Most Popular Books by Kelly Starling Lyons

Set at one young boy''s annual family reunion, this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book is a rich and moving celebration of Black history, culture, and the power of family traditions. "On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there''s nothing like going down home" Down home is Granny''s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they''ll share, but what will Lil Alan do? Kelly Starling Lyons'' eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.

Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book. When Jada Jones''s best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She''d much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada''s teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she''s in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn''t seem to like any of Jada''s ideas. She doesn''t seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend? The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.

"Lyons delivers the history of a song that has inspired generations of African-Americans to persist and resist in the face of racism and systemic oppression. . . . A heartfelt history of a historic anthem." —Publishers Weekly Now in paperback. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. In Jacksonville, Florida, two brothers, one of them the principal of a segregated, all-black school, wrote the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" so his students could sing it for a tribute to Abraham Lincoln''s birthday in 1900. From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. Known as the Black National Anthem, it has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations. Inspired by this song''s enduring significance, Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett tell a story about the generations of families who gained hope and strength from the song''s inspiring words. —A CCBC Choice —A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People —An ALSC Notable Children''s Book

From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans! Valentine''s Day is approaching, and Miles Lewis doesn''t really like all the mush that comes with it. He is excited about the candy experiments they''re doing in science class, though. And when his teacher asks for adult volunteers to help out, Miles and his friend Jada share that they''re both planning on inviting their grandparents. That''s when they realize that Miles''s Nana and Jada''s Pop Pop have a lot in common--could they be a perfect match?

From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans! The annual Fun Run is coming up at Brookside Elementary! The students will all run laps around the carpool lane, and Miles Lewis wants to be one of the top five runners. Even though he zooms through sprints, he runs out of gas for long distance, so he creates a nutrition and exercise regimen to boost his endurance. But on the big day, he witnesses one kid struggling to keep going. Should Miles keep pressing for his personal best, or should he lend support to help a friend? In the end, Miles must decide what winning really means to him.

From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans! Miles Lewis has been waiting forever to be part of a city-wide science competition. Now his dream is finally coming true, and he''s even part of an all-star team that includes his good friend, Jada. He should be in his element, so he can''t seem to figure out why he feels like the weak link instead. While everyone else is rocking the project, Miles keeps messing up, and the team bickers and loses momentum. Miles is filled with self-doubt, and he has to wonder: Is he really a whiz at science, or is he actually a flop?

A Geisel Honor-winning series! "Both an excellent book for guided reading and a winning read-aloud." —Kirkus (starred review) Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty''s Travels: All Aboard!, a My First I Can Read series by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Family time and imagination and play are highlighted in this fun story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6. Ty wishes his family would play with him, but everyone is too busy before dinnertime. Luckily, Ty knows just what to do… Time for fun. Celebrate the power of imagination in All Aboard! With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this Guided Reading Level I and My First series is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction Book for Young Readers 2020 * A 2021 Here Wee Read Ultimate Diverse Children''s Book * Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate

“This installment in the Geisel-winning Ty''s Travels series adds some much-needed diversity to the beginning-reader shelf” —Booklist Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty''s Travels: Lab Magic, a My First I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Science exploration, imagination, and play are highlighted in this fun story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6. Ty and Corey love to visit the museum. When they step through the doors, they become scientists. They study bugs and hunt for fossils. They catch the wind. When Ty can’t participate in a lab activity because of his age, he uses his big imagination at home. Discovering new things is so much fun! Join Ty on his science adventure in this My First I Can Read for beginning readers. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First I Can Read book, Guided Reading Level I, is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. Other acclaim for the Ty''s Travels series includes: A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction Book for Young Readers Ty''s Travels: All Aboard is a Here Wee Read Ultimate Diverse Children''s Book Author Kelly Starling Lyons has been selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate "Both an excellent book for guided reading and a winning read-aloud." —Kirkus (starred review)

Ty can’t wait to ride his brand-new scooter at the park. Other kids zip and zoom by like race cars, but all Ty can do is wobble! Ty wants to give up, but a new friend helps Ty give it another try. A 2021 Geisel Honor Book! Celebrate imagination and the power of persistence in Ty''s Travels: Zip, Zoom! by the acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this Guided Reading Level I and My First series I Can Read is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction Book for Young Readers 2020 * A 2021 Here Wee Read Ultimate Diverse Children''s Book * Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate

