How many times have you heard kids groan about history lessons? In this multimedia performance, students get plugged in. Kelly shows a slideshow of images and shares how moments, memories and history inspired her children's books. Then, she takes kids on an inspiring tour of her writing process from story idea to publication. She gives them a peek at her first draft and revisions, illustrator's sketches and engages them in identifying changes and discussing why they were made. The session includes writing tips, a reading and Q&A.

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Artist Background

Kelly Starling Lyons is a teaching artist and award-winning children’s book author whose more than a dozen titles span picture books, easy readers and chapter books, fiction and nonfiction, standalone and series. She counts starred reviews, Junior Library Guild and Bank Street Best selections, National Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies and Scholastic Reading Club picks among the accolades her books have received. Titles include Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, Tiara’s Hat Parade, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Going Down Home with Daddy, the Jada Jones chapter book series, One More Dino on the Floor, Hope’s Gift, Ellen’s Broom, Tea Cakes for Tosh and One Million Men and Me. Kelly presents at schools, libraries and conferences nationwide.

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Search Criteria

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