Publisher Profile: Just Us Books
The CBC asks Wade Hudson, President; Cheryl Willis Hudson, Vice President & Editorial Director, questions about the publisher.
How did your publishing house start out?
We started Just Us Books in 1988 because we recognized the need for books for young people that centered Black children, spotlighting Black history, Black culture, and Black experiences. We knew the impact not having these books had on us when we were growing up. We didn’t want our children, their friends, and Black children in general to grow up only seeing a minuscule representation of themselves and people who looked like them. So, instead of complaining about the lack of these important books, we decided to meet the challenge head-on and publish them ourselves.
What is your publishing house most known for?
We think Just Us Books is known for helping to demonstrate that there is not only a need for books that reflect our diversity, but there is indeed a market. We are also known for the authenticity of our stories, characters, and rendering them with sensitivity and purpose. And synonymous with Just Us Books are the AFRO-BETS Kids books, that helped launch our company more than 36 years ago. The AFRO-BETS ABC Book remains one of our bestselling and most loved titles today.
Where in the country is your house based? What do you love about being based there?
We have always had our headquarters in Essex County, New Jersey. Our office is currently in West Orange, NJ, but for many years we were located in our hometown of East Orange. That’s where our children went to school, and where our church and community organizations are located. So, it was an easy decision to make the area our base of operation; we love the close connections we share with our local community. It’s particularly important because we see Just Us Books not only as a business, but as an institution in the long tradition of Black publishers and other founders, who established institutions to meet the needs of their communities.
Which genres does your house prefer to publish?
We publish picture books, chapter books, middle-grade books, fiction, and nonfiction.
What are some of your house’s publishing priorities over the next few years?
We plan to continue to publish books that explore the breadth, depth, and richness of the Black experience. There are so many more stories and people to be discovered and shared. Today, there is a well-funded and concerted push to undo the progress that has been made in this country, including in the publishing industry. There will be those who will crumble under this pressure and capitulate to the demands to further marginalize and rewrite our history again. We remain committed to publishing the truth and history. Our work is as important now as it has ever been.
Which title does your house feel deserved more love than it got?
Papa’s Free Day Party written by the award-winning poet Marilyn Nelson and illustrated by Wayne Anthony Still, a relative of the abolitionist William Still. The book is based on a true story about the author’s grandfather, who built a new life in Oklahoma after escaping a racist attack at age six. It’s a poetic celebration of strength and the power of family.
Which upcoming titles is your house buzzing about?
We are really excited about Curt Flood’s Courageous Stand, a picture book written by Wade Hudson and illustrated by Nancy Devard that will be released in 2026. It shares the story of Curtis Flood who challenged the Reserve Clause in 1969-70 and changed the game of baseball. The stand cost him his career in the sport, but it was because of his stand that many athletes are making enormous salaries today. We are happy to introduce him to young readers.
Name a few of your favorite backlist titles that people should check out.
- I’m a Big Sister Now written by Katura Hudson; illus. by Sylvia Walker
- Kwame Nkrumah’s Midnight Speech for Independence, one of the last books written by Useni Eugene Perkins; illus. by Laura Freeman
- Susie King Taylor, Destined to Be Free by Denise Jordan; illus. by Higgins Bond
What else would you like to tell us about your house and the amazing work you all do?
We partnered with Crown Books for Young Readers to publish three anthologies that are very timely, as we and the readers we write and publish for face enormous challenges within our society.
- We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices features 50 kidlit authors and illustrators who share answers to the question, “In this divisive world, what shall we tell our children?”
- The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love and Truth is a powerful call-to-action and advocacy, featuring 30 authors and illustrators who invite readers to witness conversations they have with their children about race and other challenging topics.
- Recognize: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life is a compilation of award-winning pieces by Black authors and artists celebrating Black love, creativity, resistance, and life.
All three middle-grade titles are excellent resources for classrooms and libraries.
Thank you, Just Us Books!
