Author: Kelly Starling Lyons

For nearly three decades, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati has celebrated and promoted the outstanding work of Black children’s book authors and illustrators through her essential organization, The African American Children’s Book Project. She has been a champion of connecting kids with Black creators, raising the profile of Black children’s literature and boosting sales through media exposure and [ Read the full article… ]

Cherished poet and children’s book author Marilyn Nelson finds inspiration all around. Winner of a Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honors and Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, her outstanding contributions for young people soar with meaning and heart. Whether celebrating the life of George Washington Carver, weaving a heart-wrenching memorial to Emmett Till or showing the [ Read the full article… ]

In the final stretch toward Election Day, The African American Children’s Book Project, founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, and The Brown Bookshelf invite the Black publishing community to help mobilize voters. Please read the post below, spread the word and sign on in the comments to add your name. Our hashtag  is #whywevote. We would love [ Read the full article… ]

Get ready for a powerful rally organized by Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Reynolds and Toshi Reagon. The Black Lives Matter protests and calls to action have enlightened, energized and empowered young people in this country. But, it has also left them wondering how they can assert themselves, find answers, do something during this moment [ Read the full article… ]

“Joy is an act of resistance.” Poet Toi Derricotte Children’s books showcasing Black joy remind us of the beauty of family, friendship and community. They are touchstones that surround us with the blessing of who we are. In a world that tries to set us back, divide us and push us down at every turn, [ Read the full article… ]

The Tulsa Race Massacre. Maybe you learned about it on the series opener of Watchmen or read about it over the years. But did you learn it in school? Award-winners Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper want to change that and make sure this horrific act of terror is not forgotten. In 1921, white mobs launched [ Read the full article… ]

Background In November 2016, The Brown Bookshelf’s Declaration in Support of Children was signed by 691 children’s book authors, illustrators and industry professionals on our site with many more signing onto the living document on our FaceBook page. The signers publicly affirmed their commitment to using their talents and varied forms of artistic expression to [ Read the full article… ]