Tell Your Story: Essential Conversations

Children’s books that reflect the richness of the human experience through diversity, inclusion, and access are catalysts for change.   

We developed our Essential Conversations programming to amplify the need and call for more diverse, inclusive, and accessible books.

We want to provide craft, education, and community-building for creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.

Join us in these essential conversations, for professional development opportunities and for in-community courses and retreats.

Join Us For Essential Conversations: Craft and Community

Asian and Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat

Asian and Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat

Starts: May 1, 2025

Writing About Mental Health in Novels: A Two-Night Mini

Writing About Mental Health in Novels: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: June 16, 2025

Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers

Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers

Starts: August 7, 2025

Writing Through Trauma & Grief to Empower Readers: A Retreat for Storytellers

Writing Through Trauma & Grief to Empower Readers: A Retreat for Storytellers

Starts: November 6, 2025

Explore All Programs at the Highlights Foundation

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.“

Resources for essential conversations

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Writing About Trauma and Grief for Kids

an #HFGather

rainbow
Pride Celebration of Stories

by Our Faculty

Intersectionality
Intersection-ality in Kidlit: a Definition

by Our Faculty

A webinar screen shot with Christine French Cully, George Brown, and Alison Green Myers
Hispanic or Latinx? How Evolving Language Impacts Kids

by Alex Villasante

cover of Alejandria Fights Back
How Stories Can Create Impact and Empowerment for Kids

an #HFGather

Miranda Paul
Identity as Fairy Dust

by Linda Epstein

Highlights Foundation Receives a $50K Grant from Hawthornden Foundation to Support In-Community Retreats

Highlights Foundation Receives a $50K Grant from Hawthornden Foundation to Support In-Community Retreats

PJ Library Summer Camp Brings Jewish Creatives to the Highlights Foundation

PJ Library Summer Camp Brings Jewish Creatives to the Highlights Foundation

Podcast: Nikki Grimes

Podcast: Nikki Grimes

Podcast: Intisar Khanani

Podcast: Intisar Khanani

See All Essential Conversations Blogs from Our Faculty

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Free Resources & Webinars
Equity & Inclusion Resources
Scholarships

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

The Jade Bracelet: Celebrating a Book Birthday With Hà Dinh

The Jade Bracelet: Celebrating a Book Birthday With Hà Dinh

The Midas Trees: Celebrating a Book Birthday With D.J. Brandon

The Midas Trees: Celebrating a Book Birthday With D.J. Brandon

The Adventures of Marie and LeeLee: celebrating a Book Birthday With Lisa Cortez

The Adventures of Marie and LeeLee: celebrating a Book Birthday With Lisa Cortez

Celebration Station: Fall 2024

Celebration Station: Fall 2024

See All Stories from Highlights Foundation Alumni

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.

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