix-ups that happen in families with multiple children, a small detail that rings true and adds to the authenticity of her experience.
What truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful shift in tone. Rather than dismissing Ellie’s feelings, her mother gently reinterprets them, offering a new and affirming perspective. The line, “There’s a sis to look up to and one who looks up to you,” stands out as particularly poignant, reframing the middle child role as one of unique connection and importance. In this way, being in the middle transforms from a source of frustration into a powerful metaphorical bridge. The comparison to the center of an Oreo, universally regarded as the best part, adds a lighthearted yet effective touch, reinforcing the message with humor and warmth.
Visually, the illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre add a playful, expressive energy to the story. They carry just the right mix of whimsy and warmth. Every pout, eye-roll, and smile feels familiar, especially for anyone who’s ever been stuck in the middle seat. The layout flows well, too, making it perfect for a bedtime read or a classroom circle.
I found Being Middle to be a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful read. It strikes a careful balance of thoughtful without being didactic, and heartfelt without veering into sentimentality. I would recommend this book to families with multiple children, particularly those with a middle child who may be struggling to find their place. It would also serve as a valuable resource for educators seeking to initiate discussions about family roles, emotions, and self-worth. Even for readers who are not middle children themselves, the book offers a charming reminder to appreciate the value found in the spaces between, whether in families, food, or everyday life.
Pages: 24 | ISBN : 0881441058
