Department of Children's Literature
The Children’s Literature Department, in conjunction with the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons, is a unique invitation to the writing and publishing world.
Studying Children's Literature at Simmons University
The Master of Arts in Children’s Literature engages in rigorous academic study of literature published for children and young adults. The Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children provides opportunities to develop new manuscripts under the guidance of professionals in the field. Both programs situate works for young people in historical and cultural contexts as they adopt multiple critical perspectives on children’s books, young adult literature, and social constructions of child/young adulthood. As publishers, reviewers, editors, agents, and writers, our alumni shape the future of children’s literature.
The Center for the Study of Children’s Literature hosts a variety of events, including a summer institute, that bring authors, editors, writers, and illustrators to campus. Through the Center, we enjoy partnerships with The Horn Book, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and PEN-New England, among others.
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.
Learn More About The Department of Children's Literature
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.
Children's Literature in the News
Adjunct Anita Silvey Reflects on Snowflake Bentley
It's snowflake season in New England, and beyond. In honor of the chilly landscape, we asked SLIS and Children's Literature Adjunct Anita Silvey to discuss a particular book from her publishing career: Snowflake Bentley. This book, written by Jacqueline Briggs...
Lost & Found in Literature for Young People at Simmons’ Summer Institute
The Summer Institute in Children's Literature returned to Simmons University in July 2022. The Institute theme “Lost & Found” shaped reflections from authors, librarians, educators, publishers, and critics of children’s literature from across the country in this two-day gathering of inspiration and restoration.
Associate Professor Appointed Co-President of Children’s Literature Association
Amy Pattee, Associate Professor and Co-coordinator of Dual Degree MS LIS/MA Children's Literature, will serve as Co-President of the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA) for the coming year.
Know Your Staff: Stephen Pusateri, Assistant Director of Military and Veteran Services
Get to know Assistant Director of Military and Veteran Services Stephen Pusateri. We caught up with Stephen about advocating for our veterans at Simmons, why he loves working with this community, and completing his MFA in Writing for Children.
Simmons University’s Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities Welcomes Six New Faculty Members
Cohort of talented faculty helps fulfill commitments to student success and faculty diversity.
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.
Meet Your Professor: Abbye Meyer
We caught up with Abbye Meyer, the new assistant professor in the children's literature program! Learn more about her passion for children's literature, disability studies, and how she knows Scottish rock band, Belle and Sebastian.
Professor Mercier Receives First Alden Poole Faculty Mentor Award
In honor of her commitment to mentoring, Professor Cathryn Mercier receives the Alden Poole Faculty Mentor Award. Faculty mentors can change students' lives. They work with students both inside and outside the classroom, ask tough questions, push them to try...