Two decades ago, Wade and Cheryl Hudson searched for quality African-American children’s books to share with their kids. Frustrated by the lack of options, they made a bold decision: They would fill the gap themselves. Their simple desire to give their children books that reflected their images and voices launched a 20-year legacy. Founded on the principle [ Read the full article… ]

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story Written by Janet Halfmann Illustrated by Duane Smith Published by Lee & Low Books, 2008 After I read Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story (Lee & Low Books, 2008), I knew I wanted to talk it up here at the Brown Bookshelf. But then I [ Read the full article… ]

A few years ago, the lingo “indie bookstore” would have gone right over my head. As an avid reader, all I knew was I liked books and I’d get them anywhere I could – my local library or the nearest bookstore. But as an author, I realized that the business of writing was much more [ Read the full article… ]

Donavan’s Double Trouble Written by Monalisa DeGross Illustrated by Amy Bates Published by HarperCollins, 2008 Donavan’s friends say he has a math block. They say no matter what he does or how hard he tries, he won’t understand until he has some sort of a math breakthrough. Donavan knows his friends are right, but he [ Read the full article… ]

Sorry I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to make a post. But I did want to pop in and share an article that ran in the Kansas City Star earlier this week. It’s about a new series of books, for young African American girls, written by Derrick Barnes. Ruby and the Booker Boys [ Read the full article… ]

Agent Jen Carlson stopped by the Brown Bookshelf forum and answered questions about how the economy may be affecting those writing for children, what’s hot in kiddie lit and more.  Check out her answers. But wait…if you didn’t get to ask a question or jump in the discussion, agent Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency [ Read the full article… ]

Just a reminder that the chat with agent, Jennifer Carlson starts at 10 a.m. eastern.  Discuss the state of children’s literature with an industry insider. Post questions now on the Brown Bookshelf forum or join the forum chat at 10 a.m.