Little Launchers is proud to announce that author Erica Swallow is a 2017 recipient of the Highlights Foundation’s James Cross Giblin Scholarship “for writers who have a strong talent and passion for juvenile nonfiction.”
For anyone who read “Highlights” magazine as a kid, you’ll recognize the Highlights name. The Highlights Foundation, of the same namesake, was founded in 1985 to “improve the quality of children’s literature by helping authors and illustrators hone their craft.” It does that through workshops that range in topics. “Workshops are led by children’s publishing professionals,” the site states. “Editors, authors, art directors, publishers, agents, academics, and others who are there to help you realize your creative goals.”
Swallow will apply the scholarship towards her tuition to the Highlight Foundation’s “Master Class in Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults” workshop, where she’ll take her first-ever seminar on children’s book writing. Based in the Poconos Mountain, the Retreat Center will give the debut author space and time to dream up or work on her next book.
The foundation’s James Cross Giblin Scholarship is an endowed, ongoing scholarship program within the Highlights Foundation and was established in 2012 by Mr. Giblin, a publisher, editor, and award-winning children’s book author who was revered by many as a publishing legend. He wrote and published more than 20 children’s books during his career, which began in 1980 with his first book, “The Scarecrow Book.” His works — including his most popular, “The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler” — centered around nonfiction, historical nonfiction, and biographical topics. Mr. Giblin passed away in 2016 at the age of 82.
“I’m just honored to be considered,” says Swallow. “This is a dream come true, to be able to write meaningful stories and to be supported by industry vets.”
Swallow will travel to the nonfiction master class workshop in June. It takes place at the Foundation’s 52,000-square-foot Retreat Center in the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains.
