• Black History Month
• History on Stage (Event)
• Blind Date With a Book
• Book and Bake Update
• What To Read This Month
• What Mrs. Beecher is Reading

If not, be ready for an inspirational powerhouse of a story. Born in Sierra Leone in West Africa, Michaela became an orphan at a very early age. She faced trials that many would find unbelievable, yet came out on the other side a strong, vibrant ballerina and author!

Sold by her uncle to an orphanage where she was referred to as "number 27" Michaela suffered from a condition called vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose its color. In her village, this condition was considered to be a curse from the devil - thus why she was abandoned by her uncle at the time.

While at the orphanage, a magazine cover caught Michaela's eye and eventually, changed her life. She fell in love with ballet and was determined, despite her circumstances, to work hard, and learn. Michaela's story - from war orphan to to a prima ballerina - will leave you with something we could all use these days: hope.

Check out Taking Flight From War Orphan to Star Ballerina from the library and be inspired!

- Prince, American singer, songwriter, producer & actor

- Misty Copeland, first African American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre

Check out this upcoming event at our IndyPL Decatur Branch. Can't make this date? There are several from which to choose from their events website! Take a look!

By popular demand, the Blind Date With a Book display is back! New, fresh titles have been added but don't worry, we kept the favorites, too! Remember, this display is not here just to look pretty! We encourage our readers to take some time to read the one liners and the message from the book on the bag to decide which to "date". No judging a book by its cover here!

We had a great conversation surrounding our current read, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. This title is the first in a series and has gained popularity since it landed on the Indiana Eliot Rosewater nominee list in 2022-2023. With plenty of twists and riddles to solve, this one is certainly keeping us guessing, and we plan to discuss the second half of the book during our next session after our bake which will be Apology Cupcakes (IYKYK).

Our group made two types of monkey bread...and made some tasty discoveries about how to balance flavors while still getting creative. We had two teams: Team Sweet and Team Savory - both rocked their creations! I love seeing how the students have grown in the kitchen, becoming a bit more open minded and brave!

Featured Recommendations for Black History Month

Explore our six tips for finding books by Black authors, including a convenient list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. Find compelling fiction and nonfiction by both contemporary and classic Black authors, including books in every genre from literary fiction to romance, to science fiction to personal memoirs, whether you are looking for a thrilling page turner are recognized prize-winner!

See our staff recommendations:

• Black Chefs and Cooking – Classics
• Black Historical Fiction
• Black Literature- Past, Present and Beyond
• Black Mystery Writers
• Black Poets You Need to Read

• Celebrate Black Love With These Romance Novels
• Horror and Sci-Fi Books by Black Authors
• Horror Books by Black Authors
• Science Fiction by Black Authors

😉 How could I resist a title like this??

This will be my second reading of Edward Kelsey Moore's touching and memorable book. I am thrilled to be revisiting the lives of Odette, Barbara Jean, and Clarice; it is like visiting with old friends. Set in small town Indiana, the three women (a.k.a. The Supremes) support each other in the best and worst of times, proving that when resilient friends stick together, nearly anything is possible, and (ahem....shenanigans will ensue!) If you join me in reading, be ready for a few tears along with a giggle or two.