Friday, March 6, 2026

Senior Book Club Recommendation : Finding Me by Viola Davis


 

Finding Me by Viola Davis is a powerful and unforgettable memoir that left a lasting impact on our group. It was an incredible read and rated as the Best book we read in 2025. Every member of our Senior reading group loved the book, which made our discussions especially lively, emotional, and deeply moving. Many moments were heart-wrenching, particularly when Davis described the abuse and instability her family endured at the hands of her father.

Book Club Recommendation: Finding Me by Viola Davis

As a group, we discussed how the adversity and trauma Viola Davis experienced throughout her childhood directly shaped her resilience, empathy, and emotional depth as an artist. Her struggles did not define her limits; instead, they became the foundation of her strength. Her life experiences are clearly reflected in the depth and authenticity she brings to her work, including her role in How to Get Away with Murder and critically acclaimed performances in Fences, The Help, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Widows, and The Woman King.

Ultimately, Finding Me is not just a memoir about success or fame; it is a story of survival, healing, and self-acceptance. Davis’s journey illustrates how confronting pain and embracing one’s full story can lead to personal freedom and artistic excellence. The book resonated deeply with our group and sparked meaningful conversations about trauma, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

Overall, "Finding Me" is a must-read powerful, honest, and deeply inspiring.  Mr. Philly Librarian



Friday, February 27, 2026

2026 In the Margins Awards Announcement

 


2026 In the Margins Awards Announcement ✨
We are proud to celebrate the 2026 In the Margins Award Honorees, recognizing books that amplify the voices and lived experiences of incarcerated, detained, and marginalized youth.
🏆 Featured Top Titles:
📚 Stitching for Freedom by Gary Tyler with Ellen Bravo
📚 Pushing Hope by Raymond Santana, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown
📚 Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry
These extraordinary works illuminate stories of resilience, survival, justice, and hope — narratives that are essential in our classrooms, libraries, and communities.
Congratulations to the authors, illustrators, and publishers whose contributions continue to shape a more inclusive and empathetic youth literature landscape.
📖 Full press release: