Writing for Children & Young Adults

“I have SUCH fond memories of my time at Spalding. The faculty was smart and engaged. The students were diverse and eager — and thoughtful. The conversations we had made me remember again why I do the work I do. The vibe was like family. I felt SO at home there, I have to say. All these years later, it really stays with me.”

— Jacqueline Woodson, author of Brown Girl Dreaming, winner of the National Book Award, Newbery Honor Medal, and Coretta Scott King Award

Unlike other graduate creative writing programs, at Spalding, we give writing for children and young adults the same respect and equal access we grant to every other genre. Writing for children and YA is fully integrated into the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing, and students are given full access to the learning opportunities that come when you explore across genres. That exposure and experience will make you a better writer—period. Within the genre, we give equal weight to audience considerations and serious study of craft.

Our prize-winning faculty includes, among others, Lesléa Newman, author of more than 70 books, including the classic Heather Has Two Mommies; and Leah Henderson, author of award-winning middle grade novels and picture books including The Magic in Changing Your Stars, a SCBWI Golden Kite Award finalist, and A Day for Rememberin’, a Junior Library Guild selection. They write picture books, middle-grade, and YA; they work in fiction, historical nonfiction, poetry, and children’s theatre. All are dedicated, caring teachers. Visit our faculty page to read more.

“As a visiting lecturer, it was a privilege to be part of this passionate writing community. I wish I’d had access to such a rich and varied program when I was an aspiring writer. The faculty is nurturing and consummately qualified, the students enthusiastic and dedicated.”

— Pam Muñoz Ryan, author of more than 40 books including Echo, the recipient of the Kirkus Prize and the Newbery Honor, Esperanza Rising, and Becoming Naomi Léon

Our students and alums have published with top children’s publishers including Scholastic, Candlewick and Simon and Schuster/Atheneum. They’ve won prestigious awards including the E.B. White Honor Book Award and the Nautilus Award. They’ve been named to top lists by ALA and Publishers Weekly; they’ve sold film rights and audiobook rights; they’ve developed successful careers as authors in the schools. And they are equipped to move into new territory if they like: some have published adult fiction, produced plays, and even won national screenwriting competitions.

MFA students who come to Spalding already having published a book may apply for an accelerated course of study.

Our spring and summer residencies are timed to work with teachers’ schedules.

“When I think back on my time at Spalding, here’s what I remember: The hotel where the program held their conference was exquisite, the Hot Brown sandwich was ambrosial, but the thing that really enamored me the most was the kindness and inquisitiveness of the brilliant student writers and teachers.”

— Kwame Alexander, Author of The Crossover, Newbery Medal Winner

Past visiting writers include: