The Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Library hosted famous children’s book author, Kelly Starling Lyons, on February 7. She generously presented her works to students, speaking with them on the writing process and character development, as well as how history and her own experiences shaped some of her writing.

Starling Lyons is the author of 16 books featuring fictional and nonfictional African-American characters. Her credits include: “Tiara’s Hat Parade;” “Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon;” “Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice Inspired Generations;” “Going Down Home with Daddy;” “We Rise, We Resist, We Raise our Voices;” “Jada Jones: Dancing Queen;” “Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist;” “Jada Jones: Class Act;” “A Girl Named Misty;” “One More Dino on the Floor;” “Hope’s Gift;” “Tea Cakes for Tosh;” “Ellen’s Broom;” “One Million Men;” and “Neate: Eddie’s Ordeal.” She also is working on publication of nine other books.

Students were captivated by her presentation, particularly the story behind “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Jacksonville brothers J. Rosamand Johnson and James Weldon Johnson composed the song/poem in Jacksonville in 1900 to  celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s February 12 birthday. It was first performed by 500 children in Jacksonville that year and later became the official song of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).