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

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

#HFGather: Writing About Trauma and Grief for Kids

#HFGather: Writing About Trauma and Grief for Kids

A Collection of Support from the Faculty of Writing Stories to Empower Through Trauma

A Collection of Support from the Faculty of Writing Stories to Empower Through Trauma

#HFGather: Empowering Readers and Reader Choice with Julia Torres

#HFGather: Empowering Readers and Reader Choice with Julia Torres

Watch Our Pride Celebration of Stories

Watch Our Pride Celebration of Stories

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

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

Khadijah VanBrakle Announces Book Deal

Khadijah VanBrakle Announces Book Deal

From Workshop to Publication to Acquiring Editor

From Workshop to Publication to Acquiring Editor

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

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

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

About Children's Publishing | 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

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