In honor of our centennial, we asked interns from over the years to share their reminiscences.

I interned at the Horn Book while earning my MFA in writing for children from Simmons. It was the perfect industry crash course. If a children’s book was on its way to publication, I either unboxed, shelved, read, or reviewed it. I’ve never before or since been so informed on the state of the industry.

Photo: Rachel Marsh, Boston Book Festival, 2018.

I read as many of the books being reviewed in the Magazine as possible, hoping some talent might rub off on me. One of those books was Jan Eldredge’s Evangeline of the Bayou, which was beyond encouraging, because at the time I was just starting my own middle-grade project featuring Louisiana folklore. Fast forward to 2024, and that very project will be published as my debut novel: Rougarou Magic.

Thank you greatly to the Horn Book for providing education, experience, and more books than I could ever read. I miss you all!

For more Horn Book centennial coverage, click here.