Children's Literature + Library Services to Children
Children's Literature (MA) + Library and Information Science (MS):Library Services to Children is the first and only dual degree program in the country that prepares students and professionals in library youth and young adult services.
Enroll in both the Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and the Master of Science in Library and Information Science to meld theory and practice. Work with an advisor from each program to tailor your studies to meet your needs and interests.
Examine literary history and then evaluate a children’s literature collection. Consider far-ranging critical frameworks and assess the right young adult texts to bring to readers. Study the form of the picturebook as the first step in connecting books to child readers. Research contemporary nonfiction to build not only today’s common core but also to tomorrow’s scientists.
Immerse yourself in The Center for the Study of Children’s Literature. Join authors and illustrators at the summer institute, the Horn Book at Simmons Symposium, and the literary events hosted in Boston every year. From Children’s Books Boston to the Boston Book Festival, participate in today’s literary society as you create tomorrow’s readers.
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.
Our Faculty
Cathryn Mercier
Professor and Graduate Program Director of Children's Literature
Amy Pattee
Professor
Anita Silvey
Adjunct Faculty
Spotlight on Children's Literature Students and Alums
Alumna Appointed Principal of Elementary School
Brit Sikes ’96 has been appointed Principal of Una Elementary School by Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Children’s Literature Professor Helps Select Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winners
The Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards “recognize and reward excellence in literature for children and young adults.” As the School Library Journal reported, Professor and Graduate Program Director of Children’s Literature Cathryn Mercier chaired a group of judges who determined the 2024 awardees.
From Simmons to the Caldecott Medal: Adventures in Picturebooks with Rotem Moscovich ’06MA
Rotem Moscovich ’06MA, Editorial Director of Picturebooks at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, shares how Simmons cultivated her love for children's literature, and her experience editing a Caldecott-winning picturebook.
Blowing the Horn for Children’s Literature: One Hundred Years of The Horn Book Magazine
In October of 1924, the first issue of The Horn Book magazine appeared. It began as a newsletter from the Bookshop for Boys and Girls, one of the first children’s book shops in the United States, established in 1916 by...
Children’s Literature Editor Karen Boss ’95 ’13 Champions Diverse Authors in Successful Career Change
Karen Boss ’95 ’13MA earned a double Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sociology and returned to Simmons twenty years later for her Master’s in Children’s Literature. She is a senior editor at Charlesbridge, where she works on fiction and nonfiction picture books, and middle-grade and young adult works.
Julie Bliven ’05 ’08MA Shares the Power of the Simmons Community
Charlesbridge Publishing Children’s Book Editor Julie Bliven ’05 ’08MA worked with Simmons classmate Elaine Dimopoulos ’08MFA on her most recent novel, and this year published her debut picture book. She shares how being a writer has helped her be an editor, and vice versa.
Children's Librarian Bethany Campbell Upholds a Commitment to Access and Inclusivity
In recognition of Banned Books Week, we caught up with children's librarian Bethany Campbell '21MAMS to learn how she deals with challenges to book displays at her public library.
Ariel Richardson ’09MA Edits Sibert Medal-Winning Picture Book
Ariel Richardson ’09MA is the Senior Editor in Children’s at Chronicle Books, located in San Francisco. We caught up with Richardson about her role, her time at Simmons, and her recent award-winning picture book.