Jada Jones is back for the sixth book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans! "Readers who love Ivy and Bean or Katie Woo will want to meet Jada Jones." --School Library Journal Jada is thrilled when she gets to go on an outdoor class field trip with her Pop Pop, a nature lover, as a chaperone. She can''t wait to show him off to her friends--and show him what she knows. But the trip has some twists along the way, including a soaring zip line she''s not sure she wants to try. What happens when Jada''s shining moment starts to lose its luster? Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star "Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere." --Kirkus Reviews

From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spin-off series perfect for STEM fans! When Miles and his classmates welcome a few frogs as class pets, it''s a reminder that what he really wants more than anything is a dog to call his own. But his parents don''t think he''s ready, and his attempts to show them that he truly can care for critters all end in disaster. Can Miles pull it together and prove that he''s responsible enough for a pet once and for all?

Jada Jones is back for the third book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans! Jada is hosting her first sleepover, and she has lots of cool scientific activities planned: kitchen chemistry, creating invisible ink, and even making slime! But when her friends get tired of the lessons and just want to hang out, can Jada figure out the formula for fun and save the sleepover? Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star "Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere."--Kirkus Reviews "Readers who love ''Ivy and Bean'' or ''Katie Woo'' will want to meet Jada Jones."--School Library Journal

It''s a hip-hopping, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, finger-snapping good time when the dinosaurs go out on the dance floor! One by one (and all the way up to ten), the dinosaurs get their groove on in this delightful counting book! With bright and colorful illustrations and fun, rhythmic text, young readers will be tapping their feet to the Jurassic beat!

Jada Jones is back for the fifth book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans! "Readers who love Ivy and Bean or Katie Woo will want to meet Jada Jones." --School Library Journal Jada is excited to do a school project about her hero Dr. Mae Jemison, a former NASA astronaut and the first Black woman to travel to outer space. She even gets to pretend to be her for the presentation in front of her teacher, parents, and friends! But when Jada''s research reminds her how accomplished her hero truly is, she suddenly feels like she''s made a mistake. How can she portray someone who seems to have everything together when she feels like she''s falling apart? Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star "Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere." --Kirkus Reviews

Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy rooting for Jada Jones as she runs for student council in this easy-to-read chapter book. As a candidate for class representative, Jada is ready to give the campaign her all. But when rumors start to fly about her secret fear of public speaking, she isn''t sure who she can trust. And the pressure to make promises she can''t keep only adds to her growing list of problems. Is winning even worth it when friendships are on the line? This easy-to-read story—with plenty of pictures and a charming, relatable cast of characters—is a sure winner. The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.

A Geisel Honor-winning series * Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate * A Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year 2022 Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty''s Travels: Beach Day!, a My First I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Friendship and imagination and play are highlighted in this fun story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6. Ty turns an ordinary day in the sandbox into a fun beach day. He wiggles his toes in the sand, finds seashells, builds a castle, and splashes in the ocean. Splish, splash! When his neighbor’s beach ball flies into his backyard, Ty learns that a beach day is even better with a friend. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series and Guided Reading Level I is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

Ty rocks out with friends in this new book in the Geisel Honor–winning series! Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty''s Travels: Showtime, a My First I Can Read story by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Music, imagination, and play are highlighted, making this perfect for sharing with children ages 3 to 6. Rap-a-tap-tap! Thrum, thrum, thrum! Plink-a-plink-plink! Ty loves playing the instruments, but something’s missing—his friends! With the help of his vivid imagination, Ty and his friends are onstage in a band making great music together. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. Praise for Ty''s Travels series: Ty’s Travels: All Aboard has been named United Through Reading''s 2024 Book for the Military Child.

