WNDB strives to create a world in which all children can see themselves in the pages of a book. To reach this goal, we've created programs to celebrate diverse books, to mentor diverse writers and illustrators, to support diverse publishing professionals, and to provide books to classrooms nationwide.
Sort our full list of programs by clicking on any of the categories below:
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LitUp
LitUp will provide five emerging writers with an all-access paid retreat, a three-month mentorship with a published author, and marketing support for Reese’s Book Club.
Black Creatives Mentorship
The Black Creatives Mentorship for Black Creatives will introduce Black writers to the ins-and-outs of the publishing industry through one-on-one mentorship and programming with other industry professionals designed to develop their networking skills as well as hone their craft.
Black Creatives Marketing Symposium for Published Authors
The Black Creatives Marketing Symposium for Published Authors, In Partnership with the Brown Bookshelf, will provide guidance and support to authors who are seeking to energize their careers.
Black Creatives Revisions Workshop
The Black Creatives Revisions Workshop is an extended opportunity for writers who have completed a full draft of a Middle Grade, Young Adult, or Adult novel.
Black Creatives Fund
The mission of the Black Creatives Fund is to support emerging and established Black writers and illustrators.
Native Children’s and YA Writing Intensive
The Native Children’s and YA Writing Intensive will offer an opportunity for reflection, conversation, celebration, and manuscript and career development to Native/First Nations writers.
Heartdrum
Heartdrum is a Native-focused imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books, author-curated by Cynthia Leitich Smith and edited by Rosemary Brosnan.
OurStory App
The OurStory app is an easy-to-use resource to discover diverse books. It’s a tool for all audiences, from kids and teens to parents and educators.
WNDB in the Classroom
WNDB in the Classroom provides free diverse books to low-income schools around the country. This program was created to address the literacy gap that affects marginalized youth. By helping children find stories and authors that they can relate to, we can help foster in them a lifelong love of reading.
Emergency Fund for Diverse Creatives in Publishing
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, WNDB has provided emergency grants to diverse authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals who are experiencing dire financial need.
Walter Grant
The Walter Dean Myers Grant provides financial support to diverse authors and illustrators who are currently unpublished.
Internship Grant Program
The Internship Grant program awards supplemental grants to diverse students pursuing a career in children’s publishing.
Mentorships
Our Mentorship program supports diverse creators early in their career by pairing them with an experienced children’s author or illustrator.
The Walter Awards
Inaugurated in 2016, the annual Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature recognize diverse authors (or co-authors) whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way.
PRH Creative Writing Awards
The Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards are a scholarship program designed to highlight, encourage, and support diverse student voices.
Anthologies
Our short story anthologies feature diverse work written by award-winning and upcoming diverse voices.
