Read Across America

Monday, I participated in a Read Across America celebration, sponsored by the Durham Association of Educators at Northgate Mall. Often, I go places and the children have never heard of the Million Man March. But this time, a young man proudly shared that it was a gathering where a million men stood as one.

Then, I asked if anyone had heard of the 1963 March on Washington. Hands shot up all around. "Dr. King was there," one girl exclaimed. Another one shouted out the title of his famous speech: "I Have a Dream." I asked if they knew that Rosa Parks, Dr. Dorothy I. Height and Rev. Jesse Jackson were not just at the March on Washington, but at the Million Man March too. Their faces showed delight and surprise.

When the children saw a slide show of images from the Million Man March, their mouths gaped as they took in the sea of men who came together that amazing day. They nudged each other and pointed at the screen. They stared in amazement and smiled wide. The spirit of the March swelled their hearts with pride.

Most Memorable Moment with My Father contest

The entries are in. I'm so moved by the wonderful essays children wrote for the Most Memorable Moment with My Father contest (http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/content/index.php?id=87) launched to honor outstanding men and celebrate the publication of One Million Men and Me. In a couple months, Just Us Books will announce the first and second place winners in each age category. But every child who entered is a winner. So are the men.

I felt such a lift reading the essays. There were stories of dads who took kids to amusement parks and fishing, fathers who bought daughters their first bouquet of roses and danced with them at father-daughter banquets, grand-daddies and uncles who treated young people to movies, taught them family history and checked their homework.


Then, there were other stories -- children who longed for a connection with their dads. They wrote about wanting someone to pick them up and whirl them in the air, someone to make them feel safe and wrap them in fatherly love. Just as these children revealed the ache they felt when a father wasn't around, they offered thanks for having other positive men in their lives -- brothers, mentors, teachers, preachers -- who stood in the gap and gave them the affirmation they needed.


Thank you for sharing your stories! It's said that sons need fathers. Daughters do too. Children soar when good men are a part of their lives.


So cheers to all of the wonderful dads and men who put in the work every day, who are committed to being there for children. The wounds of missing a daddy run deep. So do the rewards of having a father or father-figure around. Studies have shown that kids with positive men in their lives do better in school, their self esteem and joy rises.


Part of the beauty of the Million Man March was its focus on fortifying the family and transforming lives. Men came together to make a difference. I am proud One Million Men and Me celebrates that spirit.


The writing contest gave children the chance to pay homage to the wonderful men who make their lives brighter. Here is a memory of a great man, my grand-dad Thurman Starling (pictured above), who enriched mine:


One of my most memorable moments with my grand-dad was reading him essays and stories I wrote for school. He would close his eyes as he soaked in my words. Sometimes, he'd listen in silence. Other times, he'd murmur "mm-hmm" or "that's alright." When the last word hung in the air, Grand-dad would open his eyes and grin. With one raised eyebrow, he'd offer the kicker: "Are you sure you wrote that?"

Every time, I would laugh and reply, "Yes, Grand-daddy." It was our joke and a special compliment. He would pull me close and hug me. In his arms, I felt such affirmation and love. My grand-dad was a smart, caring man who didn't get a chance to finish college but devoted his life to learning and growing. He passed that quest for knowledge onto me. Receiving praise from him was like being showered with sunshine. It kept me writing and believing I was on the right path.


Thank you, Grand-dad, for being there.

Here are some organizations, events and publications that celebrate fathers and children and help their connection thrive:

http://www.fatherhood.org/
http://www.blackstarproject.com/
http://www.coachtonypierceoutreach.org/
http://www.proudpoppa.net/
http://www.daddyuniversecity.com/

The Blessing of Basil

Today, I'm missing a dear friend, Basil Oliphant Phillips, who meant so much to so many. Basil, distinguished retired photo editor for Johnson Publishing Company and director of special markets and promotions for JPC's book divison, was a committed and caring supporter of the Coretta Scott King Awards. He also introduced me to the world of children's book publishing.