A Geisel Honor-winning series! Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate! Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty''s Travels: Winter Wonderland, a My First I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata. Imagination and play are highlighted in this festive Winter story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6. Ty’s big imagination takes him and Momma on a trip to the North Pole. Everything is wonderful! A Christmas tree sparkles, a snowman waves, and a polar bear sings. Will Ty’s wish to see Santa come true? He wishes and wishes. Ty''s Travels: Winter Wonderland fills an important need for inclusive Christmas stories with diverse characters. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series and Guided Reading Level I is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. "A cozy, snowy Christmastime read." —Kirkus

Ty makes his I Can Read Comic debut! Featuring a bold comic styling by New York Times bestselling illustrator Niña Mata and a compelling easy-to-read text by Kelly Starling Lyons, this Level One I Can Read Comic is the perfect summertime story for beginning readers! Celebrate Ty’s vivid imagination! Nonstop rain dampens the family’s plans to go camping. But with a boost from Ty, the Camp-Out comes out just fine! Rhythmic text, vibrant art, family love, and Black Boy Joy shine on every page of this camping adventure. Ty’s Travels: Camp-Out is a Level One I Can Read Comic, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with young readers new to graphic novel storytelling. This is a Guided Reading Level (GRL) J. The Ty’s Travels series is much acclaimed-—including a Geisel Honor for Zip, Zoom! and Camp-Out is named one of Chicago Public Library''s Best of the Best for 2023.

Jada Jones is back for the fourth book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans! "Readers who love Ivy and Bean or Katie Woo will want to meet Jada Jones." --School Library Journal When the student council decides to host a dance as their next fundraiser, Jada feels nervous and queasy. She''s excited to give back, but she can''t dance! Still, she''s determined to help the cause and show she cares. She practices her moves, gets help from friends, and even does research at the library to prepare--but will it be enough to help her create change in her community? Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star "Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere." --Kirkus Reviews

2021 Christopher Award - Books for Young People WSRA Children''s Literature: Picture This 2021 Recommendation List Penn GSE Graduate School of Education, The Best Books for Young Readers of 2020 Black Caucus of the American Library Association BCALA, 2020 Best of the Best Booklist Read Across America, Picture Book of the Month March 2021 A mother-daughter story about celebrating a special fashion tradition. Tiara has a gift for storytelling; her momma has a gift for making hats. When a new store opens that sells cheaper hats, Momma has to set her dreams aside, but Tiara has an idea for helping Momma''s dreams come true again.

A little girl, baking bread with her grandmother, becomes transported by the tales her grandmother''s hands tell--those that spring from the rose-painted nails, a flower-banded wedding ring, and the way her fingers move and glide. These hands have many tales to tell. But only if you listen.

"A biography of Philip Freelon, whose rich family history and deep understanding of Black culture brought him to the role of lead architect for the Smithsonian''s National Museum of African American History and Culture"--

These stories of Black trailblazers, communities, and experiences will inspire kids of all backgrounds. This uplifting collection of eight stories introduces readers to barrier-breaking artists and athletes, as well as Black culture and traditions. This collection includes e-book editions of Fearless Mary, Gordon Parks, Ice Breaker, More than Just a Game, Song in a Rainstorm, Sugar Hill, Tiara''s Hat Parade, and Touch the Sky.

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Coretta Scott King! In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons, readers learn about the amazing life of Coretta Scott King--and how she persisted. Coretta Scott King is known for being the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but she was a civil rights activist and leader in her own right! She was a singer and an author too, and her work made a difference for Black Americans and for all women for decades to come. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Coretta Scott King''s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, and more! Praise for She Persisted: Coretta Scott King: "This book profiles the uplifting voice of an activist worth recognizing in her own right [and] Lyons manages to weave in a healthy amount of emotion into this account . . . A brief but effective account of not-often-taught figure that would nicely complement curriculum units on the Civil Rights Movement." --School Library Journal

A young girl learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of Reconstruction Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. Before it was legal for her mother and father to officially be married, the broom was what made them a family anyway. But now all former slaves who had already been married in their hearts could register as lawful husband and wife. When Ellen and her family make the long trip to the courthouse dressed in their best, she brings the broom her parents had jumped so many years before. Even though freedom has come, Ellen knows the old traditions are important too. After Mama and Papa''s names are recorded in the register, Ellen nearly bursts with pride as her parents jump the broom once again. Ellen is a wonderfully endearing character whose love for her family is brought to life in Daniel Minter''s rich and eye-catching block print illustrations.

