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

Honoring Peter P. Jacobi, Long-Time Foundation Faculty Member

Honoring Peter P. Jacobi, Long-Time Foundation Faculty Member

Setting a Scene with a STEM Book

Setting a Scene with a STEM Book

Those Pesky Specs! Writing for the Educational Market

Those Pesky Specs! Writing for the Educational Market

Just Like a Novel, Narrative Nonfiction Tells a Story

Just Like a Novel, Narrative Nonfiction Tells a Story

Nonfiction Workshops

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Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

These are your people, and this is your place

These are your people, and this is your place

From Scholarship to Workshop to Book with Traci Sorell

From Scholarship to Workshop to Book with Traci Sorell

Whole Novel Workshop Alum Wins Manuscript Award

Whole Novel Workshop Alum Wins Manuscript Award

Teresa Robeson on Her Passion for Writing Nonfiction

Teresa Robeson on Her Passion for Writing Nonfiction

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.