Visits & Programs

Dream and Do

In this multimedia program, students learn how kids passed along Lift Every Voice and Sing, the song that became known as the Black National Anthem, and the childhood paths that led architect Philip Freelon and ballerina Misty Copeland to realizing their dreams. They will gain insight into the process of turning an idea into a finished book and receive encouragement to dream big and believe they can make their aspirations come true.

Mine Your Life For Story Gold: Writing Residency

In this five-day residency, I teach students that moments and memories offer inspiration for personal narratives. Through writing and discussion, students learn how to infuse their work with heart, meaning, cohesion and sensory detail. Through lessons on revision, they gain skills in strengthening and polishing their pieces and giving constructive feedback to peers. The last day features readings and a celebration of the story or poem each has written.

Zoom

I offer Zoom visits. Please contact me at email@kellystarlinglyons.com for information and fees.

Custom Workshops for Kids

I can customize presentations or workshops for your class, library, community group, book club or church. I enjoy exploring history, celebrating family relationships and giving kids and adults tips on writing stories from the heart.

Testimonials

“In my 22 years hosting more than 100 authors I can tell you that Kelly is a star presenter. She is engaging and informative, and connects beautifully with the students. Audience management? In a very very warm but decisive way she commands the room. That’s a gift! Our kindergarteners and first graders got a very rich understanding of character development and story writing, all age-appropriate and explained in an inspiring way. Kelly shared about her family, read her books, and even did a dinosaur dance with the children. Highly recommended!”  –Tara Phethean, Teacher Librarian, Todd Elementary, NY

“Kelly’s visit to our elementary school was amazing!  All students, from kindergarten through 5th grade enjoyed hearing her give writing tips, sharing her stories, and answering questions.  She was engaging and really catered her presentations to the various grade levels.  Her books were flying off the library shelves and, days later, students and teachers are still talking about what a great author visit it was.  We have some lifelong Kelly Starling Lyons’ fans at our school now!” – Kristin Davis, Robinson Elementary Library Media Specialist

“Dynamic. I took 303 pics and videos, but nothing captures the day like a live in-person day of presentations with a prolific author of 30+ books, who captivated the kindergarteners with a read aloud about STEM, charmed the second and third graders with chapter books featuring Miles Lewis and Jada Jones, stars of their own individual series, and enthralled the upper class fourth graders with a biography of an engineer, and then tugged at their heartstrings by singing the historically significant anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’

Teachers complimented her ability to keep hold of six-year-old first graders with the Ty’s Travels adventures for 45 minutes! Teachers complimented her ability to recite her entire book from memory in a nod to her storytelling brilliance. She sang, she recited, she casually connected to entire grade levels as if she were talking to small group. We autographed more books during her author visit than any time during my career as an elementary school librarian.

She seamlessly weaves in history for every audience member to understand. Her PowerPoint presentations are crafted to every audience, with artful call-and-response read-aloud for kindergarteners, brilliant recitations of her early chapter books with first graders, master class instruction on the art and science of writing. She’s an awesome collaborator and her appeal is broad. She’s simply the best.” – Brahin Tabb, Penn Wynne Elementary Librarian

“Thank you so much for the author visit.  Our staff was thrilled to have you share your knowledge and passion with our students.  Yesterday, I asked two second graders in the hallway how they enjoyed your presentation.  The little girl exclaimed, “I loved it!”  and eagerly shared her favorite part of your visit!  Your storytelling and insights left a lasting impression not just on our students, but on me as well.” – Heather Jenkins, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Garfield Elementary School

“We arranged for Kelly Starling Lyons to offer three author visits at our elementary schools, culminating in an Author Talk that evening to foster community engagement in reading and writing in our small Maine town. Kelly was the ideal choice for our events. Her presence and presentations resonated with our diverse student body, allowing them to experience a creative, talented, and professional author in person. Her talks were both engaging and interactive, and she made each child feel valued as she personally said goodbye to every one of them as they left.

In the evening, she made an equally strong impression on our parents, many of whom were enthusiastic to attend after being encouraged by their eager young children. I highly recommend Ms. Lyons to anyone considering hiring an author to visit and speak to their students. She is not only a gifted author but also a remarkable speaker.” – Kellie Hooper-Bressler, Literacy Coach, Westbrook Schools

“I wanted to write to thank you again for a phenomenal author visit.  Your energy, enthusiasm, and connection with the children made this a visit to remember!” – Julie Esanu, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School Librarian and Interdisciplinary Curriculum Coordinator

“Ms. Starling-Lyons was as captivating as her books! Her presentation was both engaging and insightful, blending humor with poignant reflections on her journey as a writer. She shared stories about her inspirations and the challenges she faced while writing her books. The students were able to genuinely see themselves in her stories and the conflicts in the books were relative to them. They were excited to be able to connect with an author and Ms. Starling-Lyons provided an enriching experience for our students. Thank you, again!” – Megan McNally, Principal, Irving Primary School

2025-2026 Fees

Please contact me at email@kellystarlinglyons.com for information on scheduling and fees. You can also reach out to my booking agent, Carmen Oliver, at carmenoliver@thebookingbiz.com.