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

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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.“

Resources for essential conversations

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Writing About Trauma and Grief for Kids

an #HFGather

rainbow
Pride Celebration of Stories

by Our Faculty

Intersectionality
Intersection-ality in Kidlit: a Definition

by Our Faculty

A webinar screen shot with Christine French Cully, George Brown, and Alison Green Myers
Hispanic or Latinx? How Evolving Language Impacts Kids

by Alex Villasante

cover of Alejandria Fights Back
How Stories Can Create Impact and Empowerment for Kids

an #HFGather

Miranda Paul
Identity as Fairy Dust

by Linda Epstein

Watch the Webinar: LGBTQ+ Children’s Books: A Conversation with Authors

Watch the Webinar: LGBTQ+ Children’s Books: A Conversation with Authors

Bringing Allyship to Your Work in Children’s Literature

Bringing Allyship to Your Work in Children’s Literature

Why We Need More LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

Why We Need More LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

A Weekend Without a Glossary: Why I’m Going to the Retreat for Jewish Kidlit Writers

A Weekend Without a Glossary: Why I’m Going to the Retreat for Jewish Kidlit Writers

See All Essential Conversations Blogs from Our Faculty

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Free Resources & Webinars
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Scholarships

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Attending the Jewish Symposium with Support from the PJ Library Scholarship

Attending the Jewish Symposium with Support from the PJ Library Scholarship

Celebrating Nathalie Alonso’s Picture Book Debut!

Celebrating Nathalie Alonso’s Picture Book Debut!

Celebration Station: Summer 2023

Celebration Station: Summer 2023

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

See All Stories from Highlights Foundation Alumni

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
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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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