Unfadeable

Starred review from May 1, 2022

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

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Starred review from May 30, 2022
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.

Starred review from February 1, 2022
A 13-year-old girl faces unethical decision-makers to save her beloved Indianapolis neighborhood. Isabella Fades, known for her graffiti tag, Unfadeable, makes sure to keep to herself so no one finds out her secret--that she doesn't have caregivers or a home of her own. Over summer break, Bella attends a community meeting. She suggests an art project--her mother was an art teacher--but runs up against Mattea Larrimore, newfound nemesis and chair of the neighborhood association. Lost in the overwhelming world of politics and money, Bella must balance her immediate need for survival as an unhoused teen against her desire to enrich her community. With powerful observation skills but few resources, she goes against her better judgment in whom to trust, but as she finds her voice and the courage to make herself known, Bella realizes that taking risks and forming connections isn't such a bad thing. The author introduces a compelling, honest protagonist readers will immediately root for 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. Bella's mom is Black, and her father is White; the remaining cast is majority Black. An engrossing story with a captivating protagonist that will inspire realistic change. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-13)

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Starred review from February 15, 2022
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* Ever since her father left and her mom was committed to an institution for her schizophrenia, eighth-grader Isabella Fades has been on her own, unhoused in her neighborhood of the Land. So when school lets out, leaving her without the predictability of a daily schedule, Bella relies on the work of her not-so-secret tagger lifestyle--under the name -Unfadeable--to keep her busy. Seeing the potential in her art, mentor and friend Ms. Campbell encourages Bella to channel her work in a more organized way by starting a summer arts program for youth. But, after a hard rejection and a little bit of digging, Bella finds that something's off when it comes to the community's finances. Reluctantly, Bella teams up with an unlikely crew, and, together, they fight the misuse of the Land's resources. In this timely story of place and displacement, Bella's gritty and steadfast nature will resonate with young people determined to see their ideas to fruition. Equal parts action and mystery with a heavy yet middle-grade friendly nod to 2000s street lit, Broaddus' novel will leave readers rooting for Bella and hoping she puts her pride aside in exchange for her brilliant problem-solving skills. Coupled with a vivid depiction of Indianapolis' overlooked splendor, this heart-wrenching story of friendship, family, and belonging is a perfect read for the middle-grader looking for action and attitude with a considerable dose of do-good.

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