School Library Journal

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