Kelly Starling Lyons facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelly Starling Lyons
Born	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Children's book author

Kelly Starling Lyons is an American writer who creates wonderful books for children. She is also one of the people who started The Brown Bookshelf, a blog that helps everyone learn about Black authors and illustrators who make children's books. The blog also shares special spotlights on these talented creators.

About Kelly Starling Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she was in high school, she loved reading books by famous authors. She decided then that she wanted to become an author herself.

Later, as an adult, Kelly read a book called Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth. This was the first time she saw an African-American girl on the cover of a picture book. This moment truly inspired her! It made her want to write her own fiction books for kids. She wanted to create stories where African-American children were the main characters.

Today, Kelly Starling Lyons lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

She went to Syracuse University. There, she earned a degree in African-American Studies and another degree in Magazine Journalism. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked for magazines and newspapers. These included Ebony Magazine, The News & Observer, and the Syracuse Herald-Journal.

Awards and Special Mentions

Kelly Starling Lyons's books have won many awards and special recognitions. Three of her books were chosen as Junior Library Guild selections. These are Ellen's Broom (in 2012), Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon (in 2020), and Miles Lewis: King of the Ice (in 2022).

Her book Ellen's Broom received a Coretta Scott King Award Honor in 2013.

In 2020, her book Going Down Home with Daddy was recognized twice. It was an ALSC Notable Children's Book. It also received a Caldecott Medal Honor, which is a very important award for picture books. Another book, Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations, was also an ALSC Notable Children's Book that year.

In 2021, Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom! earned a Geisel Award Honor. This award celebrates books that help young children learn to read. It was also an ALSC Notable Children's Book.

Books by Kelly Starling Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons has written more than a dozen books for children. Her stories often focus on important parts of African-American history and culture. Here are some of her books:

• A Girl Named Misty, The True Story of Misty Copeland: This book tells the amazing story of Misty Copeland. She started dancing when she was young and later became the first African-American principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre.
• NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal: This is a chapter book about a 13-year-old African-American boy who loves basketball. It explores his relationship with his dad, who was involved in the Civil Rights Movement.
• One Million Men and Me: Published in 2007, this book was illustrated by Peter Ambush. Kelly was inspired to write it by her own memories of attending the Million Man March.
• Hope's Gift: Illustrated by Don Tate, this book celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Tea Cakes for Tosh: This book features beautiful illustrations by E. B. Lewis.
• Ellen’s Broom: Illustrated by Daniel Minter, this story was inspired by a historical document Kelly found while researching her family history.
• Going Down Home with Daddy (2019): This popular book was also illustrated by Daniel Minter.