Full name: Kelly Starling Lyons Hometown: Pittsburgh
Current Location: North Carolina
Website/blog: www.kellystarlinglyons.com
Genre: Children's Books
WIP or most recently published work: My most recent book is One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books), a picture book that explores the Million Man March through the eyes of a girl who was there with her daddy. I have two forthcoming picture books with G.P. Putnam's Sons. The first, Ellen's Broom, is tentatively scheduled for 2011. It's a story that's explores family relationships and African-American history..
Writing credits: Children's Books: One Million Men and Me and NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books). Dozens of newspaper
How frequently do you update your site? I update my site and blog occasionally. I use my blog for author interviews, book reviews and recommendations and developments in my writing life. But the main place I do regular updates is my FaceBook author page.
Is your site designed for reader interaction? My site has resources for readers and writers, but the main point of interaction there would be emailing me. My FaceBook page is where I share kidlit news -- particularly about authors and illustrators of color -- favorite children's books and give regular updates on my writing journey. That's definitely designed for interaction. I'm also part of The Brown Bookshelf and blog there. We love to receive comments from readers.
Post of note, something in particular you want readers to check out: My trailer for One Million Men and Me. October 16, 2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the Million Man March.
100 words or less how would you describe your work? My mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. As a child, I rarely saw children's books featuring characters of color. I write to help make a different reality for kids today.
Writing credits: Children's Books: One Million Men and Me and NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books). Dozens of newspaper
How frequently do you update your site? I update my site and blog occasionally. I use my blog for author interviews, book reviews and recommendations and developments in my writing life. But the main place I do regular updates is my FaceBook author page.
Is your site designed for reader interaction? My site has resources for readers and writers, but the main point of interaction there would be emailing me. My FaceBook page is where I share kidlit news -- particularly about authors and illustrators of color -- favorite children's books and give regular updates on my writing journey. That's definitely designed for interaction. I'm also part of The Brown Bookshelf and blog there. We love to receive comments from readers.
Post of note, something in particular you want readers to check out: My trailer for One Million Men and Me. October 16, 2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the Million Man March.
100 words or less how would you describe your work? My mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. As a child, I rarely saw children's books featuring characters of color. I write to help make a different reality for kids today.
100 words on less please share your thoughts on children and reading - Books open doors to understanding. They are safe spaces where children can explore tough realities. They are wings that take kids on flights where they can dream, grow and soar. That's why it's so important that they reflect the lives of all children. We live in a multicultural world. Books must affirm that. Reading and celebrating books by people of color is vital to children and our world.
13 comments:
Congratulations Kelly Starling-Lyons! Kelly, You are an amazing woman. You create picture book stories interspersed with history that enlighten and foster pride in the young. Great job!
Deborah Pollard
Thanks for sharing, Kelly! You're not only a inspiring writer, you're an inspiring person--always giving back.
This is a great interview. You are truly inspiring.
Good Job, Kelly.
Thanks for this wonderful spotlight. Kelly is such an inspiring person who shares her knowledge of the craft.
Loved what she had to say about children and reading. Books do need to reflect the lives of all children.
Kelly,
Great interview! I'm so proud of you. I remember when your story about the broom was just a seed. Wow. Yeah. Keep the stories coming! That's what's up.
Crystal Allen
Thanks so much for the support, everyone! This forum Susan created is so important. I'm honored to be part of her wonderful series.
I'm inspired by all of you too. And Crystal, I can't believe you remember that Ellen's Broom was born at Chautauqua. Amazing memory! Look at how far we've come. So proud of you too.
Cheers to Susan and everyone who writes and supports multicultural children's literature. Thanks for all you do.
Kelly's spirit shines through all her projects--so glad you featured her, Susan!
i love both of the 100 or less answers! excellent :)
"My mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery." Love that. Kelly is amazing, and I am so grateful for her work. Thank you for spotlighting her!
Kelly is a prolific, giving and dedicated writer in the children's lit world. Our kids are fortunate that she's on the scene, advocating for them. Great person to feature!
I met Kelly in NC a few months ago, and she is every bit as warm and open as her words suggest. Wonderful feature! Thanks to both of you.
What a blessing to be in a field with such loving and supportive people. Thank you so much for your kind words, everyone.
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