Ever Ready: Indigo and Ida

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/22) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

"Indigo and Ida" features Indigo, a spunky biracial 8th grader, who aspires to be a journalist. She breaks an important story investigating school policies at her school that gets everyone's attention and puts her in the spotlight. Indigo finds rules aren't enforced equally for Black and Brown students who tend to receive the harshest punishment. She also has devised a plan to win back her best friends who have turned on her. Some of her classmates criticize her for being too militant, aggressive, and just plain annoying with her investigative work. Indigo feels her voice can be heard more if she runs for school council with the slogan "Indigo Belle for Justice."

A book discovery about journalist Ida B. Wells that also includes some of her private letters sidetracks Indigo as she reevaluates her course of action. Capp's book is a great blend of past and present as Indigo learns more about this investigative journalist who spoke out against violence, inequality, and racism back in the 19th century. Ida B. Wells becomes her role model. Indigo's parents who both are doctors become involved in a local situation where medical care was denied to a man in their community. Her parents use their voices to speak up on behalf of this man. Subsequently, Indigo's parent's actions become a role model for Indigo as she weighs choices on how to effectively use her voice against inequality.

This book addresses so many timely issues students face each day. It makes for a great discussion tool encouraging students to find their own voice to work for equality and justice but also learn how to celebrate and appreciate differences.

Megan Ciskowski (associate publicist) and Lerner Publishing Group at www.lernerbooks.com for gifting me the book.

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, book reviewer of all genres, and former teacher.

All About the Author

Heather Murphy Capps

"Indigo and Ida" is Capps's debut novel for middle grades. She is also a coordinator for the Mixed Up Files Blog based in Northern Virginia. She enjoys reading and writing books that incorporate great scenarios with magic, mystery, and adventures. The author draws upon her experiences as a television news reporter and a mayoral press secretary.

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)

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Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik

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📌 FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

📌Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children's Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **