In this interactive presentation, students hear the history behind several of Kelly’s children’s books, learn that kids throughout history have been agents of change and that the power to create change lives in them too. During the program, students will participate in readings and a call and response in the poem, Drumbeat for Change, included in the acclaimed anthology, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices.

Artist Background

Kelly Starling Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, teaching artist and award-winning children’s book author. Her mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the stories they hold inside. She has written 30 books for young readers that span from easy readers to picture books and chapter books. Among her acclaimed titles are Caldecott Honor winner Going Down Home with Daddy, Geisel Honor Award recipient, Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom, Christopher Award winner Tiara’s Hat Parade, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, a Bank Street Best Book, and My Hands Tell a Story, a Black Caucus of the American Library Association Best of the Best title. She is also the author of the popular Jada Jones and Miles Lewis chapter book series. Kelly, a former Piedmont Laureate, was named to Good Morning America’s 2021 Inspiration List: Who’s Making Black History.

Find out more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Performance
• Discipline: Literary, Multi-Disciplinary
• Grade Level: Elementary
• Cultural Context: African-American
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County
• Virtual option available