Kelly Flanagan

Kelly Flanagan is selected as the December Member of the Month for her tireless work as SCBWI-Wisconsin’s Technology Coordinator. Check out the great changes she has made to the SCBWI-WI website and Facebook page. Kelly 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.

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 middle grade novel, Holding Onto Courage, released in December 2024, highlights that bravery and sense of adventure. 

Kelly lives in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin with her husband. She has three kids and four grandchildren. She loves sleepovers at her place with all the grandkids. They spend a lot of time together at parks. Hiking and swimming in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are Kelly's favorite summer activities. She has traveled to 48 states. She also tutors low-income students and plays hours of pickleball. 

Kelly’s story, The Candy Caper was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul in October 2025. She recently signed a publishing contract for her second middle grade novel, A Place for Daniel, published by All Things That Matter Press, which will be out in spring 2026. As Daniel longs for a forever home, this book deals with facing adversity and embracing a different kind of family.

Congratulations Kelly on your forthcoming book and thank you for all you do for SCBWI-Wisconsin!