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Kelly Starling Lyons

    Kelly Starling Lyons crafts inspiring books that center Black heroes, celebrating family, friendship, and heritage. Through her diverse range of children's titles, she reveals the storyteller within every child. Her acclaimed work is recognized for its powerful portrayal of Black culture and the enduring strength of family bonds. As a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, Lyons is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black children's book creators.

    She Persisted: Coretta Scott King
    Track Star #4
    Sleepover Scientist #3
    Sky Watcher #5
    Class Act #2
    Sing a Song
    • Sing a Song

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      Sing a Song
      4.4
    • Class Act #2

      • 88 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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.

      Class Act #2
      4.4
    • Sky Watcher #5

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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

      Sky Watcher #5
      4.4
    • Sleepover Scientist #3

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Jada Jones is back for the third book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans!

      Sleepover Scientist #3
      4.4
    • Track Star #4

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Focusing on personal growth and friendship, the story follows Miles as he prepares for his school's Fun Run with a strict health regimen aimed at enhancing his performance. However, when he sees a friend struggling during the race, Miles faces a moral dilemma that challenges his understanding of victory and success, ultimately leading him to reconsider what it truly means to win.

      Track Star #4
      4.4
    • 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!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

      She Persisted: Coretta Scott King
      4.3
    • American Girl: A Girl Named Misty

      The True Story of Misty Copeland

      • 48 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      The A Girl Named series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary American women. Misty Copeland became the first African American Female Principal Dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, but how did she get there? A Girl Named Misty describes the defining moments that made up her childhood and adolescence with full-color illustrations throughout. In addition to stories and facts about Misty's upbringing and accomplishments, the book includes a timeline and a glossary, plus a profile of a noteworthy and contemporary American girl following in Misty's graceful footsteps to lead the way for African American women in the arts.

      American Girl: A Girl Named Misty
      4.3
    • Going Down Home with Daddy

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      Going Down Home with Daddy
      4.3
    • She Persisted: Dorothy Height

      • 80 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds - including Dorothy Height!

      She Persisted: Dorothy Height
      4.1
    • Nature Lover #6

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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 JournalJada 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

      Nature Lover #6
      3.0
    • Ty's Travels: All Aboard!

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Both an excellent book for guided reading and a winning read-aloud. 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.

      Ty's Travels: All Aboard!
      4.2
    • Dancing Queen #4

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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

      Dancing Queen #4
      4.1
    • Rock Star #1

      • 86 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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.

      Rock Star #1
      4.1
    • Pet Sitter #5

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      An illustrated spin-off series by an award-winning author offers an engaging experience for STEM enthusiasts. This new collection expands on the beloved Jada Jones chapter books, delivering captivating stories that combine entertainment with educational themes. Perfect for young readers interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, it promises to inspire curiosity and creativity through its vibrant illustrations and relatable characters.

      Pet Sitter #5
      3.4
    • Ty's Travels: Showtime!

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      Ty's Travels: Showtime!
      4.0
    • Ty's Travels: Lab Magic

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      "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!"

      Ty's Travels: Lab Magic
      4.1
    • Matchmaker #3

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans!

      Matchmaker #3
      3.9
    • Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!
      4.0
    • Ty's Travels: Camp-Out

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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!

      Ty's Travels: Camp-Out
      3.9
    • 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?

      Whiz Kid #2
      3.8
    • Ty's Travels: Beach Day!

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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 Nina 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's Travels: Beach Day!
      3.9
    • Ty's Travels: Winter Wonderland

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      Ty's Travels: Winter Wonderland
      3.8
    • King of the Ice #1

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      The story follows fourth grader Miles Lewis, featuring his adventures in an illustrated spinoff series by the acclaimed author of the Jada Jones chapter books. This new series promises to capture the excitement of childhood, highlighting Miles' experiences and challenges as he navigates school and friendships. The engaging illustrations complement the narrative, making it a delightful read for young audiences.

      King of the Ice #1
      3.6
    • My Hands Tell a Story

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      My Hands Tell a Story
    • Ty's Travels: A 5-Book Reading Collection

      Zip, Zoom!, All Aboard!, Beach Day!, Lab Magic, Winter Wonderland

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Featuring a delightful collection of five beginning reader stories, this box set includes the Geisel-Honor title "Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!" along with four additional tales from the My First I Can Read series. Perfect for early readers, each story follows Ty on engaging adventures, promoting literacy and a love for reading through fun narratives and accessible language.

      Ty's Travels: A 5-Book Reading Collection