Basil took me to my first American Library Association conference. He made sure I met important people in the industry including Wade and Cheryl Hudson of Just Us Books, who would later give me my first two book deals. He took me to a dinner where I got to greet the wonderful McKissacks, who would one day mentor me at the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua. He encouraged my dream of writing for children.

The kind of spirit Basil possessed is brilliant and rare. He was a historian who had the pictures in JPC's famed photo files -- known as the world's most definitive collection of black photographic images -- committed to memory and could find just the shot he was searching for in moments. He was a nurturer who kept extra trench coats and umbrellas in his office at the ready in case someone was in need. He was a gentleman who walked on the street side and shuddered to think of someone beating him to hold open a door. He had a heart so big that giving was not just a nice thing to do, it was his instinct.

But make no mistake: Basil was no softie. He had a tongue so sharp it could cut you if you weren't looking ;). His charm endeared him to many.

When I moved South, Basil and I stayed in close touch. He came to my wedding, proudly sent my baby daughter delightful dresses and signed the elegant cards with love from Uncle Basil. He was so happy to hold her on his lap at his room in the Warren-Barr Pavilion. I wish I had a picture that captured that moment. But it's etched in my mind.

When I think of Basil, I remember how he led by example, showing us in the younger generation the joy of giving back by taking us to sickle cell benefits and history society luncheons where we proudly sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing." I remember his twinkling eyes, sweet smile, his generosity, grace and sass. I remember the yellow flowers he loved.

I miss him a lot, but I'm so grateful God gave me the chance to know him. Basil passed away on August 27, 2007. His spirit lives on. Today, on his birthday, I celebrate his life and legacy. The world is a better place because you were in it, Basil. Thank you for your love, kindness and support.

One day, I'll tell the children your story. Until then, I carry you always in my heart.

I love you,

Kelly

Black History Month and Beyond

As part of The Brown Bookshelf team, I've learned so much about the many African-American authors and illustrators creating books for children. My pride swells with each story I read. Our Black History month celebration, 28 Days Later, kicked off Feb. 1 with a spotlight on Newbery Medal winner, Christopher Paul Curtis. Each day, we bring you another interview with African-American children's book authors and illustrators both vanguard and under-the-radar. Please help us celebrate their amazing work by reading their profiles at http://www.thebrownbookshelf.com/ and spreading the word. You can also download a color poster featuring all of our honorees for your school, home or library: http://www.dontate.com/BBS28Poster.pdf.

I spoke to a Chicago educator recently and was reminded why what we're doing is necessary. He runs a program that brings male volunteers into elementary schools to read to children. He's hoping to feature more stories with boys of color. But it can be hard to find them. Through The Brown Bookshelf and our 28 Days Later campaign, we're hoping to make searches for books by black children's book authors and illustrators a little easier. Below, I compiled a list of picture books featuring African-American boys and a few sites where you can find recommendations of other quality books that feature African-American children as main characters.

Happy Black History Month! Let's salute the work of African-American children's book authors and illustrators not just in February, but year-round. Thank you for your support.

PICTURE BOOKS FEATURING AFRICANAMERICAN BOYS:

Creativity (Clarion, 1997) by John Steptoe, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Keepers (Lee & Low, 2000) by Jeri Hanel Watts, illustrated by Felicia Marshall

Joe-Joe's First Flight (Knopf, 2003) by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

The Bat Boy and His Violin (Simon & Schuster, 1998) by Gavin Curtis, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

I Dream of Trains (Simon & Schuster, 2003) and Wind Flyers (Simon & Schuster, 2007) by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Loren Long

Wings (Scholastic, 2000) by Christopher Myers

The Jones Family Express (Lee and Low, 2003) by Javaka Steptoe

I Told You I Can Play (Just Us Books, 2006) by Brian Jordan, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

Young Pele: Soccer’s First Star (Schwartz & Wade, 2007) by Lesa Kline-Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome

Bippity-Bop Barbershop (Little, Brown, 2002) by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Jamal’s Busy Day (Just Us Books, 1991), by Wade Hudson, illustrated by George Ford

Uptown (Henry Holt & Co, 2000) by Bryan Collier

Little Cliff's First Day of School (Dial, 2001), by Clifton L. Taulbert, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

For more wonderful reads featuring African-American children as main characters, please visit sites like http://www.justusbooks.com/ and http://www.blackbooksgalore.com/.

