Kelly Starling Lyons

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, Carter G. Woodson Book Award Winner Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon and Bank Street Best Books 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 Christopher Award-winning picture book, Tiara's Hat Parade, is being adapted by the Children's Theater of Charlotte and will run from February 22-March 9. Tickets are on sale now. Kelly regularly presents to schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences around the country. Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.