Lerner Publishing Group Acquires Soaring Kite Books
MINNEAPOLIS, MN— Lerner Publishing Group™ is proud to announce the acquisition of Soaring Kite Books, the highly regarded independent publisher of children’s books, effective January 1, 2025. Founded by Ceece Kelley, Soaring Kite Books has gained a strong reputation for its innovative and diverse storytelling, with a particular focus on nurturing emerging voices and exploring a wide range of cultural experiences.
The acquisition strengthens Lerner’s commitment to expanding its diverse portfolio of educational and trade publishing, bringing a fresh perspective and new creative opportunities to its growing list of nineteen imprints. Soaring Kite Books will continue to operate under its current name, while benefiting from Lerner’s extensive distribution, marketing, and production resources for Soaring Kite books moving forward.
“Lerner has had the privilege of distributing Soaring Kite Books since their inaugural publishing season in 2021, and over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact their titles have had on young readers and educators alike,” said Adam Lerner, CEO and Publisher of Lerner Publishing Group. “This successful partnership has paved the way for Soaring Kite to become a Lerner imprint. We are excited to continue supporting Ceece’s mission of publishing diverse and inclusive voices while expanding its reach and resources within the Lerner family.”
Ceece Kelley, who will remain involved with the imprint through a consulting role, shared, “After years of rapid growth, I am excited to pass the torch to Lerner Publishing Group, a company that shares my passion for empowering young readers with stories that matter. I am confident that Soaring Kite Books will thrive under Lerner’s leadership and continue to build on the foundation we’ve worked so hard to create. This partnership will open new doors for the authors and stories that Soaring Kite Books represents.”
Soaring Kite Books, known for its commitment to storytelling that reflects the diverse world we live in, will continue to focus on publishing books that inspire, educate, and entertain readers of all ages. The acquisition represents a new chapter for both companies as they join forces to expand their impact on young readers and their families.
About Lerner Publishing Group™
Lerner Publishing Group™ creates high-quality fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults. Founded in 1959, Lerner Publishing Group is one of the nation’s largest independent children’s book publishers with seventeen imprints and divisions: Carolrhoda Books®, Carolrhoda Lab®, Darby Creek™, ediciones Lerner, First Avenue Editions™, Gecko Press, Graphic Universe™, Kar-Ben Publishing®, Lerner Publications, LernerClassroom™, Lerner Digital™, Millbrook Press™, Sundance Newbridge, Soaring Kite Books, Twenty-First Century Books™, Zest Books™, and Lerner Publisher Services™. For more information, visit lernerbooks.com or call 800-328-4929.
About Soaring Kite Books®
Founded in April 2020, Soaring Kite Books is a small independent publishing company formed to give a voice and a presence to underrepresented characters in children’s books. According to 2019 children’s publishing statistics, characters with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds make up only 27% of children’s books. While children can learn important values from book characters of any background, it builds children’s confidence and self-esteem to see and read literature featuring characters that look like them. Soaring Kite proudly publishes stories by authors that share the same backgrounds as their characters.