Minds & Bodies
Representation for Disability, Mental Health, and Emotional Well-Being
Our Goal
To inspire children through story by amplifying the voices of these authors & illustrators, and celebrate the myriad ways that kids and people process and experience the world.
Our Action:
Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.
Testimonials
“I am so appreciative of how well cared-for our group was. Everyone on campus really respected the difficulty of our work and topic and held space for us in innumerable ways. Of course the food was amazing and our lodging gorgeous. But it was the support of Alison, George, and the whole team that really allowed the magic of our time together to take place.”
“…in 2015 I discovered Highlights, and came to retreats where the welcoming staff accommodated my food restrictions and my need for the perfect balance of community and solitude. Since then I have found my people at Highlights, and the support and inspiration I’ve received has led me to write more books that draw from my experience of growing up autistic.” (Lyn Miller-Lachmann)
“The presentations were meaningful and appreciated. We explored “the how” of craft but also the essential and radical “why”. It is incredibly gratifying to find a sense of belonging —especially considering the ways trauma and grief are agents of loneliness.“
“My dream of becoming a children’s book writer came true with Starfish, and I have a lot of people to thank for their help along the way…[including] the Highlights Foundation for the amazing workshops that helped me hone my skills…” (Lisa Fipps)
Disability Representation in Children’s Books Scholarship
This scholarship was established to provide funds to storytellers who identify as disabled as they continue their work in children’s books. We embrace We Need Diverse Books definition of disability “which includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental illnesses (this may also include addiction). Furthermore, we subscribe to a social model of disability, which presents disability as created by barriers in the social environment, due to lack of equal access, stereotyping, and other forms of marginalization.”
News and Resources
With Scholarship Support, Writers Make Discoveries at Writing Through Trauma In-Community Retreat
3 Questions With Kaz Windness and Katie Mazeika About Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration
3 Questions With Crystal Allen and Katie Keridan: Writing About Mental Health for MG and YA Readers
#HFGather: Crafting and Sharing Books from the Heart
Upcoming Programs Featuring Mind & Body Diversity Representation
The Power of Historical Novels in Verse: A Two-Part Mini on Using Poetry and History to Inspire
Starts: February 18, 2025
Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers
Starts: May 7, 2025
Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration
Starts: July 6, 2025
Get Involved
How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of Disability authors and illustrators?
