Indigo and Ida - by Heather Murphy Capps (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Indigo, an eighth-grade investigative reporter, is torn between fighting a racist school policy and keeping her friends--until she discovers a series of letters written by Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells."--

Book Synopsis

When eighth grader and aspiring journalist Indigo breaks an important story, exposing an unfair school policy, she's suddenly popular for the first time.

The friends who've recently drifted away from her want to hang out again. Then Indigo notices that the school's disciplinary policies seem to be enforced especially harshly with students of color, like her. She wants to keep investigating, but her friends insist she's imagining things.

Meanwhile, Indigo stumbles upon a book by Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells--with private letters written by Ida tucked inside. As she reads about Ida's lifelong battle against racism, Indigo realizes she must choose between keeping quiet and fighting for justice.

Review Quotes

"[A] powerful and climactic contemporary novel."--starred, Shelf Awareness

-- (4/7/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Engaging, important, and impossible to put down."--Cindy Baldwin, author of Where the Watermelons Grow and The Stars of Whistling Ridge

-- (8/5/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"I enjoyed every page!" --Amanda Rawson Hill, author of The Hope of Elephants

-- (7/20/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"In Capps's endearing debut, biracial (white and Black) eighth grader Indigo Fitzgerald faces scrutiny and microaggressions from her peers during her campaign for class president. . . . Forthright conversations surrounding privilege between Indigo and her white mother further elevate this complex depiction of race and discrimination."--Publishers Weekly

-- (2/13/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Indigo is a relatable and sympathetic character, and the social justice issues she champions at her school are timely and ring true. Readers will be inspired by Indigo's passion and compelled to read more about Wells, too."--starred, Booklist

-- (2/15/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Put this in the hands of every kid who's ready to change the world."--Chad Lucas, author of Thanks a Lot, Universe and Let the Monster Out

-- (8/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"This lively middle-grade novel successfully captures the turmoil of finding one's place while navigating the various demands of growing up. . . . A satisfying story that demonstrates how the past can shed light on the present."--Kirkus Reviews

-- (2/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Powerful and emotionally resonant, Indigo and Ida is a poignant story about taking a stand for justice and speaking one's truth."--Christina Li, author of Clues to the Universe

-- (7/26/2022 12:00:00 AM)