Tell Your Story: Novels

Novels are an exciting genre in children’s literature, whether they are middle grade (ages 8-13) or  young adult (ages 13 and up.) There are seemingly endless novel categories, too: novels in verse, contemporary, horror, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery and narrative nonfiction.

Whatever your novel interest, we’ve got resources and workshops to help you begin, revise, plot, outline, receive feedback, develop characters and more.

No matter where you are on your journey, we’re glad you’re here.  We can give you the skills you need to create the very best novel for kids and teens.

Novel Workshops

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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.

Novel Resources

Podcast: Jennifer Jacobson: Writing Retreats & Taking Your Creativity to the Next Level

Podcast: Jennifer Jacobson: Writing Retreats & Taking Your Creativity to the Next Level

Podcast: Christine Heppermann & Deborah Kovacs: Writing the Unreal

Podcast: Christine Heppermann & Deborah Kovacs: Writing the Unreal

Using a Revision Grid to Break A Story Down Into Elements

Using a Revision Grid to Break A Story Down Into Elements

8 Articles to Help You Write a #kidlit Novel

8 Articles to Help You Write a #kidlit Novel

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Susan Campbell Bartoletti: We Make Meaning Through the Telling of Our Stories

Susan Campbell Bartoletti: We Make Meaning Through the Telling of Our Stories

Denise Fleming, Artist and Mentor

Denise Fleming, Artist and Mentor

Kate Garchinsky and Julie Zickefoose on Nature Writing for Kids

Kate Garchinsky and Julie Zickefoose on Nature Writing for Kids

Cynthia Leitich Smith & Uma Krishnaswami: A Conversation about Humor

Cynthia Leitich Smith & Uma Krishnaswami: A Conversation about Humor

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.