Tell Your Story: Nonfiction

Nonfiction matters! Publishers crave it. Teachers and librarians need it. Nonfiction connects our children to the world. Stories about real people, real places, science and the physical world are more important now than ever.

Whether you’re writing biography, history, nature, or STEAM/STEM-themed books, we’ve got courses to help you do it.

Maybe you’ve had an idea for a true story and want to learn how to write it. Maybe you’re looking for a place to find community and learn what the industry is looking for in nonfiction books.

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 nonfiction for kids and teens.

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.

Nonfiction Resources

Jennifer Swanson
Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Story is the Boss

An #HFGather with Sarah Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartoletti

My Path to Nonfiction (AKA, When What You Think You Want to Write and What You’re Good at Writing are Not the Same Thing)

My Path to Nonfiction (AKA, When What You Think You Want to Write and What You’re Good at Writing are Not the Same Thing)

(When) Do I Need Permission to Write About Real People and Events?

(When) Do I Need Permission to Write About Real People and Events?

12 Nonfiction Picture Books with Emotional Resonance

12 Nonfiction Picture Books with Emotional Resonance

6 Tips for Rocking Your Research

6 Tips for Rocking Your Research

Nonfiction Workshops

Non-Traditional Picture Book Structure: A Two-Night Mini

Non-Traditional Picture Book Structure: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: April 15, 2024

Emotions in Nonfiction Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini

Emotions in Nonfiction Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: April 16, 2024

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Starts: April 17, 2024

Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Starts: May 14, 2024

Working Retreat: Nonfiction and Informational Fiction

Working Retreat: Nonfiction and Informational Fiction

Starts: May 16, 2024

Working Retreat: Spark Inspiration with Meditation and Creative Play

Working Retreat: Spark Inspiration with Meditation and Creative Play

Starts: June 15, 2024

Working Retreat: Writing for the Educational Market

Working Retreat: Writing for the Educational Market

Starts: June 20, 2024

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Starts: July 14, 2024

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Starts: September 11, 2024

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 18, 2024

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Starts: September 26, 2024

Working Retreat: Revision

Working Retreat: Revision

Starts: November 14, 2024

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

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.