Kelly Starling Lyons
| Kelly Starling Lyons | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Author |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Children's books |
| Website | |
|
www | |
Kelly Starling Lyons, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a writer and children's book author.[1] She is also one of the founding members of the blog The Brown Bookshelf, aimed at young African-American readers and featuring book reviews and author and illustrator interviews. Lyons makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina.[2]
Personal
As a high school student, Lyons loved the works of Richard Wright, James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry and set a goal to be an author as well.[1]
As an adult, she read the book Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, which was the first time she had seen an African-American girl featured on the cover of a picture book. This inspired her to start writing fiction books for children that would feature African-American lead characters.[1]
Books
Lyons’ has written five books for children, which focus on aspects of African American history and culture.[1]
- NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal, a title in their NEATE chapter book series, tells the story of relationship between a thirteen-year-old African-American boy who loves to play basketball and his civil rights veteran dad.
- One Million Men and Me was published by Just Us Books in 2007. Illustrated by Peter Ambush, it was inspired by her memories of attending the Million Man March.[3][4]
- Hope's Gift, illustrated by Don Tate, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Teacakes for Tosh was illustrated by E. B. Lewis.
- Ellen’s Broom, illustrated by Daniel Minter, was inspired by a document that author saw while researching family history in Rockingham County, NC and Henry County, VA.
References
- 1 2 3 4 Gillis, Stacy (February 20, 2013). "Author Kelly Starling Lyons says family struggles reflected in her books". The Fayetteville Observer.
- ↑ 27 Views of Raleigh News Observer, September 1, 2013
- ↑ Each One Teach One: Interview with Kelly Starling Lyons Writer Metamorphosis, June 16, 2012
- ↑ Interview with Kelly Starling Lyons Blogcritics.org, August 12, 2011