Take Back the Block

Written by Chrystal D. Giles in 2021, Take Back the Block is a middle grade novel that follows 11-year-old Wes Henderson’s experience of fighting against the gentrification of his neighborhood. Initially, his main priorities are defending his title of “Best Dressed” as he starts middle school and beating his friends at the NBA 2K video game. However, he gains a new perspective when a development company set on gentrifying the city center threatens to purchase and demolish Wes’s beloved neighborhood and turn it into luxury condos. Facing the threat of displacement, Wes channels his problem-solving skills, creativity, and research skills to take a stand, learning the power of teamwork, the importance of preserving community heritage, and the value of standing up for what is right.

This guide refers to the paperback edition published by Yearling in 2022.

Content Warning: This guide describes and analyzes the source text’s treatment of racism.

Plot Summary

Wes Henderson celebrates his 11th birthday, which is in the summer, by attending a protest against gentrification with his mom. Wes does not want to come, but his mom insists. Wes does not yet know what gentrification means and is unconcerned by the fact that his friend Kari’s apartment building has been torn down for the sake of building luxury storefronts, displacing Kari’s family and many others.