Tell Your Story: Poetry

Good poetry for children connects them with their emotions, serves as a bridge between cultures, promotes language learning, helps them learn to read and enriches the school curriculum.

Poetry contains emotionally charged words, uses only a few words to say a great deal, is melodic – sings as it says, contains rhythm repetition and rhyme, captures the essence of a concept, has layers of meaning, and is the natural language of childhood.

Maybe you’d like to begin writing poetry for children, or you have some poems and want to learn more about how to get them+ published. Whichever it is, we believe your poems can inspire children, and we’d love to help.

Workshops for Poets

Breaks, Blank Space, and Gaps: Poetic Gutters in Novels in Verse and Poetry

Breaks, Blank Space, and Gaps: Poetic Gutters in Novels in Verse and Poetry

Starts: April 11, 2024

The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Spring)

The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Spring)

Starts: April 16, 2024

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Starts: April 17, 2024

Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Starts: May 14, 2024

Working Retreat: Spark Inspiration with Meditation and Creative Play

Working Retreat: Spark Inspiration with Meditation and Creative Play

Starts: June 15, 2024

Working Retreat: Poetry and Poetry Anthologies

Working Retreat: Poetry and Poetry Anthologies

Starts: June 23, 2024

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Starts: July 14, 2024

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Starts: September 11, 2024

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Starts: September 18, 2024

The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Fall)

The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Fall)

Starts: September 24, 2024

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Starts: September 26, 2024

Working Retreat: Novels in Verse

Working Retreat: Novels in Verse

Starts: October 6, 2024

Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Starts: November 10, 2024

Inspiring Children Through Story

“My picture book … deals with parents separating. One little boy, who parents recently divorced, went to bed with [it] many nights. This deeply moved me to know this picture book helped this little boy.

“I tutor 2nd grade reluctant readers. My understanding of picture book structure and prose allows me to help them learn more than words. Rather than just read the story, we talk about it.”

“You mean I get to keep this book forever?”

…Spoken by a child in tears who was gifted with one of my books at a school visit and had never owned a book before.

“When I hear kids giggle while I’m reading [my book] I feel like I’ve done the job I intended to do.

Poetry Resources

Donna Janell Bowman
#HFGather: A Poetry Chat

with Nikki Grimes and Sarah Aronson

Magic
The Magic of Metaphor

by Georgia Heard & Rebecca Kai Dotlich

A Jar of Tiny Stars
Writing Poetry for Children

by Bernice Cullinan

Conveying and Understanding Emotions Through Powerful Poetry: A Verse Novel Example

Conveying and Understanding Emotions Through Powerful Poetry: A Verse Novel Example

Podcast: Charles Waters and Irene Latham Talk Poetry for Kids

Podcast: Charles Waters and Irene Latham Talk Poetry for Kids

Authors Take Action: Poetry Prompts for Climate Change

Authors Take Action: Poetry Prompts for Climate Change

Poetry: How Do I Sell Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.

Poetry: How Do I Sell Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Partners & Sponsors

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.