Children's Literature: Writing for Children
Students in our Children's Literature: Writing for Children (MFA) program nurture their creativity with engaged critical study and analysis of literature for children and young adults.
Dare to imagine
Transformative works from folklore, fantasy, nonfiction, poetry, and realism set rich contexts to your developing vision and voice. Small group critiques, individualized mentorships, and grounding in the publishing industry fortify your developing career as a writer.
Explore genre and audience. Engage with picturebooks, young adult realism, beginning and middle-grade readers, graphic novels. Dare to discover new audiences and forms all your own.
Learn from colleagues from across professions. Core classes will include teachers, librarians, editors, illustrators, academics. Join experienced authors and illustrators in unique events such as the summer institute at the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons, Horn Book at Simmons Symposium, and Boston's annual literary events. From P.E.N. New England Discovery Night to the Boston Book Festival, participate in today’s literary heritage as you create tomorrow’s.
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.
Children's Literature at Simmons University
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.
Diverse Voices in Storytelling
Genielysse Reyes '20MFA is adding her diverse voice to storytelling. Learn more about her experience in the Children's Literature program.
Our Faculty
Cathryn Mercier
Professor and Graduate Program Director of Children's Literature
Kelly Hager
Associate Provost, Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation
Amy Pattee
Professor
Lauren Rizzuto
Adjunct Faculty
Anita Silvey
Adjunct Faculty
Spotlight on Children's Literature: Writing for Children Students and Alums
Simmons Alum Mentors MFA Students in Children’s Publishing
Emily Feinberg ’11, who earned dual Master’s degrees in Children’s Literature and English Literature at Simmons, is now the Executive Editor at Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
Children’s Lit Alum Finds Folkloric Inspiration for Spooky Debut Novel
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Children’s Literature Program at Simmons, we caught up with Ally Russell ’15MFA about her role of Marketing Manager at independent publisher Nosy Crow, and the release of her debut novel.
Children’s Literature Alumna Named among Rising Star Women of Education
Janet Daniels ’10MFA, the Assistant Director of the Student Center at Harvard University’s Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, was recently recognized as one of the Rising Star Women of Education for 2024.
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...
Autumn Allen '18MA-MFA on Inclusivity Children’s Literature
What led you to study children's literature at Simmons? When I started homeschooling my kids, I let them have free access to all books. When I followed the standard recommended reading lists, the books people called "classics" often had a...
Adjunct Elaine Dimopoulos ’08MFA on Writing, Environmentalism, and How to Get Involved
Adjunct Elaine Dimopoulos ’08MFA is the author of Material Girls (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015). Her new novel, Turn the Tide (HarperCollins, 2022) is her middle grade debut, inspired by real life environmental activists.
Voices Heard, Stories Seen: Mackenzi Lee '14MFA on her #MeToo Essay and New Book
Mackenzi Lee ’14MFA may be most wellknown for her New York Times best-selling young adult series that follows the spirited Montague siblings, but her recently published essay tackles a more serious topic, the #MeToo movement.
Autumn Allen '18MA, '18MFA Selected as Associates of the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence
Allen will read an excerpt from her young adult historical novel “All You Have to Do” during a virtual reception hosted by the Associates of the Boston Public Library on October 8.