Tell Your Story: Novels

Novels are an exciting genre in children’s literature, whether they are middle grade (ages 8-13) or  young adult (ages 13 and up.) There are seemingly endless novel categories, too: novels in verse, contemporary, horror, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery and narrative nonfiction.

Whatever your novel interest, we’ve got resources and workshops to help you begin, revise, plot, outline, receive feedback, develop characters and more.

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 novel for kids and teens.

Novel Workshops

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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.

Novel Resources

Use Research, Imagination & Emotion to Build Your Novel

Use Research, Imagination & Emotion to Build Your Novel

Julie Dao and Anna-Marie McLemore on Reimagining Fairy Tales

Julie Dao and Anna-Marie McLemore on Reimagining Fairy Tales

Beginning STEPS to Writing Historical Fiction for Children and Young Adults

Beginning STEPS to Writing Historical Fiction for Children and Young Adults

Writing Mysteries for Young Readers

Writing Mysteries for Young Readers

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Kate Garchinsky and Julie Zickefoose on Nature Writing for Kids

Kate Garchinsky and Julie Zickefoose on Nature Writing for Kids

Cynthia Leitich Smith & Uma Krishnaswami: A Conversation about Humor

Cynthia Leitich Smith & Uma Krishnaswami: A Conversation about Humor

My Highlights Retreat–Cabins, Cuisine, and Public Speaking, Oh My!

My Highlights Retreat–Cabins, Cuisine, and Public Speaking, Oh My!

Under the Loft

Under the Loft

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.