UNFADEABLE

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.