Tell Your Story: Chapter Books & Early Readers

Do you remember the first time you read a book all by yourself? Do you want to bring joy and confidence to readers who are picking up a book on their own for the very first time?

In between the read-aloud world of picture books and the more challenging world of middle grade novels lies an exciting spectrum of fiction and nonfiction for beginning readers. These early readers and first chapter books spark a love of independent reading and build confidence in brand-new readers.

If you’re excited about writing for beginning readers, we can help you zero in on where your work – fiction, nonfiction, or both – fits in and learn what makes the best books for this age group successful.

Yellow background with note paper accents that says: I Leared a LOT and it was authentically helpful. It felt like they were sharing their knowedge and experiences as supportive mentors who wanted to help new authors coming up behind them.

A Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing

This course covers all aspects of children’s book publishing, from genres and types of books to working with a publisher (and everything in between). Material will be covered via live Zoom sessions and pre-recorded content.

You’ll also have access to weekly live office hours with faculty, and a 1:1 consultation after the course.

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."

Chapter Book and Early Reader Resources

From Workshop to Publication to Acquiring Editor

From Workshop to Publication to Acquiring Editor

4 Things to Consider Before You Begin a Chapter Book Series

4 Things to Consider Before You Begin a Chapter Book Series

What Makes a Successful Chapter Book Series? Some Examples

What Makes a Successful Chapter Book Series? Some Examples

Making ALL Your Characters Real: a #HFGather Writer Chat with Sarah Aronson & Debbi Michiko Florence

Making ALL Your Characters Real: a #HFGather Writer Chat with Sarah Aronson & Debbi Michiko Florence

Chapter Books and Early Readers Workshops

Writing for the Educational Market

Writing for the Educational Market

Starts: June 21, 2023

Summer Camp in Fiction: Explore, Play, and Inspire

Summer Camp in Fiction: Explore, Play, and Inspire

Starts: July 7, 2023

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 20, 2023

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

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

Starts: October 4, 2023

Writing for Beginning Readers: First Chapter Books and Early Readers

Writing for Beginning Readers: First Chapter Books and Early Readers

Starts: October 4, 2023

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

Congratulations to the 2023 ALA Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2023 ALA Award Winners

Sara Gómez Woolley, 2022 Resident Artist: #WhatIFound @HighlightsFound

Sara Gómez Woolley, 2022 Resident Artist: #WhatIFound @HighlightsFound

Uplifting Indigenous Storytellers on #GivingTuesday

Uplifting Indigenous Storytellers on #GivingTuesday

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

> Online
> In-Person
> On-Demand (Self-Paced Online)

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

The Crash Course | The Whole Novel Workshop | Summer Camp

Questions?

Need help deciding on a workshop?  Ask an ambassador!

Visiting Our Campus

Our campus (The Barn at Boyds Mills) is tucked away in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  It's a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, but worlds away from everyday life.

Line drawing of the Barn at Boyds Mills

Our Mission in Action

Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Sustainability

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.

For Businesses & Organizations

Fund a Scholarship
Partner with Us