Here are a few more resources for finding recommended books:

http://www.ncte.org/library/files/Programs/African_American_Readin/Booklist2-2008.pdf

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6527344.html

http://kids.nypl.org/reading/black_experience_list_2004.pdf

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/blog/esslchildlit/

http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/books/c384

http://www.nea.org/readacross/resources/afambooks.html

Those Who Paved the Way

As we enter awards season, it’s the time to celebrate new voices, but also to pay homage to those who paved the way. So in the spirit of the new year, here’s a quiz on some African-American children’s literature trailblazers:

1. The first Coretta Scott King Award was given in 1970. Who received it?
A. Sharon Bell Mathis, author of Ray Charles
B. Lillie Patterson, author of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Man of Peace
C. Camille Yarborough, author of Cornrows
D. Charlemae Rollins, author of Black Troubadour: Langston Hughes

2. In 1972, this man was the first black artist to receive a Caldecott Honor:
A. John Steptoe for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
B. George Ford for Ray Charles
C. Jerry Pinkney for Mirandy and Brother Wind
D. Tom Feelings for Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book

3. What year did the American Library Association recognize the Coretta Scott King Award as an official association award?
A. 1970
B. 1991
C. 1982
D. 1976

4. Who was the first African-American author to win a Newbery Medal?
A. Mildred Taylor
B. Virginia Hamilton
C. Christopher Paul CurtisD. Sharon Bell Mathis

5. Bonus: What was the book?
A. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
B. The Hundred Penny Box
C. MC Higgins, The Great
D. Bud, Not Buddy

6. What was the name of the children’s magazine co-edited by W.E.B. DuBois and published by the NAACP in the 1920s?
A. The Brownies’ Book
B. The Renaissance Reader
C. Negro Voices
D. Black Song

7. Bonus: How much did it cost per copy?
A. $1
B. 15 cents
C. 25 cents
D. 50 cents

8. In the 1890s, what black poet published, Little Brown Baby, a collection of children’s verse?
A. Langston Hughes
B. Joshua McCarter Simpson
C. Paul Laurence Dunbar
D. George Moses Horton

9. What black author won the first ever Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature?
A. Walter Dean Myers
B. Louise Meriwether
C. Rosa Guy
D. June Jordan

Answers:
1. B. For more information on Coretta Scott King Awards, please visit: http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=bookmediaawards&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=165544

2. D. For more about Tom Feelings, please visit: http://www.answers.com/topic/tom-feelings

3. C. For more about Coretta Scott King Awards, please see above.

4. B. For more about Virginia Hamilton, please visit: http://www.virginiahamilton.com/

5. C.

6. A. For more about The Brownies’ Book, please visit: http://www.northern.edu/hastingw/brownies_book.htm and http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2370/

7. B.

8. C. For more about Paul Laurence Dunbar, please visit: http://www.dunbarsite.org/

9. A. For more about Walter Dean Myers, please visit http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/.
For more about the Printz Award, please visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/printzaward/Printz__Michael_L__Award.cfm

The Brown Bookshelf - Announcing the Honorees

Thank you for your support of The Brown Bookshelf. We received more than 100 nominations of African-American children's book authors to consider including in our upcoming 28 Days Later campaign. Our deliberations have finally ended.

On Jan. 15, we announced the 28 authors and four illustrators we'll feature in our Black History Month initiative to push awareness of the wonderful African-American authors creating literature for children. Congratulations to all of the honorees!

You can check out the list at http://www.thebrownbookshelf.com/. There's also a color poster, created by team member and illustrator Don Tate, available for free download.Thanks again for helping us shine the light on outstanding black children's book authors and illustrators. Please help us spread the word about their achievements.

Happy New Year!

