Kelly Flanagan was an award-winning elementary school teacher. She was selected for Wisconsin's Herb Kohl award for outstanding educators and was National Board Certified in middle grades. She has a B.S. in Journalism and a Master of Education.
As a 4th/5th grade teacher, Kelly’s passion was running lively book group discussions with her students. She believes there are no reluctant readers — just kids who haven't found a book they love yet. Her goal is to write that book. Kelly is awed by people brave enough to upend their lives to move to a new country. Her new novel, Holding Onto Courage, highlights that bravery and sense of adventure.
Kelly lives in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin with her husband. In the winter, she can be found in Florida's panhandle, walking the white sand beaches. Besides writing, Kelly is the webinar coordinator for the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI). She also tutors low income students, spends time with her four active grandchildren, and plays hours of pickleball.