Current Needs

Fiction for Beginning Readers (Ages 6 to 8), up to 500 words, Joëlle Dujardin, Senior Editor

• Humorous stories
• Folktales
• Holiday stories
• Sports stories

Fiction for Independent Readers (Ages 8 to 12), up to 800 words, Joëlle Dujardin, Senior Editor

• Adventure stories
• Historical fiction
• Sports stories
• Mystery stories

Nonfiction for Beginning Readers (Ages 4 to 8), up to 500 words, Debra Hess, Senior Editor

• Highlights is currently seeking nonfiction submissions for our younger readers that provide a window into the religious and cultural diversity of America.
• We are also currently seeking articles that focus on animals and their habitats.
• Please include a bibliography and an expert review with all nonfiction articles.

Gallant Kids, up to 400 words, Debra Hess, Senior Editor

• Highlights is currently seeking Gallant Kids articles that feature boys.
• Gallant Kids articles spotlight children who embody the concept of "be your best self."
• "Gallant Kids" are children who, through self-motivation, have taken actions to make the world a better place. While large-scale work is worthy and impressive, it is important to remember that small acts of kindness can make a large impact.
• Please submit the following with your manuscript: a written transcript of the interview with the Gallant Kid, a written transcript of an interview with an adult who witnessed the actions of the child (preferably not a parent), photos, and photo-permission forms.

Science, 800 words (two-page features), 400 words (one-page features), 50 words (activities), Andy Boyles, Science Editor

• Features about kids involved in science
• Scientists studying high-interest animals in their natural habitats
• Short, quick, easy, fun science activities

History/World Cultures, up to 800 words, Carolyn Yoder, Senior Editor

• Fun, humorous, kid-friendly articles
• Presidential (but NOT Washington and Lincoln) and patriotic pieces
• Need anecdotal articles, rather than broad interviews
• American holidays, specifically Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, Passover, Hanukkah, and little-known holidays
• World-cultures pieces. ALL COUNTRIES. We want intimate snapshots of life in another country.

One-Page Activities, up to 275 words, Linda Rose, Assistant Editor

• Indoor and outdoor games that kids aren't likely to know already, especially those that involve exercise, creativity, and/or humor
• Activities and games kids can do by themselves
• Card or magic tricks that don't require special equipment
• Body-teaser challenges (ex: "With your heels against the wall, can you bend forward and pick up a quarter in front of your toes?")
• How-to's or tips (particular skills in sports, arts, etc. – even tips on how to clean their rooms)

We prefer activities that require neither parental supervision nor materials kids aren't likely to have handy. All articles should have a clear focus and relevance to kids.

Puzzles, Games, Recipes, and Activities, Linda Rose, Assistant Editor

• Logic puzzles, visual puzzles, math puzzles, word fun—but nothing that requires writing in the book

Puzzles that lend themselves to strong visuals are a big plus! See our "Picture Puzzler" page in each issue for examples.

Crafts, up to 150 words, Annie Beer, Editorial Intern

We are looking for original crafts, specifically in the categories listed below. If your child has made a craft in school, at Scouts, etc., chances are we’ve already published it. Our readers want fresh new crafts and so do we!

• Crafts for all holidays except Christmas and Easter
• Crafts from world cultures
• Crafts with boy appeal
• Crafts that result in games
• Crafts that encourage play (toys, costumes, musical instruments, etc.)
• Crafts that use recycled materials readily available to kids today

Please send a photo or sample of the craft with your submission.