AUTHOR Debbie Chocolate

Debbie Chocolate is a writer, storyteller and educator. She received a bachelor's degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and a master's degree from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She has worked as an editor, a high school English teacher, and her written work has appeared in a number of national magazines. Debbie Chocolate is the author of a number of books for children. They include Kwanzaa, published by Children's Press, My First Kwanzaa Book, published by Scholastic, On the Day I Was Born, published by Cartwheel/Scholastic and The Piano Man, published by Walker Books. NEATE To The Rescue and Elizabeth's Wish, both published by Just Us Books, were her first titles for older readers. ALSO: Ms. Chocolate is available for signings, workshops, presentations, panels. Her areas of expertise include: writing workshops, picture book writing workshops for grades K-8; juvenile novel writing workshops for grades 3-4, and faculty writing workshops. E-mail her at dar60187@aol.com ...

Neate Series NEATE to the Rescue Neate Series Elizabeth's Wish

AUTHOR Mari Evans

A major figure in African American literature and the Black Arts Movement, Mari Evans is an educator, musician and writer who writes extensively about issues concerning the Black family and community. Her published work for children includes I Look at Me; Singing Black: Alternative Nursery Rhymes for Children; Dear Corinne, Tell Somebody! Love, Annie, a book about child abuse and I'm Late: The Story of LaNeese, Moonshine & Alisha Who Didn't Have Anyone of Her Own, a title for young adults, all published by Just Us Books. Continuum, a new collection of adult poetry,(Black Classic Press) and her book of political essays, Clarity as Concept: A Poet's Perspective, (Third World Press) are also available. Evan's stage musical, "EYES," adapted from Zora Neal Hurston's classic novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, has played to standing room only audiences in Chicago and other major cities across the United States. Mari Evans is internationally known for her work, including her classic poem "I Am a Black Woman" and she is the recipient of the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. Mari lives in Indiana and lectures throughout the country. ALSO: Ms. Evans is available for author signings and speaking engagements. Contact her via mail at P.O. Box 483, Indianapolis, IN 46206 ...

Dear Corinne Tell Somebody, Love, Annie Singing Black: Alternative Nursery Rhymes for Children I'M LATE:The Story of LaNeese, Moonshine & Alisha Who Didn't Have Anyone of Her Own

AUTHOR Rosa Guy

ROSA GUY is the author of two fiction titles under the SANKOFA BOOKS imprint, Ruby and New Guys Around the Block. Both titles are works of fiction for young adults. Guy was born in Trinidad and immigrated with her family to Harlem at the age of seven. Orphaned as a teen, Rosa and her sister lived in many different foster homes, and Rosa quit school for the world of work when she was 14. But she always loved to read and write, and soon joined the American Negro Theatre and attended New York University where she studied theater and writing. She later co-founded the Harlem Writers Guild, a writing workshop for aspiring Black writers. Rosa's own literary debut, Bird at My Window, was published in 1966. She has since written more than a dozen other published works, many of which are rooted in experiences from her own childhood. Much of her writing for young adults also deals with family and family members' responsibility to care and love one another. In July 2005, Rosa was honored for her great body of literary work with the Phyllis Wheatley Award, given by the Harlem Book Fair. She lives in New York. ...

Rosie Guy Series Ruby Rosie Guy Series New Guys Around the Block

AUTHOR James Haskins

James Haskins 1941 - 2005 Just Us Books celebrates the legacy of award-winning author James Haskins. Author of more than 100 books for adults and young people, James Haskins was a professor at the University of Florida. He won numerous awards and honors for his published work, including the Carter G. Woodson Award, Coretta Scott King Award and the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for excellence in the field of music. Haskins's latest books include Keeping the Faith: African American Sermons of Liberation; The March on Washington and Freedom Rides: Journey for Justice, both released under Just Us Books' Sankofa Books imprint. ...

James Haskins Series The March On Washington James Haskins Series Freedom Rides Journey For Justice

AUTHOR Cheryl Willis Hudson

CHERYL WILLIS HUDSON is editorial director of Just Us Books, Inc., an independent publishing company that focuses on Black interest books for children and young adults. She and her husband Wade Hudson, founded Just Us Books in 1988 to address the need for more African American children's books in the market place. Ms. Hudson has authored many books for young children including AFRO-BETS ABC and 123 Books, Hands Can, Good Morning, Baby, Glo Goes Shopping, Many Colors of Mother Goose and Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,(co-authored with Bernette Ford). She has also co-edited a number of titles including How Sweet the Sound: African American Songs for Children (Scholastic, Inc.), Kids' Book of Wisdom: Quotes from the African American Tradition and In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers. Construction Zone was published by Candlewick Press in 2006. Cheryl's picture book, My Friend Maya Loves to Dance (illustrated by Eric Velasquez) was published by Abrams Book for Young Readers in 2010. In 2003 Ms. Hudson was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of diversity in literature and served as an parenting expert for ClubMom. ALSO: Ms. Hudson is available for signings, workshops, presentations and panels. Her areas of expertise include: children's literature, multicultural children's publishing; editing, design and diversity in education. To request an author visit or presentation, please send a written request to Katura Hudson, Director of Marketing, Just Us Books via e-mail: katura_hudson@justusbooks.com or fax: (973) 677-7570. You may e-mail Cheryl Willis Hudson at cheryl_hudson@justusbooks.com. ...

