51st Ward Books is committed to partnering with like-minded communities to expand access to culturally responsive and culturally affirming literature for children. This is more than just business– it is a mission to ensure that Black, Latinx, American Indian, Asian/Pacific American, LGBTQIA+, and disabled children see their identities; their language, skin, and culture reflected back to them from the bookshelf.

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Through the JustKids Book Festival we aim to:

• Partner with and feature local authors and illustrators to offer storytimes, art-making, workshops for parents and educators, and FUN! 

• Offer families and community members access to carefully curated experience featuring authors, illustrators, and books for children and youth that prioritize storytelling by and for People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and disabled communities. 

• Host a book expo and marketplace featuring local, independent authors, and a range of culturally-relevant, anti-bias, and anti-bias children’s texts. Many of these books will be available in Bilingual or Spanish formats. 

• Unite our diverse city through a shared love of books and reading. Let's read together and raise more JustKids.