Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

As literary stewards we know that Social and Emotional themes are important in KidLit. As humanitarians, we know that what impacts one human, impacts all. As children’s book writers, how do we navigate the space between the human story and emotional themes with care and hope? How do we help children feel empowered in sometimes powerless situations? Join authors Pamela Courtney and Crystal Allen, along with special guest, editor Eileen Robinson to learn ways we can tap into emotional needs of children, while offering them an honest look at some of the most pressing issues of our time– caring for our earth, social justice, and working towards peace.

This program is a short-course meant to offer beginning considerations to these important ideas and ideals.

• Monday, September 23, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Wednesday, September 25, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
• You’ll have access to the recordings through October 31, 2024.

Feedback Expected

• There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
• Crystal, Pam, and Eileen will answer as many questions as possible during the program. Please note that examples will focus on caring for our earth, social justice, and working towards peace, though we recognize a broader definition of social and emotional themes.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are starting out as a picture book author or author/illustrator, and you’re looking for beginning information about picture books that bring social and emotional themes to the page.
• You write chapter books or novels, and want to be sure to keep your readers’ emotional needs at the center of your work.
• You are looking for some inspiration in writing during a difficult time in our world, especially in the many situations that our children face.
• You’re looking for beginning discussions. This is not a full workshop. Instead it is two, 75-minute sessions with beginning considerations to these important ideas and ideals.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:

If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through October 31, 2024.

Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

All Times are Eastern Standard Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

How It Impacts Kids

Books with social and emotional themes can help children feel empowered in sometimes powerless situations. This two-night mini workshop can help you learn more about crafting social and emotional stories with hope and honesty.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Eileen helped me embrace being vulnerable and not hide feelings. Her encouragement gave me faith in my writing and to not give up.”

“Crystal shared the importance of considering the influences of culture and socioeconomics.”

“Pam is an exceptional teacher. She was open and warm, and made me feel like I was part of a larger community.”

Resources

• #HFGather: Writing about Climate Change for Kids: Amplifying Black Voices for Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Caring for Our Planet
• Mentee Carries On Mentor’s Legacy: Floyd Cooper and Daria Peoples
• HFGather: Here Comes Summer–Reading, Swimming andGathering
• Minds and Bodies: Representation for Disability, Mental Health, and Emotional Well-Being
• 3 Questions with Crystal Allen and Katie Keridan On Writing About Mental Health for MG and YA Readers
• Writing Picture Books That Meet Kids Where They Are

The Highlights Foundation is proud to learn from and work alongside Knology to amplify Black Storytellers in STEM. BlackRep4Kids is a National Science Foundation-funded project led by Knology, in collaboration with the Highlights Foundation, the National Black Child Development Institute, and the Association of Children’s Museums. The project brings together Black researchers and practitioners from a variety of fields (including climate science, developmental psychology, informal learning, and children’s media) to collaboratively develop methods and strategies for creating children’s climate media that helps Black families and their children discuss, prepare for, and respond to a multitude of environmental threats.