"Unforgettable. A must-buy for readers who enjoy books by Kelly Yang, Jason Reynolds, and Chrystal D. Giles." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"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)
"A testament to personal empowerment, community, and art. Broaddus delivers an optimistic story that champions community engagement and encourages standing up against oppressive systems." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A timely story of place and displacement. 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." — Booklist (starred review)
"Broaddus is not a preacher. He tells good stories and lets readers figure out the lessons." — Russ Pulliam, The IndyStar
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
★ 05/01/2022
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
★ 2022-01-11
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)
