Harlem Library

The Harlem Public Library, along with the Montana Library Network, is sponsoring the virtual program "Thunderous," March 9 from 6:00 -7:30 P.M. "Thunderous" is a children's graphic novel written by M.L. Smoker and Natalie Peeterse. The story centers around Aiyana who is more interested in her social media presence than her Native American heritage. She is shocked to find herself in a magical world – with no cell coverage! Pursued by the trickster Raven, Aiyana struggles to get back home; but is helped by friends and allies she meets along the way.

"Thunderous" is grounded in contemporary Indigenous experiences while also centering traditional Lakota ways of knowing, language and identity. During the program the authors will share highlights of how the book came to life and read a selection.

Mandy Smoker Broaddus is a member of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation. She has served as a K-12 educator, administrator and tribal college instructor. She also worked as the Indian education director for the state of Montana for ten years and is currently employed by Education Northwest as a Senior Advisor for Native Education and Culturally Responsible Practice. She serves as an appointee by President Obama on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. She was poet laureate for the state of Montana from 2019-2021 and received a regional Emmy award for her work on the PBS documentary Indian Relay.

Natalie Peeterse lives in Helena where she works on the Open County Press. She has written two poetry chapbooks: Black Birds: Blue Horse, An Elegy and Dreadful: Luminosity, Letters. She has an MFA from the University of Montana and has been a fellow of the Arizona Commission on the Arts and a participant at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers. She is a recipient of the 2013 Artist Innovation Award by the Montana Arts Council.

This virtual program is ideal for the whole family and free to everyone. To view the presentation on your computer or device preregister at tinyurl.com/thunderousMT and a link to join the Zoom presentation will be sent to you. For more information call the Harlem Public Library at 406-353-2712.