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

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

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

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

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

School Visits: Spotlight on Students and Storytellers

School Visits: Spotlight on Students and Storytellers

Starts: October 3, 2023

Writing for the Educational Market: A 4-Week Online Course

Writing for the Educational Market: A 4-Week Online Course

Starts: October 3, 2023

Muslim Storytellers: A Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing

Muslim Storytellers: A Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing

Starts: October 17, 2023

Becoming a Nonfiction Writer: A 3-Part Online Course

Becoming a Nonfiction Writer: A 3-Part Online Course

Starts: October 26, 2023

Rainbow Retreat: An In-Community Experience for Creatives

Rainbow Retreat: An In-Community Experience for Creatives

Starts: November 2, 2023

2023 Jewish Symposium: Writing Jewish Novels, Finding Jewish Joy

2023 Jewish Symposium: Writing Jewish Novels, Finding Jewish Joy

Starts: November 12, 2023

Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two Night Mini

Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two Night Mini

Starts: November 28, 2023

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating Nathalie Alonso’s Picture Book Debut!

Celebrating Nathalie Alonso’s Picture Book Debut!

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebrating Hanh Bui’s Book Birthday!

Celebrating Hanh Bui’s Book Birthday!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

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
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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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