AFRO-BETS-Kids ABC Book AFRO-BETS-Kids Book of Wisdom AFRO-BETS Kids Glo Goes Shopping Bright Eyes Brown Skin Clothes I Love To Wear From Where I Stand In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers Langston's Legacy 101 Ways to Celebrate the Life and Work of Langston Hughes Many Colors of Mother Goose

AUTHOR Lauriece Hudson

Lauriece Hudson is a Gospel singer, songwriter and poet who has authored two volumes of poetry for adults. She says, “poetry is my ministry.” Prayers for the Smallest Hands is her first book for children. She lives in New Jersey. ...	Prayers for the Smallest Hands

AUTHOR Wade Hudson

WADE HUDSON is the president and CEO of Just Us Books, Inc. an independent publishing company he founded with his wife, Cheryl Willis Hudson. His career as a writer spans more than three decades. After his involvement in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, he was a newspaper reporter, playwright and public relations specialist. In 1988, Mr. Hudson's passion for writing and life-long mission to help foster positive self-image within the young Black community helped propel the launch of Just Us Books. Wade has written nearly 20 books for children including Jamal's Busy Day, Pass It On: African American Poetry for Children, Poetry From the Masters: The Pioneers; Powerful Words: More Than 200 Years of Extraordinary Writing by African Americans and The Underground Railroad. He has edited a number of books with his wife, Cheryl. Wade Hudson serves on the advisory boards of many organizations, including the Langston Hughes Library at the Alex Haley Farm, operated by the Children's Defense Fund, and has received numerous honors, including the Stephen Crane Literary Award. In 2003 he was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. He was recently interviewed for HistoryMakers, an oral history collective of African-American achievers. Wade and his wife Cheryl were honored by the National Black Writers Conference for their contributions to literature with the Ida B. Wells Institutional Leadership Award in 2008. Wade is a member of the Author's Guild, PEN America, Society of Children's Book Illustrations and Authors, and other literary organizations. ALSO: Mr. Hudson is available for signings, workshops, presentations and panels. His areas of expertise include: writing for children and young adults, children's literature, multicultural children's publishing; marketing and diversity in education. ...

AFRO-BETS Kids I'm Gonna Be AFRO-BETS Kids Robo's Favorite Places Book of Black Heroes From A to Z Book of Black Heroes: Scientists, Healers and Inventors It's Church Going Time In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers Jamal's Busy Day NEATE Series Anthony's Big Surprise Poetry from the Masters: The Pioneers Places I Love To Go Puddin', Jeffrey and Leah Best Friends

AUTHOR Brian Jordan

A native of Baltimore, BRIAN JORDAN excelled in football and baseball during high school and college. So it was no surprise that he became one of a few athletes to play both sports on the professional level. He played for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons for several years and made his Major League Baseball debut in 1992. During a career that includes his selection as an All-Star, Jordan has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Texas Rangers and the Atlanta Braves, his current team. In 1998, he founded the Brian Jordan Foundation, a non-profit youth organization that is committed to creating and supporting programs that improve the quality of life for underprivileged children and their families. Jordan, his wife Pam, a former All-American basketball player, and their four children live in Atlanta. I Told You I Can Play! is Jordan’s first picture book for children. ...

I Told You I Can Play

AUTHOR Toyomi Igus

Toyomi Igus is the author and editor of several books for children, including The Two Mrs. Gibsons, Going Back Home, and I See the Rhythm. She is also the author of When I Was Little and editor of Book of Black Heroes: Great Women in the Struggle, both published by Just Us Books. Former Editor and Publications Director for UCLA's Center for African American Studies, she lives in California. ...	Book of Black Heroes Great Women in the Struggle When I Was Little

AUTHOR Denise Jordan

Denise M. Jordan has had many articles published, but her biography of Susie King Taylor is her first children's book. Ms. Jordan attended Indiana University School of Nursing. She currently teaches nursing and lives with her husband and three children in Fort Wayne, Indiana. ...	Susie King Taylor, Destined to be Free

AUTHOR Dr. Loretta Long

Dr. Loretta Long is an actress and educator who has entertained children for over thirty years in her television role as "Susan" on Sesame Street. In addition to her work in entertainment, Dr. Long conducts diversity workshops for parents, librarians and educators. She earned a doctorate degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. Courtney's Birthday Party, published by Just Us Books, is her first title for children. ALSO: Ms. Long is available for signings, workshops, presentations, panels. Her areas of expertise include: parenting workshops, language arts, writing books with children by children. ...

Courtney's Birthday Party

AUTHOR Angela Shelf Medearis

ANGELA SHELF MEDEARIS was born in Virginia. Her family moved often, though, because her father was in the Air force. She says that each new place, "I knew there would always be a library, a friendly librarian, and my favorite book there to meet me. It made a new school and new friends much easier to deal with." In grade school, Angela's teachers told her that she wrote well. She was thirty years old, however, before she decided to try to earn a living as a writer. Angela enjoys history, and spends a lot of time researching African-American history for her books. As a bonus, her research often leads to ideas for new books. Among her published books include Annie's Gifts, Poppy's Itchy Christmas, Princess of the Press: The Story of Ida B. Wells Barnett, Rum-A-Tom-Tom, Singing Man, Too Much Talk, The Adventure of Sugar and Junior and Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story. ...

Annie's Gifts

AUTHOR Robert Miller

When ROBERT MILLER was a boy growing up in Portland, Oregon, his mother would tell him and his brother about their great-great uncles, Ed and Joe Cloud, who were Black cowboys. But they never saw Black cowboys in movies or polular television shows. Robert's four-book series, Reflections of a Black Cowboy: Cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers, Pioneers and Mountain Men, tells the story about those African Americans who helped sette the West. Robert Miller is assistant professor of relieion at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He lives in southern New Jersey. ALSO: Dr. Miller is available for workshops, and presentations. His areas of expertise include: writing and history. E-mail him at rmille05@temple.edu ...

Reflections of a Black Cowboy: Cowboys Reflections of a Black Cowboy: Buffalo Soldiers Reflections of a Black Cowboy: Mountain Men Reflections of a Black Cowboy: Pioneers