Summer 2026 Young Writers' Workshop
July 6 – 10, 2026
For incoming first through 12th graders*
Program runs 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. each day.
Drop off begins at 7:45 a.m. Pick up begins at 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $55 (some scholarships available)
Registration deadline: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Location:
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
7101 University Avenue
Texarkana, Texas
*Students must be age six or older by July 6, 2026.
*Workshop rooms, offices, and activities will take place in the Anita and Truman Arnold University Center (UC) building, second floor. The Friday Celebration will be on the UC fourth floor in the John F. Moss Library.
*Drop off/pick up will take place in the small parking lot northwest of the UC building.
*Those registering after 06/22/2026 may not receive this year's official shirt or may receive a slightly larger size than requested.
Workshop Details*
Each young writer will receive the workshop reader, writing supplies, and t-shirt (wear it to Friday’s celebration).First and Second Graders: Theme: Places and Spaces
"Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" by Virginia Lee Burton and "The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton
Our youngest writers will journey with beloved children’s author Virginia Lee Burton through two of her books, "The Little House" and "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel". Following the themes of belonging, or finding a happy place, young authors will create illustrated stories, artwork, and/or poems of their own to enjoy and share.
Third and Fourth Graders: Theme: Instigations and Investigations
"The Eleventh Hour" by Graeme Base and "Hilde Cracks the Case" by Karen Inglis
These young investigators will take on the role of journalists as they explore the possibilities of illustration as well as both fictional and factual story writing. Who will find the best clues and who will discover, or create, the latest “who-done-it?”
Fifth and Sixth Graders: Theme: Heroines and Heroes
"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle
Our more advanced young writers will explore the fantastical world with Ursala Le Guin. From this inspiring novel, the young authors will then create their own amazing worlds with unique geographies, populations, animalia, and more. We are looking forward to illustrious illustrations and fantastical fusions.
Seventh and Eighth Graders: Theme: Magic and Miscommunication
"The Girl who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill
Communication is key in families and communities, but students will see what happens when communication fails in this highly rated adolescent novel. They can expect to create their own works as a way to communicate greater truths through subtle story creation.
Ninth through 12th Graders: Theme: Dystopian Futures
"Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler
When society breaks down, someone must step up to rescue it. This Bildungsroman (coming-of-age) novel guides students through the adventures and misadventures of these young, suddenly independent, teens as they try to survive and create a new life for themselves. These older authors will be challenged to create and illustrate their own worlds through which their characters must navigate.
*YWW director staff reserves the right to recombine workshop groups based on student ability, participant enrollment, and/or staff availability.
*To register for the Young Writers' Workshop, visit our registration page.
*Please ensure all information is accurate, as it will determine participant placement, t-shirt received, etc.
Inquiries concerning summer 2026 programming can be directed to blancaster@tamut.edu.