Go Ask Mom
In this season of getting, new children's book focuses on the importance of giving back
For plenty of kids, the Christmas season is more about getting and less about giving. But a new chapter book, written by acclaimed Raleigh author Kelly Starling Lyons tackles the importance of kindness and giving back.
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By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor
For plenty of kids, the Christmas season is more about getting and less about giving. But a new chapter book, written by acclaimed Raleigh author Kelly Starling Lyons tackles the importance of kindness and giving back — and might offer just the message that kids need to hear right now.
"Jada Jones; Dancing Queen" is the latest in the Jada Jones series, designed for early readers ages 5 to 8 or so. The series, based in Raleigh, launched in 2017.
I checked in with Lyons to learn more about her latest book, what's next for her and to get some book recommendations for great children's books to give your kids this holiday season. Here's a Q&A:
Go Ask Mom: You've got a new book out in the Jada Jones series. What's it all about?
Kelly Starling Lyons: The latest book is "Jada Jones: Dancing Queen." In the story, Jada, who's on student council, reads an anonymous suggestion box note that a classmate and her brother are in need of warm coats. She and her council friends come up with a Coats for Caring drive and kindness campaign. They'll raise money for the cause by doing a ten dance challenge. Floss. Chicken Dance. Whip and Nae Nae. Jada has to learn them all. She's excited about helping, but dreading the challenge too: Jada thinks she has two left feet. Can she overcome the jitters and jam for a cause that means a lot?
GAM: Jada Jones has been incredibly popular. Tell us about the success of the series. Why do you think she's resonating? Are you working on more?
KSL: The series has been such a blessing. I had no idea how much Jada would connect with readers. I think she resonates because she's a character we don't see often enough in a starring role. Jada is an African-American girl who loves science. She's big-hearted and brave, daring to face her fears and learn from mistakes. Jada and her buddies were inspired by my kids and the amazing students I meet when I visit schools. I think kids see Jada as a friend. I'm hopeful that we'll see more Jada books in the future. It's so rewarding to hear that children are inspired by the series.
GAM: During the holidays, for kids, there's a lot of emphasis on getting. Your new book, however, touches on the importance of kindness. How does Jada tackle all of this, and why did you want to include that storyline in the book?
KSL: I wanted to include a storyline about kindness to celebrate the many kids who help each other in big and small ways. Dancing Queen focuses on kindness and giving back. I also wanted children whose families are struggling financially to know they're not alone. Jada's family is middle class in the book, but she shares that her dad has been laid off in the past. She remembers her mom telling her that her family gave to a giving closet one year and another year they needed help themselves. We can all be in each other's shoes.
GAM: You've got a busy 2020 planned already! What's coming up and next for you?
KSL: Thanks so much for asking. I have four books debuting next year.
Dream Builder, my nonfiction picture book about architect Philip Freelon, is first. It means so much to me. Phil was an incredible man who designed museums and public spaces that uplift and inspire. The pinnacle of his amazing career was being the lead architect for the National Museum of African American History & Culture. I had the honor of interviewing him and his wife, Grammy nominated singer and composer Nnenna Freelon. The story explores his journey from a kid artist to an architect who brought dreams to life. The launch event will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. It's a free event hosted by Liberation Station Bookstore at NorthStar Church of the Arts founded by the Freelons. People can learn more and RSVP here.
Next comes Tiara's Hat Parade, a picture book that celebrates a mother-daughter relationship, Black women hat-makers and community.
In September, Ty's Travels, my easy reader series, hits the scene. It will kick off with two books, All Aboard and Zip, Zoom. In each, Ty turns every-day experiences into unforgettable adventures.
I can't wait to share the new stories with readers.
GAM: We're all looking for gift ideas! What are some great books for kids that you'd recommend for our gift-giving lists?
KSL: There are so many amazing books. It's hard to choose just a few to recommend. As a member of the blog, The Brown Bookshelf, our mission is to raise awareness of black children's book creators. Here are a few titles by black authors and illustrators around the state (NC residents in italics).
Picture Books
- The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison
- The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
- Grandma's Purse by Vanessa Brantley Newton
- My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
- Anthill for Sale by Johnny Ray Moore, illustrated by Zuzana Svobodova
Middle Grade (for ages 8 to 12 or so)
- Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
- Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
- Jake the Fake by Craig Robinson, illustrated by Keith Knight
- Mango Delight by Fracaswell Hyman
- Celeste's Harlem Renaissance by Eleanora E. Tate
There's also "We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices," an anthology edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson that includes NC authors Eleanora E. Tate, Carole Boston Weatherford, Tameka Fryer Brown, Vanessa Brantley Newton and me.
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