Children's Literature
Simmons launched the first Master of Arts degree in Children’s Literature in 1977 to provide a rigorous, disciplined study of children’s and young adult books for those who are — or who intend to be — involved in teaching, library services, publishing, writing, or related fields. Students apply high-level scholarly analysis to materials ranging from folklore and fantasy to contemporary realistic fiction, nonfiction, and picturebooks. With an emphasis on historical and critical analysis — including gender studies, ideological, and multicultural perspectives — our interdisciplinary curriculum draws upon literature, art, history, education, sociology, psychology, and media studies.
This is a 36-credit program with only four mandatory courses. Students can tailor their program experience with a large list of elective courses as they immerse themselves in a wide range of genres — poetry, nonfiction, fantasy, young adult realistic fiction — and investigate the ways that children's literature constructs childhood.
Why study Children's Literature?
From picture books to young adult literature, classic works to contemporary prize-winners, you will explore the artistry of literature for children and young adults. Dare to discover new audiences and stories all your own.
Our Master’s program explores the multiple social, cultural, and professional perspectives that shape literature for today’s children and young adults. Coursework addresses topics such as book publishing, folklore, orality, poetry, nonfiction, writing fiction for children and young adults, and the multiple ways children’s literature constructs and reacts to constructions of childhood.
Our faculty come from academic and professional fields. Each student works closely with a faculty advisor to tailor their program to specific interests and future goals. Throughout the year, we offer a number of two-credit courses that use intensive weekend, week-long, or short-term models.
What can you do with an MA in Children’s Literature?
Simmons University’s MA in Children’s Literature prepares students to work in creating, analyzing, and publishing books for our youngest generation.
Students take advantage of career exploration and internship opportunities while in Boston or Amherst. Programs sponsored by the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature afford them networks of editors, authors, illustrators, critics, reviewers, teachers, and librarians. Our partnerships include The Horn Book, Inc., the Boston Book Festival, and Children’s Books Boston (a collaboration of Simmons with local children’s book publishers), among others.
Our alumni contribute to all areas of children’s and young adult book studies and publishing. Employers such as The Sheldon Fogelman Agency and publishers including Scholastic, Candlewick Press, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Roaring Brook Press, Lee & Low Publishers, and Charlesbridge hire graduates from our programs for a variety of editorial and marketing positions. Many graduates go on to leadership positions; the founder of the Boston Book Festival and the children’s book editor of Kirkus Reviews are both Simmons Children’s Literature alumni.
Our graduates have published best-selling and award-winning work for children and young adults. They also teach at places such as Boston Collegiate School, Sonoma Academy, and the University of Memphis. They work in youth services at the Boston Public Library. They translate works for international audiences.
Scholarships, Discounts, Fellowship and Teaching Assistantship Opportunities
All applicants are considered for a range of university scholarships, including endowed and departmental awards; new and returning students may apply for selective fellowships to help fund their degrees. Students who have completed at least eight credits are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships to gain experience in the classroom and help finance their degree. Additionally, Simmons is proud to offer teachers, librarians, affiliates of partner organizations, and Simmons alumnae/i reduced tuition and other benefits.
Our Faculty
Amy Pattee
Professor and Department Chair of Children's Literature
Anita Silvey
Adjunct Faculty
Marilisa Jimenez
Associate Professor
Cathryn Mercier
Professor and Graduate Program Director of Children's Literature
Spotlight on Children's Literature Students and Alums
From Simmons to the Caldecott Medal: Adventures in Picturebooks with Rotem Moscovich ’06MA
Rotem Moscovich ’06MA, Editorial Director of Picturebooks at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, shares how Simmons cultivated her love for children's literature, and her experience editing a Caldecott-winning picturebook.
Children’s Literature Editor Karen Boss ’95 ’13 Champions Diverse Authors in Successful Career Change
Karen Boss ’95 ’13MA earned a double Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sociology and returned to Simmons twenty years later for her Master’s in Children’s Literature. She is a senior editor at Charlesbridge, where she works on fiction and nonfiction picture books, and middle-grade and young adult works.
Julie Bliven ’05 ’08MA Shares the Power of the Simmons Community
Charlesbridge Publishing Children’s Book Editor Julie Bliven ’05 ’08MA worked with Simmons classmate Elaine Dimopoulos ’08MFA on her most recent novel, and this year published her debut picture book. She shares how being a writer has helped her be an editor, and vice versa.
Ariel Richardson ’09MA Edits Sibert Medal-Winning Picture Book
Ariel Richardson ’09MA is the Senior Editor in Children’s at Chronicle Books, located in San Francisco. We caught up with Richardson about her role, her time at Simmons, and her recent award-winning picture book.
Children's Literature Alumna Shares Fresh Perspectives for Children's Books
Stephanie Seales '09MA has touched many aspects of publishing throughout her career, and is using her understanding of the industry in her works as an author , career coach, book reviewer, and authenticity reader. What led you to study children's...
Ariel Vanece MA '22 Imbues Children's Literature with Intergenerational Friendships
Ariel Vanece, who completed the dual Children's Literature MA and Writing for Children MFA program in 2022, recently secured a two-book deal with Penguin / Rocky Pond Books. They spoke with us about what motivates them to write and how...
Megan Litwin '02MA Publishes her First Children's Book
In her new book Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night , author Megan Litwin '02MA captures the enchantment of winter. She spoke with us about her interest in children's literature and her experience at Simmons. Tell us about your new book and...
Elissa Gershowitz '00MA, Editor in Chief of The Horn Book, Offers Titles to Add to Your Reading List
This October, Elissa Gershowitz '00MA was officially named Editor in Chief of The Horn Book, Inc. , publisher of a review journal of children's and young adult literature. We caught up with her about her role at the Horn Book...