Review by Booklist Review
Stone's debut follows the route that "progress" took through a Black Saint Paul neighborhood, which, in 1963, was slated for demolition to make way for a new section of Interstate 94. Told from the perspective of Zenobia, who is staying with her grandmother while her mother recovers from a stroke, the story welcomes readers into the heart of the Rondo community, sharing its secrets and soul. As the preparations for demolition move forward and the eviction notices continue to be delivered, the community's love and resilience nevertheless shine. Neighborhood personalities emerge, as does the truth that the destruction of this once-thriving Black community is nothing short of a tragedy. Peppered with black-and-white photographs, this work of historical fiction leans heavily on family history and pays homage to the people who lived and worked in the neighborhood. While intended for middle-graders, the book reads more as a touching adult memoir. Even so, it is significant to all who read it for uncovering a little-known piece of Black history. A bibliography and a thoughtful author's note add to the brief story.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
