Unfadeable

Broaddus's (The Usual Suspects) endearing novel is a testament to personal empowerment, community, and art. Thirteen-year-old mixed-race (Black and white) Isabella Fades is a graffiti artist known as Unfadeable. Previous familial incidents have made Bella independent and cautious, and left her unhoused, squatting in an abandoned home in The Land, her Indianapolis neighborhood. After Ms. Campbell, a member of the Northwest Planners neighborhood association, invites Bella to one of the group's meetings at the local library, she meets Mattea Larrimore, the association's board chair. Citing a lack of funds, Mattea opposes Bella's initiative for a community art project. A meeting with the enigmatic M leads Bella to investigate the association and its nefarious dealings, plunging her into a world of local corruption and gentrification that could put her entire livelihood at risk. Broaddus delivers an optimistic story that champions community engagement and encourages standing up against oppressive systems. Bella's growth and confidence is nurtured throughout by mentors who support her in her decisions without hesitation, and her journey symbolizes a passing of the torch toward younger generations. Ages 8-12. (May)

Gr 4-7--Broaddus has created an unforgettable protagonist in this novel that deals with creating community and fighting back against injustice. Bella "Unfadeable" Fades doesn't need anybody's help. The 13-year-old, known for her graffiti, plans to spend summer break laying low and avoiding anyone who might alert the authorities that she's living on her own. But laying low becomes impossible when she finds out people in high places are taking money from her beloved Indianapolis neighborhood, the Land. Bella will have to work with unlikely allies and trust her neighbors in order to make sure they all get the beautiful neighborhood they deserve. Readers will find Bella relatable and funny. The plot is fast-paced and twisty enough to keep kids engaged. Broaddus deftly weaves in in-depth discussions of a variety of topics, from anti-Black racism to gentrification to homelessness. The story emphasizes the power of young people's voices and the importance of civic responsibility. Bella's mother has schizophrenia, which is mostly handled with care. Most characters are Black; Bella is biracial (her dad is white, and her mom is Black). VERDICT A must-buy for elementary and middle school collections. Sure to be popular with readers who enjoy books by Kelly Yang, Jason Reynolds, and Chrystal D. Giles.--Ness Shortley

Readers will immediately root for [Bella] throughout this well-paced story that addresses the impact of gentrification and the power of young voices. The clear narration sends readers a strong message about civic responsibility and how they're never too young to get involved in decision-making that affects their communities. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Praise for THE USUAL SUSPECTS:

"Readers will love watching these two uniquely gifted black boys explore the complicated tensions between impulses and choices, independence and support, turnin' up and getting through." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A rare and much-needed glimpse into the world of exceptional learners." — School Library Journal

"[Broaddus] sheds revealing light on the nature of systemic profiling, based on class, race, and neurodiversity, at schools and within society." — Publishers Weekly

Through its discerning, young Black protagonist, [The Usual Suspects] tackles difficult subjects with nuance, humor, and heart, always bringing it back to the characters. A great choice for upper middle-graders in search of a fun and meaningful read. — ALA Booklist

I want this book, so full of wit and intelligence, raw honesty and clever plotting, to be so well known that when I say "The Usual Suspects" to a room of librarians, their first thoughts involve neither Casablanca or Keyser Soze but this work by Maurice Broaddus. — School Library Journal Review of the Day