Children’s Literature + Library and Information Science
Spark a love of reading
From picture books to young adult literature, classic works to contemporary fiction, explore the artistry, boundary-breaking, and innovative brilliance of literature created for young people. At the same time, earn a master’s degree in Library and Information Science to prepare for a career connecting young readers with literature and lifelong learning.
Simmons University's Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS) dual degree program — the first of its kind in the US — combines deep literary study with concrete experience developing collections and designing youth services.
Join a community that reads widely, thinks deeply, and shares your passion for making a difference through literature. In both elements of the dual degree program, you’ll engage with questions of access, equity, and ethics, and explore how power and justice shape the reading lives of young people and the services that support them.
Work closely with a faculty advisor who will offer you advice, support, and guidance as you work toward your career goals. Develop your skills in critical inquiry, literary analysis, and communication as you learn to bring exceptional literature into the hands of young people. Be part of shaping the future of libraries and the communities they serve.
Learn more about Simmons’ Children’s Literature and Library and Information Science (MS) programs.
Ranked among the best
Simmons’ Library and Information Science programs are among the best in the country. In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings (2025), Simmons earned distinctions, including:
- #9 Overall Library & Information Science
- #9 Services for Children and Youth programs
- #13 School Library Media programs
- #13 Digital Librarianship programs
Why pursue a dual degree in Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS)?
Our dual degree program integrates theory and practice across two disciplines. You’ll tailor your studies to professional goals — whether you're interested in youth or school librarianship, doctoral work in children’s literature, or a career in children’s book publishing.
In our program, you will:
- Strengthen your critical reading and writing skills through rigorous academic study of literature across genres, including picture books, verse novels, informational texts, speculative fiction, fantasy, realism, folk and fairy tales, and graphic novels.
- Consider the past, present, and future of texts for young readers as cultural products that reflect and innovate.
- Participate in cross-disciplinary and cross-professional conversations that center on multiple traditions and practices.
- Apply professional standards and best practices across the information field and your specific area.
- Select, implement, and create programs and resource systems that respond to the needs of diverse communities and stakeholders.
- Access internship opportunities in culturally thriving Boston at organizations such as Boston Public Library and The Horn Book Magazine.
- Take advantage of our partnership with The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to expand your horizons.
Alumnae/i impact
Graduates of our Simmons Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS) dual degree program are leaders in the field. They are known for their excellence, advocacy, and enduring impact on youth literature and library services.
Alumnae/i have served on major children’s book award committees, such as the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Sibert, and Printz Awards, among others. They also have served as panelists and judges on regional and state book award committees.
Children's Literature Programs Highlight
96%
Graduates Employed in Publishing, Libraries, Education, or as Writers*
*Class of 2024, 100% knowledge rate of 27 graduates – MA, MFA, MA/MFA, MA/MS
Spotlight on Children's Literature Students and Alums
Metafiction as a Willingness to Play
Rosie Lopolito ’29MA/MS shares how a diverse array of experiences led her to the Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS) dual degree program at Simmons University.
Dual Degree Alumnus Found His Voice at Simmons
Alec Chunn '15MA/MS reflects on how the Children's Literature & Library Science dual degree has informed his work as a reviewer of children's literature, a jurist for literary prizes, and a Youth Librarian at Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon.
Alumna Author Talks Writing Process and Guiding Students
Jo Knowles ’92, ’95MA graduated from Simmons with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and returned to Simmons for her master’s degree in children’s literature. While teaching at a low-residency MFA program, Knowles continues to write young adult fiction.
Finding Inspiration in Taiwan’s Night Markets
Children’s Literature and Writing for Children graduate Emily Sun Li ’24MA/MFA reflects on her road to becoming a published author and how Simmons supported her career path.
Alumna Embraces Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature
Since completing her master of arts in children’s literature at Simmons, Amber Weinstock ’24MA has begun her doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut. We caught up with Weinstock, winner of the 2024 Graduate Student Essay Award, to ask how Simmons prepared her for her current studies.
The Transformative Power of Children’s Literature
Cassie Sheets-Kavanagh ’18MA, who earned her master of arts in children’s literature at Simmons, is pursuing a PhD in curriculum, instruction, and teacher education at Michigan State University.
Alumna Combines Story and Techspressionist Moving Images
Karen LaFleur ’97MA, a graduate of the Simmons Master’s in Children’s Literature, is a “Techspressionist” artist and writer who incorporates moving images, text, music, and artistic renderings of nature and scientific discovery into her artwork. We spoke to LaFleur about how her studies at Simmons shaped the development of her art.
The Story Listener
Breanna J. McDaniel ’14MA is the author of four acclaimed picturebooks and the recipient of the 2025 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award. On July 26, McDaniel will present a presentation with author-illustrator Vashti Harrison at the Summer Children's Literature Institute at Simmons University.
Our Faculty
Cathryn Mercier
Professor and Chair of the Department of Literature and Writing and Graduate Program Director of Children's Literature
Amy Pattee
Professor and Co-director of the MS LIS/MA Children’s Literature program
Anita Silvey
Adjunct Faculty
Naresh Agarwal
Professor, Director of Information Science & Tech Concentration, and Interim Associate Dean of SLIS
Rhiannon Bettivia
Associate Professor
Peter Botticelli
Associate Professor and Director, Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration
Heather Hole
Professor, disciplines of Museum Studies and Art History
Lisa Hussey
Professor, Director of Self-directed Concentration, and Interim Associate Dean of SLIS
Daniel Joudrey
Professor and Director of Libraries and Librarianship Concentration
Melanie Kimball
Associate Professor and Director, School Library Teacher Concentration
Eric Poulin
Associate Professor of Practice and SLIS West Director
Laura Saunders
Professor
Don Simmons
Assistant Professor
Rebecca Stallworth
Associate Professor
Shengang Wang
Assistant Professor
Mei Zhang
Assistant Professor