My first picture book, One Million Men and Me, debuted in October. What a blessing. I've attended conferences and festivals, visited schools and libraries. I am so grateful for this chance to celebrate a father-daughter relationship and let a new generation know about the beauty of the Million Man March. Thank you Just Us Books and illustrator Peter Ambush for making my dream come true!

Here are some of last year's highlights:

Honors and Reviews:

The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) selected One Million Men and Me for the forthcoming edition of CCBC Choices, its annual best-of-the-year list. Choices features annotated entries of books for children and teens recommended by CCBC staff. CCBC Choices 2008 will be available in March. For more about CCBC, please visit:

http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/


Disilgold Soul Magazine's YOUNITY Guild Awards honored me with the Most Outstanding Debut Children's Book Author of the Year title.

One Million Men and Me also won good reviews. You can check them out at:

http://www.kellystarlinglyons.com/work2.htm

Best Experiences:

The end of every year brings dozens of best lists: best movies, best books, best songs. I'd like to offer another a different kind of list. Here are my best author experiences of 2007 -- moments that moved me, made me puff with pride and raise my hands in joy.

Best Goosebump Moment
My daughter and I visited a local Barnes & Noble searching a new book. We browsed the picture book section and saw five copies of my book! I turned one face out and smiled all the way home. There's nothing like that thrill.

Best Event

I've admired the Multicultural Children's Book Festival at the Kennedy Center http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/bookfestival/ since I first heard about it. I dreamed of the day I would be there too. That happened last year! I met veterans like Tonya Bolden, Christopher Myers, Jerdine Nolen, Lulu Delacre. I watched as scores of people of different cultures and backgrounds streamed around to celebrate literature reflecting children of color. I had the chance to sign copies of One Million Men and Me in the city where it happened.


Here are some more stand-out moments:


I met twin girls whose dad pushed them in a stroller around the Million Man March when they were 4-month-old infants.


A father looked at the cover with my character, Nia, on her dads's shoulders and remembered carrying his own daughter around the March that way.


Women proudly told me they took their sons to the March or cheered their husbands as they went.


Men smiled as they flipped through the pages and said it took them back to that historic event.


Two boys who won gift certificates from their school for earning good grades used them to buy copies of my book. Doesn't get much better than that :).


Best Letters


Ms. Starling Lyons,

thank you for the book. I like the part when they prayed together that might stop the fighting around here.

Thanks, Tayjah

********

I love your book, One Million Men and Me. I like it when it says: I am a Man. I am one in a million. That was my favorite part.

Kayla

********

Dear Ms. Starlings,

I love your book One Million Men and Me. It reminds me of a lot of men in my family. It's a very, very, very nice book. Thank you for coming to my school.

Your friend,
Chalayia

******** ********


These are just a few of the wonderful letters students have sent me. Thanks so much to every child who wrote me about One Million Men and Me. I cherish and save every note.

Best of the Best

At bedtime, my husband and I take turns reading our daughter stories. She goes over to her bookshelf and chooses her favorite. Then, we take off on a reading adventure together. One night, she handed me my book. I smiled and asked her if she was sure she wanted me to read it to her again. She nodded her head and said: "Yes, mama, it's my favorite because you wrote it."

Now, that I've shared some of my blessings, it's off to 2008. Can you believe it's already Jan. 4, whew. I better get writing :).

My book goals for this year are to keep spreading the word about One Million Men and Me, land another picture book deal and start planning promotion for my forthcoming picture book with Penguin/GP Putnam's Sons. (I'm really excited about this story. It was inspired by researching my family tree and explores an important time in black history. Look for more details later this year.)

I also want to make more time to read. During the Christmas holiday, I read so many great stories -- The Old African by Julius Lester, 47 by Walter Mosley, the Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice Harrington. Then, I picked up a powerful middle-grade novel by Sharon Bell Mathis called Listen for the Fig Tree. I couldn't put it down. That story wove a spell around me that still lingers. I'll post a review soon.

In the meantime, I wish you and your family peace, joy and abundant blessings in 2008. Thank you for your kindness and support.