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Kelly J. Baptist won the Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship for her YA novel-in-progress, Young. While visiting the Kerlan Collection, Kelly had the privilege of studying the dialogue techniques of the great Walter Dean Myers. Fast-forward a few years, and Kelly was fortunate enough to meet Myers at a literary event in Florida. A native of southwest Michigan, Kelly enjoys life with her five children, who give her plenty of inspiration for writing. Though her busy family life often results in having to type with one hand, Kelly is committed to using the written word to inspire and transform lives. Find her online at kellyiswrite.com.
An inventive and heartfelt debut novel. -The New York Times An uplifting, affirming story for every collection. -Booklist, starred review Isaiah's optimism, drive, and loyalty to friends and family make him a hero to cheer for and lend a feeling of hope to this exploration of difficult topics. -Publishers Weekly, starred review In this moving tale of life, loss, and the love of words, Isaiah learns that perseverance and vulnerability are real superpowers and that family and community are the real wind beneath a superhero's cape. -The Horn Book An accessible story about a child facing loss and home instability. Isaiah is a likable character; readers will identify with his struggle to rise above his family's housing issues to define himself. -School Library Journal Baptist presents the direness of abject poverty with exquisite empathy. She provides Isaiah with a supportive community that helps as his family's situation fluctuates, giving readers who also experience housing insecurity hope but no promises. -Kirkus Reviews A compassionate eye-opener for kids not yet ready for Abbott's The Great Jeff. -The Bulletin
