Author Gary Schmidt once said that what ties the variety of writers of young people’s literature together is that “we’ve all chosen to do our best work for children.” Writing for young people, whether they be in pre-K or high school, is playful and serious work. Picture, chapter, middle grade, and YA books tackle subjects as humorous as interrupting chickens and as challenging as death, divorce, social justice. Seasoned children’s book authors know that young people are curious, resourceful, and wildly imaginative beings who deserve authentic stories which will give them room to laugh, cry, explore fear and make meaning of the world. By exploring picture books, middle grade novels, and peeking into the YA world, writers will gain understanding of the various forms, create a language of craft, and gain effective tools and techniques that will engage and provoke spirited young readers of any age (even groan-ups). Who This Course Is For: When asked for her qualifications for being an editor and publisher of books for children, the famed Ursula Nordstrom (whom discovered Maurice Sendak among other beloved authors) stated, “I am a former child.” So, while this class is designed for the Writing for Children/YA MFA writers, it is also for all former children who want to explore and develop the craft of writing for current and future young people. Content/Expectations: We will focus on reading and unpacking contemporary and classic fictional picture books and middle grade novels with a glimpse of YA novels put out by major American publishers. Additional reading may include articles, craft texts. Participants in the course will be expected to complete weekly reading, write 1–3 page reading responses and/or creative exercises, and actively participate in discussions. In addition, they may be asked to work on ongoing projects, prepare a final written and/or oral assignment. Note that for part of the semester, students will be expected to spend an hour or more each week in a library or bookstore. A full list of books and potential guests will be available to students in advance or at the first class. “This is too magnificent and powerful a story for anyone to worry over whether it will scare some timid adults.” - Ursula Nordstrom, editor and publisher of Harpers children’s book department 1940-73. "

The graduate Writing Program includes intensive seminars on traditional and contemporary literary topics, which are investigated from the specialized perspective of the active writer. Topics and readings vary each semester, but all literature seminars are conducted by writers and concentrate on crucial aspects of craft and technique as well as on issues of literary history and theory. Literature seminars meet once a week in a two-hour session. Like the writing workshops, seminars are conveniently scheduled during the early evenings, Tuesday through Thursday. Courses are intended for MFA students and otherwise by explicit permission by the director or associate director of the Writing Program.