race awareness in adolescence

With gripping results, this companion novel to Undercover Latina returns to the high-stakes world of the Factory--an international organization of spies protecting people of color. Fifteen-year-old Amani Kendall?s biggest problem is being the only plus-size Black girl at a white private school?until her house burns down and her family is unexpectedly on the run. Suddenly, she?s reeling from the news that her formerly boring mom is being pursued by an ex-boyfriend turned stalker, and her scientist dad has gone MIA. At the same time, she has to navigate an underfunded school in the city, suffering the cultural whiplash of being surrounded by other Black students, including the cute boy who?s an old family friend. How much danger is their family really in, and how untraceable are they trying to be? Her mom offers only half-answers and roundabout lies, so Amani starts to investigate. But her sleuthing has unexpected consequences, uncovering secret family legacies that will change their lives forever. A revealing prequel to Undercover Latina for existing fans, Untraceable also serves as a thrilling introduction to the world of the Factory for readers encountering this fast-paced spy series for the first time.

Ruby Asugha draws on her own experiences growing up in a poor, inner-city neighborhood to offer young women the motivation and inspiration needed to rise above their circumstances and make the most out of life.

Examines racial identity, revealing the source of some of the racial and ethnic stereotypes adolescents are exposed to; discussing reasons why African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and other racial groups often feel the need to stick together; and calling for a more open dialogue about race.