Kathlyn J.

Kirkwood

Middle Grade Author

Civil Rights Activist

Travels from: Memphis, TN

“Movements for change depend on their foot soldiers as much as their leaders, and Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me’ Round reminds us that a single voice indeed matters.” — Kip Wilson, author of White Rose

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Kathlyn J Kirkwood is the author of Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round: the Story of an Everyday Activist and the Making of the Martin Luther King Holiday.

A retired college professor, Kathlyn focuses on writing for children and volunteering with under-priveleged 3rd and 4th grade students in the Nashville area. She has developed several innovative workshops that use trade books to help young people learn about the world beyond their immediate surroundings, and to inspire them with a love of reading.

Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round is a deeply moving middle grade memoir-in-verse about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice. A blueprint for kids starting down their own paths to civic awareness, it shows life beyond protests and details the sustained time, passion, and energy it takes to turn an idea into a law.

Deftly weaving together monumental historical events with a heartfelt coming-of-age story and in-depth information on law making, Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round is the perfect engaging example of how history can help inform the present.

Kathlyn’s newest book No Chickens in the House! is coming soon.

Kathlyn J. 's Featured Titles

Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day

Versify |

January 4, 2022

Middle Grade Nonfiction in Verse

This brilliant memoir-in-verse tells the moving story of how a nation learned to celebrate a hero. Through years of protests and petition, Kathlyn’s story highlights the foot soldiers who fought to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday.

Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round is a deeply moving middle grade memoir about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice, as Kathlyn recounts how, drawn to activism from childhood, she went from attending protests as a teenager to fighting for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday to become a national holiday as an adult. A blueprint for kids starting down their own paths to civic awareness, it shows life beyond protests and details the sustained time, passion, and energy it takes to turn an idea into a law.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Civil Discourse & Social Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Friendship & Community, History & Biography, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Memoir & Personal Journeys

School Visits

“What’s Your Story?”: Suitable for fourth grade through high school, this presentation focuses on my memoir – “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” to discuss my journey into activism from 18 years old to present. I talk about the importance of activism and using our individual gifts to make the world a better place.

“Sometimes “No” means “Not Right Now”: Suitable for fourth through eighth grade students, this presentation shares my journey to becoming a published author. I talk about how we can reframe and use rejections as feedback in furtherance of our hopes and dreams.

“Bringing Books to Life”: Suitable for third through fifth grade students, this presentation is a multi-sensory reading from a preset list of books. Discover more at the Literacy Lab tab.

Professional Development

“Bringing Books to Life – The How-to Guide”: This workshop provides step-by-step instructions for how teachers, librarians and educators can adopt the Team Kirkwood methodology for increasing literacy and student engagement through books.

“Voting Rights Series”: This workshop provides teachers with a built-in lesson plan to discuss civic engagement and the importance of voting. Based in the Team Kirkwood methodology, the lesson plan includes age-based customizations ranging from speech writing, to class elections.

“Connecting History and Activism for Young Readers”: Presented at the 2022 ALA Conference, this workshop shows how history informs the present, and how librarians and teachers can help children see the past as a vibrant story that reverberates in their own time. View select presentation slides.

Keynotes and Special Presentations

Kathlyn’s talk focuses on how she became a published author at 71 years old.

Author Visits

Immersive book reading of Kathlyns debut book – Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round – incorporating the music and songs of the Civil Rights Movement to bring the spirit of protest to the audience.
For Grades 9-12

Professional Development: How to Connect History and Activism for Young Readers

Marching Towards Equality: The Role of Youth in Shaping Democracy

For Grades 9-12

From Civil Rights to Civic Duties: How Democracy Evolves

For Grades 9-12

Voices of Change: How Every Vote Contributes to History

For Grades 9-12

Building Bridges: How Dialogue and Diversity Strengthen Democracy

For Grades 9-12

“Thank you so much for meeting with our classes and sharing with them your inspirational story and wisdom. I attached the students’ writings that they shared with you. Each year they have connected with you and your story, and I do not have a difficult time encouraging students to write about what they learned and share their thinking. It’s not always easy, but a great story certainly helps.” — Spring Mill Elementary

“Thank you again for sharing your story with our students, autographing their books, and spending time with us today. The messages you have for the students are so powerful and necessary. We all stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, and so we are grateful for every unsung hero who moved mountains for us to be where are today. And yet, we still have so much work to do!” — Allisonville Elementary

“Kathlyn J. Kirkwood’s stirring Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round takes readers on a journey into the past so that we might better grasp the present. The poetry in these pages leans forward with an urgency that matches the historical significance of the events being described. Kirkwood’s story has never been more relevant or necessary.” — Matt de la Peña, Newbery medalist and New York Times best-selling author

“In moving verse, this richly detailed memoir transports young readers to the front lines of the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The narrative comes full circle as Kirkwood joins the push for a national holiday in honor of the late civil rights leader. Engaging and uplifting, this memoir invites young people to become change agents in their own time.” — Carole Boston Weatherford, Newberry Honor–winning and New York Times best-selling author

“Movements for change depend on their foot soldiers as much as their leaders, and Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me’ Round reminds us that a single voice indeed matters. Recent history comes to life in lovely verse that feels like a kind neighbor sitting down to share her personal tale with photographs from the family album. A powerful story just right for today’s young activists.” — Kip Wilson, author of White Rose

Team Kirkwood Literacy Lab

Kathlyn’s Blog

Kathlyn’s Events

Kathlyn’s Hometown Bookstore | Order Signed Books!

Kathlyn’s Author Visits Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Nominated as a finalist for the Triple Crown Children’s Book Awards in the Lamplighter category (Grades 6-8), 2024
New York Public Library Vibrant Voices: New Books from Authors of Color, 2023
Black Caucus American Library Association (BCALA) Best of the Best Booklist, 2022
Notable Social Studies Trade Book, 2023
SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund’s Russell Freedman Award for Nonfiction Finalist
Common Sense Media’s Inaugural List of Books
Listed as one of four great books about Martin Luther King Jr by The Week Jr
Black Caucus American Library Association | Grant Recipient