Wade Hudson's career as a writer spans more than three decades. In 1988, Hudson's passion for writing and life-long mission to help foster positive self-image within the Black community, prompted he and his wife Cheryl to launch Just Us Books, the nation's leading independent publisher of Black-interest books for young people. Another imprint, Marimba Books, was launched in 2008, with a focus on multicultural literature for children and young adults. An accomplished and award-winning author, he has written more than 25 books for young people including, AFRO-BETS Book of Black Heroes, Poetry from the Masters: The Pioneers and Jamal's Busy Day, Pass It On: African-American Poetry for Children, Powerful Words: More than 200 Years of Extraordinary Writing by African Americans and the Great Black Heroes series. His most recent titles include Its Church Going Time, Places I Love to Go, and Puddin, Jeffrey and Leah: Best Friends. He is also very active in his community, serving on the board of the Isaiah House in East Orange, NJ and the Langston Hughes Library at the Alex Haley Farm, operated by the Children's Defense Fund. In 2004, he and his wife co-founded The Knowledge Is Power Project, a non-profit youth literacy organization dedicated to bringing children and books together. He is a Stephen Crane Literary Award recipient, was named a "Man of Valor" in Newark, NJ and was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. His literary affiliations include PEN America and the Authors' Guild. Wade speaks to students across the country and conducts workshops for teachers and parents. He can be reached at justusbook@aol.com. Web Site: www.justusbooks.com.