In this five-day residency, Kelly teaches students that moments and memories offer inspiration for personal narratives. Through analyzing mentor texts, writing and discussing, students learn how to infuse their pieces with emotion, meaning, cohesion, power and sensory detail. Through lessons on revision and editing, they gain skills in strengthening and polishing their work and giving constructive feedback to peers. The last day features readings and a celebration of the essay or poem each has written.
Best for grades 2-5
Artist Background
Kelly Starling Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a teaching artist, and an award-winning author of more than 30 books for young readers. Her mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship, & heritage, and show all kids the stories they hold inside. Among her acclaimed picture books are Caldecott Honor winner Going Down Home with Daddy, Christopher Award winner Tiara’s Hat Parade, and Bank Street Best Books selections Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations and My Hands Tell a Story. Kelly is also the author of three popular series for young people—chapter books starring her characters Jada Jones and Miles Lewis, and the Ty’s Travels easy readers which won a Geisel Honor for Zip, Zoom. Her nonfiction titles include two books in Chelsea Clinton’s She Persisted series, chapter books on Dr. Dorothy I. Height and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Kelly was named to Good Morning America’s 2021 list, Who’s Making Black History. She regularly presents to schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences around the country.
Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.
Search Criteria
- Program Type: Writer-in-Residence
- Discipline: Literary
- Grade Level: Elementary
- Accepts bookings in Johnston County
