Just remember, there are kids who drool over "long" books. I hear from them all the time. They're sad my books weren't longer, lol! There are books for every reader, and readers for every book.

I don't want all the aspiring MG novelists out there frantically cutting back words in pursuit of a shorter story. Do what works for YOUR story. In my experience, an excellent story is well received at any length.

And if you have an idea for a more compact MG that's lighter on the page count, maybe now is a great time to pursue it. There is always an ebb and flow in publishing. Opportunities abound. :)