From as far back as he can remember, Ken Daley was certain of one thing: he would live his life as an artist. As Ken explains, “Art is what I am.” Ken Daley is an award-winning Black Canadian artist/illustrator who was born to parents who emigrated from Dominica. His art and illustrations are inspired by [ Read the full article… ]
MAISHA OSO is the author of Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence, My Hair is a Book, and Buster the Bully. She writes stories to empower, entertain, and encourage emotional intelligence in young children. Her books have received multiple starred reviews, been named as best books of the year, and even been nominated for [ Read the full article… ]
It only seems fitting that this year’s 28 Days Later celebration should begin by honoring the life and work of Nikki Giovanni. Her career as a poet, author, educator, public speaker, and activist spanned over five decades, and her words have inspired, influenced, and informed people around the globe. I first met Nikki Giovanni in [ Read the full article… ]
As more and more adoptees get published or share their stories, the response from readers and gatekeepers in kidlit publishing is often fraught with hurt feelings and a limited understanding of the nuances of the adoptee experience. In this conversation, Shannon Gibney and Mariama J. Lockington—two authors, scholars, and transracial adoptees—dive into how this tension [ Read the full article… ]
Over the years, we’ve been blessed to have many supporters. Wade Hudson, Cheryl Willis Hudson and the Just Us Books family are among those who have been in our corner the longest. Trailblazing publishers and award-winning children’s book creators, the Hudsons are all about sharing, empowering and offering support. Their example has been a beacon [ Read the full article… ]
It feels surreal to have a day during 28 Days Later. My focus as part of The Brown Bookshelf is to uplift Black children’s book creators who fall under the radar, who have paved the way, who are making a difference. I’m blessed to call many of them friends. I stand on the shoulders of [ Read the full article… ]
The tagline on Ronni Davis’ website says Writer, Dreamer, Wanderer. What a wonderful way to describe what she does and what qualities inform the books she creates. Maybe it’s Ronni’s love of travel that helps inspire her deep exploration of teen characters, journeying through their minds, struggles and motivations. And maybe her “head in the [ Read the full article… ]
Lisa Moore Ramée was born and raised in Los Angeles and now lives in Northern California, with her husband, daughter, obnoxious cat, rambunctious dog and more yard than she can control. She earned a BA in Speech Communications from San Francisco State (go Gators!) and a MA in English Literature (focusing on Creative Writing) from Cal State [ Read the full article… ]
