Center for the Study of Children's Literature

In 1977, with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Simmons opened the Center for the Study of Children's Literature (CSCL).

Today, the CSCL continues its mission to support and advance the study of children's and young adult literature through nationally recognized programs and partnerships. In addition to its Summer Institute in Children's Literature, the CSCL hosts the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards ceremony and "The Horn Book at Simmons" colloquium that examines the winners and honor books in the contexts of publishing, education, library services, and popular culture.

Recently, the CSCL hosted a Children's Book Council seminar for publishers on socioeconomic class in young adult and children's literature and became a founding member of Children's Books Boston (CBB), an organization dedicated to fostering interaction and discussion among the greater Boston children's book community. Each year, the CSCL hosts the P.E.N. New England- Susan Bloom Discovery Award presentation to rising authors in children's and young adult literature.

Children's Literature Programs at Simmons

• Children's Literature (MA)
• Children's Literature (MA)/Library Services To Children (MS)
• Children's Literature (MA)/Writing For Children (MFA)
• Writing For Children (MFA)

Throughout the year:

The Center's "Book Nook" displays approximately 5,000 newly published titles for children and young adults; titles available for review and perusal. Center memberships include ALA, ILA, NCTE, USBBY and IBBY. Contact [email protected] for more information.

The CSCL Professional Collection is open for use. Email [email protected] with requests.

The CSCL oversees the Children's Books Boston mailing list. Contact [email protected] to be added to the mailing list.

The CSCL oversees submissions and staffs the selection committee for the P.E.N. New England Discovery Award. Contact [email protected] for more information.