Think nonfiction kids' books are boring? Think again! I'm a writer, teacher, and writing coach dedicated to helping students reimagine their true stories, turning them into captivating reads. Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, new releases, and more.
Share
Spring Heat, School Visits & A New Book Idea 🌱
Published 6 months ago • 3 min read
Hello friends!
Jack Kirby exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center, Read Across America in my BFF Lourdes's 5th grade, and Literacy & STEM night at my librarian buddy Erin's school.
Happy summer! I mean, spring?
But it's 91 degrees here in Southern California as I type. Gah. 🥵
It's been a month of school visits for me. It's such a joy to connect with young readers to discuss writing, book-making, and STEM at local schools.
On the picture book front…
I’ve been developing a new nonfiction idea, which is now with my agent for feedback. The plan is to pitch it to one of my existing editors.
I spent about 10 hours researching, including digging into online sources and skimming books. But the real work wasn’t just gathering information. It was shaping the idea into something surprising and meaningful for kids.
Before I draft, I make sure I have three things in place:
a strong hook (why this story will grab--and surprise--a reader)
a clear takeaway (what the reader will understand or feel, a universal, heart-level message)
a handful of specific, vivid examples that prove the idea can carry a full book
If one of those pieces is missing, the draft almost always stalls later.
I’ve been sharing this process with my Insiders during our monthly Zoom office hours, and next month (April 10th) we’ll be workshopping our pitches before drafting, making sure our ideas are solid from the start.
If you want to explore writing nonfiction pitches, you can learn more here on my blog.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast: If you loved The Derry Girls, you'll love this Irish comedy-thriller Netflix from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee (Netflix). Three high-school friends attend their classmate's wake only to realize she may not be dead at all.
Apple Notes App: I am ditching OneNote for Apple Notes thanks to its integration with Reminders and Calendar. Katherine LeRoy got me hooked after I watched these videos she recommended from Brooke Tierney.
Read on for podcast updates and my current offerings.
Kirsten
A rave review for Telling It True
Buy here, or, if the book has helped you, please review it wherever you get your books.
Podcast: What Happens When History Forgets Her Name
In this episode, authors Lindsay H. Metcalf (Footeprint) and Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox (The Real Rosalind) explore the craft of writing young adult nonfiction, the research process behind uncovering hidden scientific histories, and how to transform archival discoveries into emotionally compelling narratives. From the stories of Rosalind Franklin and Eunice Newton Foote to broader conversations about credit, persistence, and passion in science, this discussion dives deep into what it takes to write nonfiction that resonates with teen readers.
Topics covered:
✔️Writing YA biographies
✔️Researching overlooked women scientists
✔️Crafting emotional arcs in nonfiction
✔️Balancing historical and scientific accuracy with narrative engagement
If you've been thinking about joining Reimagine Insiders but haven't taken the leap yet, there's still time. We're working together on children's nonfiction projects throughout 2026, and you can jump in right now to get the structure, community support, and expert guidance that will help you finally complete that manuscript you've been dreaming about.
Through monthly craft posts and group coaching calls (our "office hours"), you'll move step by step from generating and vetting story ideas to drafting, revising, and shaping a submission-ready manuscript. Our next meeting is April 10th. Whether you're a teacher exploring writing during your breaks, a librarian with stories to tell, or a writer seeking accountability, Reimagine Insiders offers the thoughtful support you need. It's only $5 per month! Learn more and join us at writers.kirstenwlarson.com.
Think nonfiction kids' books are boring? Think again! I'm a writer, teacher, and writing coach dedicated to helping students reimagine their true stories, turning them into captivating reads. Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, new releases, and more.
Hello friends! Left to Right: A highly-anticipated show, kayaking the LA River, a local USL soccer match Happy August! Summer is over--at least for me. The high schooler has already started his senior year (😭). We do have our college student home for another month, but I already feel that shift to fall energy and that freight train barreling toward the end of the year. On the picture book front… I have another round of sketches from Lauren Tamaki to review for Shape of Our Stories. We're at...
Hello friends! Disneyland on the 4th of July, Long Beach with my MIL, Mario ride at Universal Studios Happy July! I hope your 4th was filled with fireworks and lots of fun. We spent the day at Disneyland. Then my 89-year-old mother-in-law came for a visit. I also made my first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood in 30 years. On the picture book front… I had a meeting with my editor for Shape of Our Stories to finalize back matter. The current target pub date is March 7, 2028. Here's hoping!...
Hello friends! From left to right: At the Pantages theater for Alicia Keyes's Hell's Kitchen; seeing Snoop Dogg; a tour of the Page Museum before it closes for refurbishment ahead of the Olympics. Happy Summer! I'm soaking it up, and I hope you are too. We've been enjoying outdoor concerts and summer nights at cultural venues across Los Angeles thanks to our public radio station, KCRW. The latest was a tour of the La Brea Tar Pits's Page Museum before it closes July 7 for upgrades before the...
