Writing for Young Readers, MFA

Write books for young readers in a two-year, low-residency program. Study any form and genre, from picture books to young adult novels, nonfiction, graphic novels, and poetry. Work one-on-one with award-winning authors.

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FAQs

How Does an MFA Support Children’s Book Authors?

People who want to write for young readers aren't like everybody else. You understand how important kids' books are. And you've dreamed of writing them — maybe even since you were a child yourself. We see you. We've been where you are. And we want to help you make your dream come true.

Visit the Program Overview

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Why Study Writing for Young Readers at USF?

Programs that focus exclusively on writing for young readers are rare. This is what we do and our faculty are the very best in the business at both making these books, but also teaching how the work is done. Books for young readers aren’t an afterthought here. They aren’t second class. In fact, we consider them the most important books of all. Without books for young readers, there will be no readers. There is no better place to study this vital work than the University of San Francisco.

Can You Balance Work and Study?

This program is designed to fit into your life. We are low-residency, meaning you come to campus twice a year for brief intervals of intensive study. The rest of the time, you work from home under the one-on-one supervision of your faculty advisor. Expect to spend up to 20 hours a week on your work (a combination of reading, writing, and thinking).

How Does an MFA Help You Publish Kids’ Books?

Our program, unlike some others, believes in preparing writers for the realities of publishing. The craft of writing is central, but there are also important things about the business writers need to know. We include voices from the publishing industry in your curriculum for this reason. We will help you begin the work of building the community that makes careers possible. That work begins during your very first residency.

Careers

Considering an MFA in Writing?

Thinking about making the leap into a writing career?

Read our guide to explore what an MFA in Writing involves, and how this degree can shape your path as a writer.

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Who Will Your Advisor Be?

We’ve built a faculty of award-winning authors published across all categories of children’s literature. Our matching process considers your preferences, your needs, and our professional judgment. Your advisor will have no more than four students and will give you extraordinary focus.

Meet the Faculty

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Martha Brockenbrough

Program Director

Writing for young readers is the most important type of writing a person can do. This is where literacy begins. This is where children expand their horizons and their understanding of who they are and what it means to be alive.”