Kelly Starling Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons is a children's book author known for creating stories that feature African-American characters and experiences. She is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a platform dedicated to promoting Black children's book creators. Born in Pittsburgh and now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Lyons holds degrees in African-American Studies and Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University. Her professional background includes work at notable publications such as Ebony Magazine and The News & Observer. Lyons began writing children's books after recognizing the lack of African-American representation in children's literature. Her works have received significant recognition, with three books selected by the Junior Library Guild: Ellen's Broom (2012), Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon (2020), and Miles Lewis: King of the Ice (2022). Her writing focuses on telling stories that reflect diverse experiences and cultural heritage, particularly those of African-American children and families. Lyons regularly visits schools and participates in literary events to share her work and inspire young readers and writers.

Readers consistently note Lyons' ability to blend historical elements with engaging storytelling for young audiences. Parents and teachers highlight her books as valuable tools for teaching Black history and culture to children. What readers liked: - Clear, age-appropriate handling of complex topics - Strong representation of African-American families and traditions - Educational value without being didactic - Quality of illustrations that complement the stories A teacher on Amazon wrote about "Ellen's Broom": "Perfect for teaching about Reconstruction era customs while keeping students engaged." What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in certain books - A few mentioned wanting more historical details in end notes - Price point of hardcover editions noted as barrier for classroom sets Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 4.3/5 across all titles - Amazon: 4.7/5 average rating - TeachingBooks: 4.5/5 "Dream Builder" and "Ellen's Broom" received particularly strong reader reviews, with multiple educators citing them as go-to classroom resources for teaching history through literature.

Going Down Home with Daddy A young boy travels with his family to their annual reunion at Granny's house in the country, where he learns about his family's roots and finds his own way to contribute to the celebration.

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon A biographical account of Philip Freelon's journey from a creative child to the architect who designed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Ellen's Broom Set in the post-Civil War era, Ellen discovers the significance of her family's wedding broom and learns about the transition from slavery to legal marriage for African Americans.

Miles Lewis: King of the Ice Miles Lewis navigates his first time ice skating while dealing with friendship challenges and discovering his own strengths.

Tiara's Hat Parade A story about a young girl who helps her mother maintain her hat shop business while learning about creativity and resilience.

Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations Chronicles how the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," has been passed down through generations of African American families.

Tea Cakes for Tosh A grandson learns to make his grandmother's special tea cakes while she shares stories about their family history and traditions.

Jacqueline Woodson writes stories about African-American children and families that explore identity, belonging, and generational connections. Her work spans picture books to young adult novels and includes titles like Brown Girl Dreaming and The Day You Begin.

Christopher Paul Curtis creates historical fiction centered on African-American families, often incorporating humor with serious themes. His books like The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 and Bud, Not Buddy tell stories of family bonds during significant periods in American history.

Sharon M. Draper writes contemporary and historical fiction featuring young African-American protagonists facing personal challenges and growth. Her works include Out of My Mind and Copper Sun, which tackle subjects from disability to slavery with depth and historical accuracy.

Carole Boston Weatherford focuses on African-American history and culture through biographical picture books and poetry. She has documented the lives of significant figures like Billie Holiday and John Coltrane, making historical events accessible to young readers.

Rita Williams-Garcia writes stories about African-American girls coming of age and discovering their place in the world. Her One Crazy Summer series and Clayton Byrd Goes Underground explore family relationships and cultural identity through multiple generations.