@justusbooks.bsky.social
Black-owned indie publisher of children’s books that center and celebrate Black stories, history and culture. Founded in 1988 by Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson. https://justusbooks.com
14 episodes, 15 guests, countless gems!
Revisit powerful conversation with talented writers, illustrators, editors, booksellers, educators, librarians and others who help get books into the hands of readers.
▶️ www.youtube.com/channel/UCCv...
Thank you to all the amazing teachers who help our students learn and grow! 💐
(Image copyright Nancy Devard, published in the book Afro-Bets I’m Going to Be, written by Wade Hudson, published by Just Us Books)
#TeacherAppreciationWeek
In The Children's Book Council’s Publisher’s Spotlight, our founders Wade and Cheryl Hudson talk about Just Us Books’ mission, titles they think deserve a bit more shine, and their publishing priorities for the future.
Thanks for the spotlight CBC!
www.cbcbooks.org/2025/04/09/p...
Smiling photo of author Emely Rumble standing with left elbow resting on a bookcase.
today on the blog: Emely Rumble, LCSW " To me, bibliotherapy is a form of liberation. It’s a deeply relational, sacred practice that uses literature to support healing, support the development of self-understanding, and affirm one’s lived experience."
pearlsandrubys.slj.com/2025/04/10/i...
A poster by the American Library Association illustrating an open book with the words Let Freedom Read on the pages.
Spotted at one of our local libraries - Newark Public Library
#FreedomtoRead
#LibraryWeek
Join us in celebrating — and defending — the freedoms found in our libraries this National Library Week and #RighttoReadDay
Check out the resources here:
uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea...
Black and white side profile of Mari Evans with ‘speak the truth to the people’ in white text
Excerpt text: “Speak the truth to the people Talk sense to the people Free them with reason Free them with honesty Free the people with Love and Courage and Care for their Being...” from “Speak The Truth To The People” published in Continuum: New and Selected Poems by Mari Evans
Cover of the book Continuum: New and Selected Poems by Mari Evans. Mari is pictured smiling, standing in front of a bookcase full of books
“Speak the truth to the people
Talk sense to the people
Free them with reason
Free them with honesty
Free the people with Love
and Courage and Care for
their Being...”
from “Speak The Truth To The People” published in Continuum: New and Selected Poems by Mari Evans
#PoetryMonth
Congrats to Vanessa Brantley Newton who is bringing her many talents and amazing energy to @pbskids
Ms. V & Me! invites children to create art, tell stories, and sing songs along with Vanessa (Ms. V) in her studio. Watch, enjoy and spread the word!
youtu.be/CwASc2Re3Is
I 🤎 @thebrownbookshelf.bsky.social They're on my blog today!
pearlsandrubys.slj.com/2025/02/28/2...
A photo of Frederick Douglass wearing a suit and tie
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”
- Frederick Douglass
In solidarity.
#Economicblackout
NYC friends - join Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd as they present their new picture book, When I Hear Spirituals, along with music by the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 4 - 5 pm at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in Fort Greene
Presented by Greenlight Bookstore
DOING THE WORK!
We’re lifting up institutions that have made sharing our stories their mission. Black-owned publishing companies that celebrate Black people, Black culture, and Black history in their books all year round.
#BlackSky #BookSky
justusbooks.blogspot.com/2025/02/doin...
A black and white photo of the Hudsons during a 1989 product shot for their new books
The Hudsons at the Just Us Books booth during the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair
This is Black History!
Decades ago Wade and Cheryl Hudson were parents on a search for children's books that reflected the diversity of Black history, culture and experiences. Today their publishing company, Just Us Books, is celebrating 36 years in business!
justusbooks.com
#BlackSky #BookSky
Children’s books for Black History Month and beyond - all available from Just Us Books or your favorite bookseller.
Video by @katurahudson.bsky.social
#BookSky #BlackSky #BlackHistoryMonth
A black and white photo of Frederick Douglass, wearing a suit and bow tie
Frederick Douglass’s 2000-book library. Pictured is a wooden and glass bookshelf that spans an entire wall
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever be free.” - abolitionist, writer Frederick Douglass, born in 1818.
Like many who were born enslaved, he did not know his birth date. He later chose to celebrate it on Feb. 14.
📷 His 2000-book library at the Frederick Douglass National Historical site
You need to know about @jbakernyc.bsky.social
thebrownbookshelf.com/28days/day-1...
For Black History Month a few years ago, we curated a list of 50 Black kidlit creators who should be on your radar and your bookshelf. Still stands. 😊
#BlackSky #BookSky
justusbooks.blogspot.com/2022/01/cele...
We’re giving away our Black History Handbook — a great resource for educators, parents, and program leaders.
Sign up today to receive your copy in our next newsletter. ⬇️
mailchi.mp/c21a7caeb4e4...
An important piece in School Library Journal about diversity in book publishing and the challenges we face moving forward —featuring insights from our co-founder Wade Hudson. www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/gainin...
04.02.2025 13:04 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Celebrating Black Joy!
The Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader lift up the power of storytelling this #BlackHistoryMonth & beyond.
Check out their feature on bestselling kidlit creators and their inspiring books.
www.cbcbooks.org/readers/read...
#BookSky
For the 18th year The Brown Bookshelf’s “28 Days Later” Black History Month campaign is celebrating Black authors and illustrators. Check out their daily profiles, presented in partnership with Black Stories Amplified.
thebrownbookshelf.com
We love Langston!
Hear Langston Hughes (born on this day in 1901) read his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”
m.youtube.com/watch?v=5mFp...
Happy Black History Month!!
“February is a reminder that Black history should be an integral part of American and world history. It is something that we celebrate all year round.”
- Wade and Cheryl Hudson
founders, Just Us Books
photo: Stephan Hudson
A color photo of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He is wearing a dark blue suit and is slightly smiling
"We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action." #MLK
20.01.2025 13:57 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Again, libraries are stepping up.
Free N95 masks at all #LAPL locations while supplies last.
Also: emergency information and resources.
lapl.org/be-ready?fbc...
“we are each other’s
harvest:
we are each other’s
business:
we are each other’s
magnitude and bond.”
- Gwendolyn Brooks
#Teachers! World Read Aloud Day is Feb. 5! Sign up here to have an #author read to your classes! (Including me 😉)
tinyurl.com/mr3m8br5
Giggles ahead! #EduSky @justusbooks.bsky.social @litpress.bsky.social #humor #picturebooks
What a wonderful beginning to my 2025: an interview with the lovely Cheryl Willis Hudson about her new picture book, WHEN I HEAR SPIRITUALS pearlsandrubys.slj.com?p=313&previe...
03.01.2025 23:04 — 👍 6 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
Congratulations to Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd on the publication of their picture book When I Hear Spirituals, out today!!
Get a copy from your favorite bookseller. Autographed copies also available from Just Us Books.
Photo: Stephan Hudson
justusbooks.com/when-i-hear-...
On Christmas we called our dear friend and family George Ford. As usual, he was full of energy and encouragement. We talked about everything from Nikki Giovanni’s tremendous legacy to the new Netflix special The Six Triple Eight. As the conversation turned… justusbooks.blogspot.com/2025/01/its-...
02.01.2025 13:55 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
