About the Program

In-person 4-day/3-night Retreat

This retreat has been thoughtfully planned by authors Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence as a celebration of the many beautiful contributions made by Asian and Asian American voices in the children’s book field. The program will gather creatives specifically building stories for children and young adults.

Why this community retreat?

Now in its fifth year, this retreat was originally envisioned as a way to grow community in the children’s book industry and build connections:

Grace saw it as an opportunity to create the children’s book support and friend group she never had – but needed – when she was starting in the industry.

Debbi saw it as a way to build connections and grow the community. Overall, [Grace and Debbi] both knew that a safe place for Asian and Asian American voices to create stories for kids was not only desired, but needed—for now and for the future, as well.

This is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities including fireside chats and sharing. You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat.

The heart of this program is working alongside community members and to spend time creating, dreaming, and discovering!

Please note: there is an optional day to extend your stay. If you are interested in this option, please add that date at check out. For all other questions, please reach out to our support team at support@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com.

Tentative Agenda

Please bring projects at any stage in the creative process that you wish (idea, draft, revision, etc.)

Any questions? Please reach out to our support team at support@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com.