Our Focus in 2020

Photo: Stephan Hudson for 2nd Chapter

Happy New Year! We can’t believe how quickly another year has passed. We are thankful for all we accomplished in 2019 and for the many opportunities we’ve had to connect with young readers and book lovers around the country. We appreciate the work of all those who advocate for a more inclusive and representative body of literature for young people. 

As we enter a new year, a new decade even, we do so with the same determination and commitment to make a difference that led us to start Just Us Books. Now in our 31st year, we will continue to publish titles that spotlight Black history, Black culture, and Black experiences and that reflect our country's diversity. Just Us Books will focus on books that not only entertain, but enlighten, inspire, motivate, encourage, empower and provide learning opportunities across cultures, ethnicities, borders, races and experiences. We will continue to promote the difference good books can make as we embrace our role as one of a few Black-owned publishing companies in the United States.

Today, the truth is under siege in many quarters of our society. Values such as respect, patience, honesty, justice, generosity, fairness and dependability are being trampled wantonly. But these values are our North Star. They guide us to a better place. They show us the way. The books we read — that our children read —play a major role in that journey. So our work as children’s book creators is as crucial as ever.

In 2020 and beyond, we will press onward, in the company of so many others — inspired, motivated and determined to allow our books to be vehicles for young people to see that North Star. We know Good Books Make a Difference!

Wade and Cheryl Hudson
Founders, Just Us Books