I received this from an editor at
Highlights for Children who encouraged me to pass it along.
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HIGHLIGHTS NEEDSFrom Kim Griswell, Coordinating EditorArts articles that have true kid-appeal. Kids are drawn to all kinds of arts, but they are probably not in a museum appreciating great works. We must meet them where they are.
Travel and adventure articles with a kid-friendly focus or a deeper meaning to share--a lesson learned, better understood a culture, a discovery made, etc.
From Andy Boyles, Science EditorOur guidelines state that our word limit is 800, but
articles that are even shorter (350-400 words) are especially welcome. We put a high value on articles that
show science as a process, articles that follow a scientist or group of scientists as they try to solve one of nature's mysteries. We currently have what we need in the way of articles about: birds, reptiles and amphibians, insects (especially bees), and volcanoes.
From Marileta Robinson, Senior EditorWe need stories for young readers at first- and second-grade reading levels, 500 words or fewer. I would like to see stories with holiday themes, especially dealing with the real meaning of the holidays of various religions. Also stories with sports themes for younger children.
From Carolyn Yoder, History/World Cultures EditorMulticultural articles, particularly first-person accounts. Historical looks at major holidays--Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Hanukah, July 4, Labor Day. Biographies of major historical figures--Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights. Articles on immigrant history.
From Judy Burke, Associate EditorNonfiction sports:
Articles that focus on a known athlete (a squeaky clean one), those that focus entirely on the development of specific skills, and those that address challenges faced by athletes of any kind (ex: being smaller than your teammates, staying calm under pressure, etc.). Successful articles often include quotes gained from personal interviews with athletes or experts and useful tips for readers who play that sport.
Fiction:
800-word stories for 8- to 12-year-olds. Humorous stories, Easter stories (no Easter bunnies as characters, though), Passover stories, and stories involving Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, or
Eid ul-Adha.
400-word humorous stories for 8- to 12-year-olds also needed.
Nonfiction:
300-word activity articles. Successful ones often include a short introduction and a few short activities with a common theme.
From Joelle Dujardin Kirkland, Associate EditorCrafts: crafts with boy-appeal, games, holiday crafts, and crafts from other cultures (with background included).
Younger nonfiction (450 words or fewer): first-person accounts of fieldwork, arts stories, biographies with interesting slants, kids living in other cultures, ancient history, animals, details from urban life (workers, transportation, etc.).
Gallant Kids: leads (or articles) on kids doing service in their communities--especially children of color.
From George Brown, Assistant EditorI'm looking for
puzzles and
short activities that encourage children to think in a creative way without relying on prior knowledge of specific facts. These puzzles
should not require the use of pen or pencil to solve them.
I'm also interested in
finger-play activities and
step and repeat
stories.
General requestWe're looking for proposals for inside-back covers. Since there's little text, ideas need to be fresh and clear, possibly with a few activities within the page, and clear art instructions. Highlights recommends
reviewing their submission guidelines and back issues at local libraries before submitting a manuscript. Material should be fresh and exciting.
Guidelines are available at www.highlights.com
Please send submissions to the specific editor listed above, orManuscript Coordinator
Highlights for Children
803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
