Big Shoulders Books

Big Shoulders Books A small nonprofit press that shares the seldom heard voices in Chicago communities. All books free of charge.

Big Shoulders Books aims to produce one book each year that engages intimately with the Chicago community and gives graduate students at DePaul experience in the world of publishing. The goal is to disseminate, free of charge, quality anthologies of writing by and about Chicagoans whose voices might not otherwise be shared. This year's book is titled, I Remember: Chicago Veterans of War.

“Write Your Heart Out” is a love anthology by Chicagoland teen writers who reflected as they navigated their feelings an...
02/18/2026

“Write Your Heart Out” is a love anthology by Chicagoland teen writers who reflected as they navigated their feelings and relationships.

Interspersed with writing prompts that invite your reflections on love, this book is perfect for your hopelessly romantic friend, the teen in your life that is overcome with thoughts and emotions, or you as you contemplate what it means to grow up and into love.

“Write Your Heart Out” is available physically and digitally, free of charge, always, at our linked website.

10 years ago, we published our anthology “I Remember: Chicago Veterans of War” with stories from fifty veterans from eac...
11/20/2025

10 years ago, we published our anthology “I Remember: Chicago Veterans of War” with stories from fifty veterans from each modern war. This collection has stuck with us over the years, and we will continue to amplify the voices of our neighbors. Visit our website to view the free e-book or order a free physical copy of “I Remember…”

Today is the two year anniversary of our latest publication, Chicago Mosaic. In light of the recent takeover of Chicago,...
10/20/2025

Today is the two year anniversary of our latest publication, Chicago Mosaic. In light of the recent takeover of Chicago, we are revisiting the powerful introduction of Chicago Mosaic and reflecting on all of the immigrant communities that make up our beautiful city.

FREE digital and print copies of Chicago Mosaic can be found at our website.









01/30/2025

Today is the day!!! DePaul's Blue Demon Challenge is happening right now, for one day only! Please especially consider making a contribution to support our English Department and/or Big Shoulders Books. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Visit challenge.depaul.edu/amb/BSB to support Big Shoulders Books!

Miles Harvey is ready for the ! And so am I! Are you!? We've got one day to show Big Shoulders Books and the English De...
01/30/2025

Miles Harvey is ready for the ! And so am I! Are you!? We've got one day to show Big Shoulders Books and the English Department of DePaul how much the social justice titles of Big Shoulders Books mean to us! Hope you're ready.

Visit https://challenge.depaul.edu/amb/BSB to support How Long Will I Cry and Big Shoulders Books! 💪💪💪

It’s almost time to show your DePaul pride! January 30th is the Blue Demon Challenge. Supporting Big Shoulders Books on ...
01/21/2025

It’s almost time to show your DePaul pride! January 30th is the Blue Demon Challenge. Supporting Big Shoulders Books on Jan. 30th not only supports the publication and distribution of our social justice titles, but also supports DePaul University. Take this chance to show your school spirit and support local communities with accessible book titles. Want to donate early? Visit https://challenge.depaul.edu/amb/BSB and help us get a head start!

Are you reading it yet!? We’re excited for this year’s One Book One Chicago events featuring Tomorrow and Tomorrow and T...
10/21/2024

Are you reading it yet!? We’re excited for this year’s One Book One Chicago events featuring Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

Some upcoming events: Tonight(!), join Sylvia Ewing for a community conversation about the themes and issues of Zevin’s novel at the Legler Regional branch 6PM CST. The Book Club Celebration will be held at Harold Washington Library Center 5PM-7PM on Wednesday Oct. 23!

Follow for more news and visit chipublib.org/one-book-one-chicago for more info.

If you enjoyed Chicago Mosaic like Kathleen Rooney does, take part in the Blue Demon Challenge happening today! When 50 ...
01/31/2024

If you enjoyed Chicago Mosaic like Kathleen Rooney does, take part in the Blue Demon Challenge happening today! When 50 people make a gift to the Fund for Big Shoulders Books, Irene (LAS CER '97) and Bill Beck will give $20,000!

http://bit.ly/BSBBlueDemonChallenge

Longer days mean more reading time outdoors! Celebrate with us by taking part in the Blue Demon Challenge.When 50 people...
01/31/2024

Longer days mean more reading time outdoors! Celebrate with us by taking part in the Blue Demon Challenge.

When 50 people make a gift to the Fund for Big Shoulders Books, Irene (LAS CER '97) and Bill Beck will give $20,000!

http://bit.ly/BSBBlueDemonChallenge

Mars here! As the graduate assistant at Big Shoulders Books, I'm hijacking this account to give you an inside look befor...
12/07/2023

Mars here! As the graduate assistant at Big Shoulders Books, I'm hijacking this account to give you an inside look before anyone can stop me. Queue the evil laughter.

We work as a small team, so sometimes we need help. Last quarter, the students of DePaul University's Book Publicity course worked tirelessly while promoting Chicago Mosaic: Immigration Stories of Objects Kept, Lost, or Left Behind. Their hard work helped our book shine at October's book launch event—and look at this picture! They shined too! Everyone at Big Shoulders Books is appreciative of what this brilliant group of people achieved last fall under the leadership of Prof. Julia Borcherts.

I'm going to hurry up and get out of here before I get caught —But just wanted to share our thanks. Great job! 😉

This winter, as we contemplate the current migrant crisis, pick up a FREE copy of Chicago Mosaic. Our new book introduce...
12/04/2023

This winter, as we contemplate the current migrant crisis, pick up a FREE copy of Chicago Mosaic. Our new book introduces dozens of migrant stories coming to Chicago. These are stories of hope, loss, and the enduring spirit of family and community. With weaving together objects kept, lost, or left behind, this book is a perfect read to learn more about a variety of perspectives. ❄️ Available in both E-Book and physical copy upon request. 📚📱

"I HATE name tags. They’re sticky, pull your clothes apart, and fall off at the moments you need them. Labels are like n...
11/20/2023

"I HATE name tags. They’re sticky, pull your clothes apart, and fall off at the moments you need them. Labels are like name tags, making you uncomfortable until you need them most, and then they’re just gone. Looking back, I guess I was one of those kids who ignored labels and grew up not ever placing one on myself." -Calli Bilger, "Just Who I Am"

Who are you? What labels have you given yourself? Which have been given to you by others? Which do you embrace? Which do you reject? Monday sounds like a pretty good day to ask yourself these questions. (Anything's better than starting your work week, right!?)

This essay and more are featured in Write Your Heart Out, available at bigshoulderbooks.com in digital and physical format at no cost to readers.

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