From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans! Miles Lewis loves science and sports. But when his teacher announces a class field trip to an ice skating rink to learn about physics, he isn''t so excited. He''s never ice skated before, and his friend RJ won''t let him forget it. RJ even challenges him to a bet: If Miles skates without falling, RJ will put a “Miles is the man” sign on his backpack. But if Miles falls, he has to put one on his that says the same about RJ. Miles can barely focus on the bet, though, because he suspects his beloved Nana has plans to move out of his family''s house—and that''s just too much to bear. Can he keep his cool with all the pressure from RJ while finding a way to make his grandma stay?

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Dorothy Height! Growing up as a Black girl in the 1920s and 1930s, Dorothy Height was denied access to a local swimming pool as well as admission to Barnard College because of her race. But she persisted in pushing for change, and became a seminal figure in both the civil rights and women''s rights movements. She went on to be awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons, readers learn about the amazing life of Dorothy Height--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Dorothy Height''s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Bridges, and more!

A poignant story celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation It’s 1862 and the Civil War has turned out to be a long, deadly conflict. Hope’s father can’t stand the waiting a minute longer and decides to join the Union army to fight for freedom. He slips away one tearful night, leaving Hope, who knows she may never see her father again, with only a conch shell for comfort. Its sound, Papa says, echoes the promised song of freedom. It’s a long wait for freedom and on the nights when the cannons roar, Papa seems farther away than ever. But then Lincoln finally does it: on January 1, 1863, he issues the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves, and a joyful Hope finally spies the outline of a familiar man standing on the horizon. Affectingly written and gorgeously illustrated, Hope’s Gift captures a significant moment in American history with deep emotion and a lot of charm.

Tosh has spent many days in the kitchen with his grandmother, Honey, watching her bake cookies and listening to tales of their slave ancestors, so when Honey''s memory starts to fail, Tosh is able to help with the cookies and more. Includes a recipe for tea cakes. Full color.

Inspirado en el bestseller #1 del New York Times Ella persistió de Chelsea Clinton y Alexandra Boiger, llega ahora esta serie en Chapter Books sobre mujeres que sobresalieron, lucharon y se levantaron contra viento y marea. La activista social y líder de los derechos humanos Coretta Scott King inspiró a muchas personas alrededor del mundo con su valentía al promover un cambio. Incluso antes de conocer a su esposo, el reverendo Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta era una líder para su comunidad y continuó siéndolo junto a él y después que fue asesinado. Cantante y escritora, su legado es fundamental para los afroamericanos, las mujeres, y muchos otros hoy y en las generaciones futuras. En este chapter book biográfico de la galardonada autora Kelly Starling Lyons, los lectores aprenden sobre la asombrosa vida de Coretta Scott King y cómo persistió. ¡El libro se completa con una introducción de Chelsea Clinton!

27 VIEWS of RALEIGH: The City of Oaks in Prose & Poetry features the work of twenty-seven (plus two) Raleighites who create a literary montage of North Carolina''s capital city in fiction, essays, and poetry. Novelists, poets, essayists, journalists, and even a science fiction writer capture the city in a variety of genres—spanning neighborhoods, generations, cultural and racial experiences, historic eras—reflecting the social, historic, and creative fabric of Raleigh. As Wilton Barnhardt writes in the book''s introduction, “We seem to have flourished not because we have solved all the problems of the New South, despite leading the way now and again, but because we the citizens of Raleigh decided to be erudite, cultured, enriched, and entertained . . ."

Ty and Corey love to visit the museum. When they step through the doors, they become scientists. They study bugs and hunt for fossils. They catch the wind. When Ty can''t participate in a lab activity because of his age, he uses his big imagination at

Thirteen-year-old Eddie Delaney loves his dad, but sometimes he wishes that he''d lighten up. When Eddie brings home a D in language arts his parents make him quit the basketball team and now Eddie''s lost the one thing he knows he''s good at.

Rain, rain go away! When wet weather cancels his family camp out, Ty uses his big imagination! They pitch a tent, go fishing, look at the stars, and roast s''mores. Yum! Camping in is so much fun.

Ty wishes his family would play with him, but everyone is too busy before dinnertime. Luckily, Ty knows just what to do.... Time for fun! Celebrate the power of imagination in All Aboard!