Happy New Year! We are thrilled to announce a brand new crop of 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge Scholarship winners!
The 12 x 12 Scholarship Fund started in 2014 when the 12 x 12 community generously donated funds to provide four scholarships in two categories—Diversity and Financial Need—for pre-published picture book authors. Since 2016, our members have donated enough money to fund SIX scholarships per year! The purpose behind these scholarships is to cultivate underrepresented voices in children’s picture books and to provide an opportunity for dedicated writers to join 12 x 12 who might not otherwise be able to. You can find out more details about the 12 x 12 Scholarship Fund on our Scholarship Page.
This year, Julie is donating an additional 10 SILVER Diversity scholarships to ensure even more voices are seated at the kidlit table.
Every year the submissions get stronger and stronger! If you applied and didn’t win, we encourage you to continue working on your craft and apply again in November. Each of this year’s GOLD scholarship recipients receives a GOLD membership to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2025 and a lifetime membership to The Complete Picture Book Submissions System.
Without further ado, we bring you the 2025 Diversity and Financial Need Scholarship winners.
2024 GOLD Scholarship Recipients
Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Brenda Panella draws inspiration from her roots and her large family, where education was a cornerstone. Now living in Round Rock with her husband, she strives to inspire young minds by creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences in her library. Her work reflects her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and nurturing the next generation of readers and writers.
Brenda says, “I am an educator and librarian, and writer deeply committed to celebrating diverse stories. With a master’s degree in Spanish and Information Studies, as well as multiple teaching credentials, I currently serve as a middle school librarian in Round Rock ISD. My work is driven by a passion for literacy, creativity, and inclusivity. My writing reflects my cultural heritage and unique perspectives.”
Lillie Pardo, the daughter of Filipino immigrants, was born and raised in the Midwest. She has been an elementary school teacher since 2006 and was inspired to write true stories of accomplished Filipino Americans to share with her 4th grade students. She is an active member of SCBWI, The Courage to Create, and two amazing critique groups. In 2023, she was a PB Rising Stars mentee. A graduate of the University of Kansas with degrees in Journalism and Spanish, Lillie lives in Los Angeles, California with her family. You can visit her at lilliepardo.com.
Lillie says, “Being Filipino American is an integral and proud part of my identity. I have always loved reading. Yet, growing up I never saw myself reflected in books. It wasn’t until later, when I became a parent and teacher that I decided to write nonfiction stories that represent the contributions of Filipino Americans, who have been historically underrepresented in children’s books. My goal is to create books that will allow all kids to feel seen and valued.”
Marcus McGee almost specialized in Architecture, but his true passion lies in storytelling. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in English, Theatre Arts, and Comparative Literature, Marcus left his small town in the South and moved to Los Angeles, where he became a SAG-AFTRA actor, award-winning playwright, and screenwriter. While volunteering with WriteGirl’s Bold Ink Writers Program to empower incarcerated youth to find their voices through creativity, Marcus discovered how much he loved writing with and for children. An active member of SCBWI, Marcus seeks to keep the doors open to every reader during times of unprecedented censorship and encourage awareness and diplomacy.
Marcus says, “Of all the books I’ve enjoyed, some of the most memorable were the ones my mother read to me over and over as a child. I find the visual storytelling of Picture Books an invigorating challenge. They make us laugh, feel a sense of community, and may even help us find the magic all around us. My goal is to foster inclusivity regarding underrepresented identities in my work and to inspire a safer environment for the young voices of tomorrow.”
Meredith Epstein writes whimsical, wacky, and humorous stories for children. She draws inspiration from her childhood in New York City, Jewish heritage, and membership in a singing pirate crew. She enjoys writing stories steeped in stupendous silliness and occasionally lets values such as embracing uniqueness, environmentalism, and kindness creep in. Outside of writing, Meredith is a professional climate advocate with degrees from Brown University and the London School of Economics. Meredith is moving back to her hometown of Brooklyn, NY where she can’t wait to regain regular access to the best bagels and cannoli in the world.
Meredith says “I started writing picture books for my friend’s children while their dad was in the hospital and unable to tell them fantastical bedtime stories. I fell in love with creating magical and silly stories that inspire joy, creativity, and a love of reading. I am also excited to share imaginative tales that celebrate Jewish culture and traditions.”
Morgan Lau is an avid gardener with ten years of environmental science experience. Morgan’s two daughters sparked her literary fire to create characters that reflect the glee and chaos of their childhood. As a member of SCBWI and Storyteller Academy, Morgan has cultivated kidlit bonds and strengthened her storytelling skills. When she is not fulfilling snack requests and prepping crafts, Morgan writes stories inspired by nature, family traditions, and her children’s shenanigans.
Morgan says, “My earliest memories were reading funny children’s books that transported me to a brighter, softer, and kinder world outside of my own. As an inquisitive and sometimes shy child, books were my assurance that I will be okay. As a writer, my north star is to create stories for all kids to feel joy when they are read to and allow their imagination to soar through a blend of magic, calamity, and a good belly laugh.”
Growing up in post-colonial Pakistan, Sanaa Ahmad never had access to picture books. So essentially, her love of reading began when she discovered books by Enid Blyton, a British children’s writer of novels and short stories. And while Sanaa’s childhood manuscripts were seen to borrow heavily from Blyton’s fantastical themes,she now prefers to write realistic stories from the heart.
As a former UK qualified English language instructor turned homeschooling mom & author, she has also self-published several children’s books in her home country.
She firmly believes that life’s intrinsic happiness can be found with a book in one hand, a cup of tea in another and a pretty plateful of biscuits in front of you
Sanaa says, “My writing is heavily influenced by my teaching methodology.
I believe that books should not only serve as vehicles of literary learning but also include layered meaning which aims to add value to a child’s life.
I love to write stories in which kids of colour & those needing social emotional support see themselves reflected in.
My life’s goal is to get kids to fall in love with books – a deep and abiding love that leaves no space for negativity, differences or boundaries of space & time.”
2025 SILVER Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to this talented group of writers, and WELCOME to 12 x 12!
We’d love to welcome you to 12 x 12 in 2025, too! General registration will be open from January 9 – February 28, 2025.
Returning members, look for registration information in your inbox staring January 6th.
7 Responses
Congratulations to all of the winners! What a great start to a Happy New Year!
Thanks 🙂
Couldn’t be happier!
Congratulations! This post makes my heart happy!
Congratulations to the scholarship recipients! Their creativity, dedication to writing for children, and energy practically jumps off this web page! I look forward to reading their published work in the years ahead.
Thrilled to be a part of the 12×12 family of creatives~ Thanks to Julie, Kelli, and the Scholarship Committee for selecting me! Marcus
So excited to join the esteemed 12×12 family! Thank you very much!
What wonderful news to start the new year! I’m looking forward to being a part of the 12×12 community! Congrats to all the gold and silver scholarship winners. I’m grateful for this amazing opportunity.